Liver Disease Specialist

What is liver disease?

Your liver is a critically important organ that assists with various tasks, including:

• Producing bile to help you digest food
• Ridding your body of harmful substances
• Breaking down saturated fats
• Producing cholesterol

Liver disease happens when the organ malfunctions and is unable to perform one or more of these activities. It’s a condition that requires immediate medical attention. Otherwise, it’s potentially life-threatening.

What are the symptoms of liver disease?

Common symptoms of liver disease include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting blood
• Blood in your stools

As liver disease gets worse, you can also experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), extreme fatigue, and feelings of confusion and uncertainty.

What are the types of liver disease?

North Texas Gastroenterology Associates PLLC treats various kinds of liver disease, including:

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a virus. It triggers inflammation, damaging your liver. Thanks to advances in science and medication, it’s possible to manage (and cure) hepatitis C with oral medication. Anyone can develop hepatitis C, but it’s especially common in those who use intravenous drugs like heroin.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a type of liver disease characterized by the formation of excess scar tissue. It typically is the result of alcoholism or untreated hepatitis. There’s no cure for cirrhosis, but it’s possible to prevent it from getting worse when caught early.

Chronic liver disease

Chronic liver disease causes long-term damage to the liver that happens gradually. Chronic liver disease occurs for various reasons, including cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and malnutrition.

How is liver disease diagnosed?

To diagnose liver disease, North Texas Gastroenterology Associates PLLC reviews your health history, asks you about your symptoms and lifestyle, and completes a physical exam. They then order blood tests, urine tests, and abdominal imaging to pinpoint the cause and source of your discomfort.

How is liver disease treated?

The treatment for liver disease depends on what kind it is and how severe it is. Usually, North Texas Gastroenterology Associates PLLC recommends healthy lifestyle changes combined with prescription medication.

For example, you can protect your liver by maintaining a healthy weight and keeping your blood sugar and blood pressure at normal levels. You could also benefit from cutting back on the amount of salt you eat and by not drinking alcohol. 

If you have chronic liver disease and it gets worse, a liver transplant could be necessary. During a liver transplant, your doctor replaces your diseased or damaged liver with a healthy one from a living or deceased donor.

To receive treatment for chronic liver disease, request a consultation at North Texas Gastroenterology Associates PLLC. Call the nearest office to speak with a team member, or book online today.