A well-functioning liver does an excellent job of allowing you to digest food and get rid of toxic substances in your body.
When you have liver disease, however, damage to your liver can keep it from doing its job and bring on scarring. And that scarring, known as cirrhosis, can lead to liver failure and even death. Thankfully, early treatment can go far.
Dr. Sreelatha Reddy and the team at Houston Gastrointestinal & Liver Clinic, P.A. in Sugar Land, Texas, diagnose and treat liver disease at all stages. Take a few moments to learn more about this condition, including risk factors to look out for.
Liver disease doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms, especially early on. If or when symptoms do develop, they may include:
If you notice signs of liver disease, prompt diagnosis and medical care may help save your life.
Most anyone can develop liver disease, but certain factors increase your risk, such as:
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent liver disease, you can take steps to make it less likely. Particularly if you hold one or more risk factors for liver disease, consider improving your lifestyle through healthy eating, exercise, and sleep habits.
When you engage in sex, use a form of protection such as condoms. And if you struggle with alcohol overuse, seek support for cutting back or eliminating alcohol from your lifestyle.
To diagnose or rule out liver disease, Dr. Reddy reviews your medical history, performs a physical exam, and likely orders tests, such as blood, imaging, and tissue sample tests.
If it turns out that you do have liver disease, she recommends a customized treatment plan. Treatment specifics range from lifestyle changes and careful liver monitoring to liver transplant surgery, depending on the severity of your condition.
To learn more about this condition or get the care you need, call Houston Gastrointestinal & Liver Clinic, P.A. today or request your appointment online.
