Liver Cirrhosis in Houston, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is liver cirrhosis?
The liver is one of the vital organs of the body, performing a range of critical jobs necessary for your well-being, including metabolizing fat and filtering harmful toxins from the blood. Cirrhosis of the liver, also referred to as hepatic cirrhosis, is a disorder that arises when the liver becomes inflamed and scarred from issues such as alcoholism and late-stage liver disease. As more and more scar tissue forms, the ability of the liver to function properly continually declines. The different grades of severity of liver cirrhosis are categorized into four stages.
Stage 1: There is some scarring of the liver but not many symptoms, and no complications have occurred.
Stage 2: Additional symptoms start to present, such as swollen and enlarged veins and high blood pressure within the portal vein around the liver (portal hypertension).
Stage 3: Symptoms include abdominal swelling and advanced scarring of liver tissue, accompanied by serious complications and the potential for liver failure.
Stage 4: This stage can be fatal unless the patient receives a liver transplant.
At Gastroenterology Consultants, our GI providers can identify, address, and help manage liver conditions. To get help for liver cirrhosis in Houston, TX, request a consultation with us today.
What causes liver cirrhosis?
There are a number of factors that might cause damage to the lever, leading to the development of cirrhosis. These can involve:
- Viral liver infections (Hepatitis B & C)
- Iron buildup in the body
- Poorly formed bile ducts
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Wilson’s disease
- Certain medications
- Infection
- Bile duct damage
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Chronic alcoholism
- Liver disease caused by autoimmune hepatitis
- Sugar metabolism disorders
- Cystic fibrosis
- Obesity
- Genetic digestive disorders
If you start to develop liver concerns and need specialized care, partner with the GI providers at Gastroenterology Consultants. Our skill and expertise can guide you toward the ideal direction for individualized care.
What are the symptoms of liver cirrhosis?
Liver cirrhosis may not have any obvious symptoms in its early stages. However, some of the initial signs that you could notice may include fatigue, physical weakness, and lack of appetite. If the condition continues to advance, some of the signs might involve:
- Swollen legs
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Vomiting
- Itchiness
- Brown-colored urine
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea or queasiness
- Bruise or bleed easily
- Blood in the stool
- Veins that are spider web-like in appearance
- Fever
- Redness of the palms
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes)
- Swelling in the abdomen
What are the treatment options for liver cirrhosis?
Damage caused by liver scarring cannot be undone, but the liver is still capable of functioning even with two-thirds being destroyed or excised (removed). Below are a number of the treatments the Gastroenterology Consultants providers might recommend to help increase the liver's capacity to function:
- Undergo a liver transplant procedure
- Vaccination for hepatitis A and B
- Avoid taking certain medications (such as naproxen, ibuprofen, etc.)
- Managing the particular concerns surrounding your condition
- Antiviral medications for hepatitis B and C
- Prevention of further damage to the liver
Are there any complications of liver cirrhosis?
Because of the important role your liver plays in your health, any level of damage caused to the organ can interfere with its ability to function normally, potentially creating serious health problems. Possible health complications related to liver cirrhosis involve:
- Hypersplenism (an overactive spleen)
- Hepatic encephalopathy (a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream leading to brain damage)
- Bacterial peritonitis (an inflamed abdominal wall)
- Liver cancer
Personalized treatment for liver health
Liver cirrhosis has the ability to severely impact your life and overall health. At Gastroenterology Consultants, we wish to help you avoid further damage to your vital organs. To get treatment for liver cirrhosis in Houston, TX, please request a consultation with one of our skilled providers as soon as possible.
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