Liver Disease

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.

Treatable Condition
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CausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentHome CarePreventionSurgery

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What Causes It?

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 & 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

How We Diagnose

Our specialists use advanced diagnostic methods to accurately identify and assess your condition

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

Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and condition

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

Prevention Tips

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 Solutions

Advanced surgical procedures performed by our expert specialists

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.

Liver 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.

Tumor 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.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Our specialists are here to provide expert care for liver disease. Schedule your consultation today.

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