Liver Disease

What is liver disease?

Liver disease refers to conditions that damage or impair the liver’s function. The liver is your body’s largest internal organ, responsible for filtering toxins from the blood, producing bile for digestion, storing vitamins and minerals, and regulating metabolism.

Liver disease or injury disrupts these vital processes, and issues can develop suddenly (acute) or progress over time (chronic). It typically progresses in four stages: hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and finally liver failure, which requires urgent medical care.

What causes liver disease?

Liver disease has many possible causes, including:

• Infections
• Excessive alcohol use
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Autoimmune disorders
• Genetic conditions
• Medications and toxins
• Cancer

Almost 2% of American adults have liver disease, and it occurs more often in men.

What are the symptoms of liver disease?

Liver disease may have no symptoms at first, but as it progresses, you may notice:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine and light-colored stool
• Itchy skin
• Swelling in the legs and ankles (edema)
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Confusion (hepatic encephalopathy)

Because many liver diseases share similar symptoms, it’s vital to seek a prompt and accurate diagnosis.

How is liver disease treated?

After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Lau tailors your treatment to address your symptoms and manage complications. Common approaches include:

Lifestyle changes

Limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and controlling diabetes or cholesterol are essential steps. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and low in saturated fats supports liver health.

Medications

Antiviral drugs treat hepatitis B and C infections, and immunosuppressive therapy helps in autoimmune hepatitis. If you have Wilson’s disease, chelation therapy removes excess metals.

Monitoring and diagnostic procedures

Dr. Lau may order routine blood tests (liver function tests) to monitor liver enzymes and function, as well as ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans to assess structural damage.

She can use an endoscopy to check for complications, such as varices (enlarged veins due to cirrhosis).

Advanced treatments

If you have liver failure or end-stage liver disease, you may require liver transplantation.

Many complications of liver disease are preventable or manageable when detected early. You can protect yourself by getting vaccinated against hepatitis, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and getting prompt medical care for symptoms.

To learn more, call JKAN Gastroenterology PLLC or book your appointment online today.