Hepatitis viruses (hepatitis A, B, and C) can induce cirrhosis by inflaming and harming the liver. Liver failure can also be brought on by uncommon metabolic and vascular disorders. Bruising easily, abdominal pain or swelling, changes in the colour of your stool and urine, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) are just a few of the symptoms that liver disease can cause.
Too much bilirubin, a substance created when the liver breaks down old or damaged red blood cells, causes the skin and eye whites to appear yellowish. Jaundice, which can occur when a newborn's liver isn't functioning properly, is particularly dangerous for infants.
Jaundice in newborns typically disappears on its own within a week or two. But if it doesn't, the doctor will perform tests to determine what's happening.
The bile ducts that deliver bile to the intestines, where it is removed from the body, frequently have issues. Gallstones are hard, pebble-like fragments that develop in the gallbladder and can obstruct these passageways. Or the ducts may become blocked due to a liver condition like cirrhosis or hepatitis, which can be brought on by excessive alcohol consumption or by conditions that harm the liver, like autoimmune hepatitis or fatty liver disease. Both medical intervention and gallbladder removal are options for treating these diseases.
Fever is one of the symptoms that can appear if you have liver issues. The field of medicine known as hepatology deals with the prevention, detection, and treatment of illnesses affecting the pancreas, gallbladder, liver, and biliary system. You should see a specialized hepatologist for treatment if you have hepatitis or cirrhosis symptoms.
Usually, your general practitioner or another healthcare provider will recommend you to a hepatologist. Before recommending tests to assist them in making a probable diagnosis, hepatologists will take the time to discuss and evaluate your symptoms as well as your general health. These examinations could involve biopsies, scans, or blood testing. The hepatologist can explain the best course of treatment for you based on the results and what is occurring with your liver. Usually, they will recommend medicine or a change in lifestyle.
When the liver isn't functioning properly, fluid leaks into the abdomen from the blood arteries, causing the area to swell up like a balloon filled with water. It might be painful and uncomfortable. It may also make it more difficult to breathe and eat. The name of this illness is hepatic encephalopathy. Changes are brought about in memory, emotions, and sleep. It may cause coma in extreme circumstances.
Doctors can advise a low-salt diet and diuretics (water tablets), which support the kidneys in removing sodium and water from the body to manage ascites. In some circumstances, they can use a needle to remove fluid from the abdomen.
Hepatologists are medical professionals who diagnose and treat conditions affecting the pancreas, gallbladder, liver, and bile duct. Typically, patients are referred to a hepatologist by their primary physician or another medical expert. The specialist will speak with the patient for some time and do a physical examination. Additionally, they will go over the patient's symptoms and most recent test results.
Your body's huge liver is responsible for numerous vital processes, such as removing toxins from the blood, creating bile to aid with digestion, and storing nutrients. Cirrhosis, cancer, and hepatitis are a few of the health issues that can result from liver injury.
If your doctor feels your symptoms are related to your liver, they will recommend that you see a hepatologist. They will do a thorough medical history interview and physical exams. They could also request scans and blood testing.
Hepatologists are experts in conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. They are capable of identifying and treating diseases affecting these organs, such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and hepatitis. Patients with fatty liver disease and other hereditary and metabolic conditions like hemochromatosis are also treated by them. Although hepatology and gastroenterology share many similarities, they are two different medical specialties.