Liver Disease
Liver disease encompasses a range of conditions that affect liver function and health, including fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The liver performs hundreds of essential functions, from detoxification to protein synthesis and digestion support. When liver function is compromised, it can have wide-ranging effects on overall health. At Blume Health, our hepatology team offers comprehensive care for all forms of liver disease, from early diagnosis to advanced treatment, including liver transplantation.
Causes
- Viral infections (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E)
- Alcohol abuse leading to alcoholic liver disease
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), often related to obesity and metabolic syndrome
- Autoimmune conditions such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis
- Genetic disorders like hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Certain medications and toxins that can cause drug-induced liver injury
- Biliary diseases affecting the bile ducts
- Liver cancer, which can be primary or metastatic
- Vascular disorders affecting liver blood supply
- Infections and parasitic diseases affecting the liver
Signs and Symptoms
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Swelling in the legs and ankles (edema)
- Itchy skin
- Dark urine color
- Pale stool color
- Chronic fatigue and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Mental confusion, drowsiness, and slurred speech (hepatic encephalopathy)
- In advanced stages: ascites (fluid in the abdomen) and esophageal varices
Diagnosis
Blood Tests
Liver function tests to assess levels of liver enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin; viral hepatitis testing; autoimmune markers; and other specialized tests to identify specific liver conditions.
Imaging Studies
Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, MR elastography, and fibroscan (transient elastography) to visualize the liver structure, detect abnormalities, and assess liver stiffness (which indicates fibrosis or cirrhosis).
Liver Biopsy
A procedure to extract a small sample of liver tissue for microscopic examination, which can definitively diagnose many liver conditions and assess the severity of liver damage. Our specialists use ultrasound guidance for precise and safe sampling.
Endoscopic Procedures
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) to examine the bile ducts for obstruction or disease.
Treatment Options
Medications
Various medications may be prescribed depending on the specific liver condition, including antiviral drugs for hepatitis, immunosuppressants for autoimmune liver diseases, and medications to manage complications of cirrhosis. Treatment is tailored to the specific diagnosis and stage of liver disease.
Lifestyle Modifications
Changes in diet, exercise, and alcohol consumption are often essential components of liver disease management. For conditions like NAFLD, weight loss through healthy diet and regular physical activity can significantly improve liver health.
Interventional Procedures
Procedures to address complications of liver disease, such as paracentesis to remove ascites fluid, TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) to reduce portal hypertension, or endoscopic treatments for esophageal varices.
Home Remedies
Maintaining a Liver-Healthy Diet
Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit saturated fats, sugars, and salt. For fatty liver disease, reducing carbohydrates and increasing fiber intake can be beneficial.
Regular Exercise
Engage in regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Exercise helps reduce liver fat, improves insulin sensitivity, and supports weight management.
Alcohol Avoidance
Limiting or avoiding alcohol is crucial for liver health, especially if you have existing liver disease. For alcoholic liver disease, complete abstinence is essential for recovery.
Maintaining Healthy Weight
If overweight or obese, gradual weight loss (1-2 pounds per week) can significantly improve fatty liver disease and overall liver function. Even a 5-10% reduction in body weight can have substantial benefits.
Avoiding Toxins
Be cautious with medications, especially acetaminophen (paracetamol), and avoid unnecessary medications. Follow safety guidelines when working with chemicals or pesticides to reduce liver exposure to toxins.
Preventive Care
- Vaccination against hepatitis A and B
- Practicing safe sex and avoiding shared needles to prevent hepatitis B and C
- Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced diet and regular exercise
- Limiting alcohol consumption to moderate levels, or abstaining completely if at risk
- Taking medications as prescribed and informing all healthcare providers about all medications you take
- Regular check-ups with blood tests if you have risk factors for liver disease
- Managing conditions that can affect the liver, such as diabetes or high cholesterol
- Avoiding exposure to toxins and chemicals that can damage the liver
- Consuming coffee in moderation, which has been associated with liver protective effects
- Not mixing alcohol with medications, especially acetaminophen (paracetamol)
Surgical Options
Liver Transplantation
A life-saving procedure for end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure, where the diseased liver is replaced with a healthy donor liver. Our transplant team has extensive experience in both living donor and deceased donor liver transplantation, with comprehensive pre-transplant evaluation and long-term post-transplant care.
Learn More About This ProcedureLiver Resection
Surgical removal of portions of the liver affected by tumors or other localized diseases. The liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate, allowing for safe removal of significant portions. Our surgical team employs advanced techniques including minimally invasive approaches when appropriate.
Learn More About This ProcedureTumor Ablation Procedures
Minimally invasive techniques to destroy liver tumors without removing them, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation, and cryoablation. These procedures may be options for patients with early-stage liver cancer who are not candidates for resection or transplantation.
Learn More About This ProcedureSchedule a Consultation
If you're experiencing symptoms of liver disease, our expert team is here to help you find the right treatment approach for your specific needs.