Liver Disease Specialist

What is liver disease?

Liver disease is a broad medical term that includes any condition that affects the structure or function of the liver.

Your liver is a large organ located under your ribs on the right side of your body. Part of your digestive system, your liver helps digest and process nutrients from the food you eat, remove toxins from your blood and body, and store energy.

Liver disease may affect these vital functions. When left untreated, liver disease may cause permanent liver damage that leads to liver failure, a life-threatening condition. Early diagnosis and treatment of liver disease may prevent serious liver damage. 

What are the types of liver disease?

There are many types of liver disease and conditions that affect liver health and function. Common types of liver disease include:

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a liver disease that causes inflammation of the liver. There are many conditions that cause hepatitis, including viruses, toxins, and excessive intake of alcohol.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

With NAFLD, your liver stores an excess amount of fat. This condition may not cause inflammation or liver damage, but you may have abdominal pain.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

NASH is a type of NAFLD in which you have inflammation and liver damage, along with an excess amount of fat.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis means you have permanent scarring of your liver. Many types of liver disease lead to cirrhosis. 

Hemochromatosis

With hemochromatosis, your body absorbs too much iron from the food you eat. Your body stores the excess iron in your organs, including your liver, which may lead to liver disease 

Autoimmune hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is a type of liver inflammation that occurs when the immune system attacks the liver.

What are the symptoms of liver disease?

Liver disease symptoms vary depending on the cause. However, there are common symptoms, including:

• Fluid retention
• Abdominal bloating and swelling
• Edema in the ankles
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
• Abdominal pain
• Change in the color of your stool or urine

It’s possible to have liver disease and have no symptoms.

How is liver disease treated?

Dr. Saliminejad specializes in liver disease and takes a compassionate and patient-centered approach to care. Treatment for liver disease depends on your diagnosis. However, many types of liver disease may improve with lifestyle changes, such as:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Abstinence from alcohol
• Weight loss
• Regular exercise

Liver disease that leads to liver failure requires a liver transplant. Dr. Saliminejad works closely with you, developing a plan that improves liver health and function and your quality of life.

For a liver disease consultation, call ProDigest Gastroenterology & Hepatology Associates or schedule an appointment online today.