The liver is a vital organ that helps your body digests food,
removes toxins, metabolizes drugs and alcohol, produces proteins
important for the blood and clotting, and is crucial for nutrition.
Liver, or hepatic, disease refers to conditions that may harm the
liver and decrease its ability to function normally.
Liver disease, whether acute or chronic, can pose a significant
risk to one’s health. Many factors can contribute to the risk of
developing chronic liver disease: lifestyle behaviors, genetics, and
medications.
The Northwest Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Center team specializes
in the treatment of chronic liver disease to help optimize liver
function and prevent life-threatening consequences. To schedule an
appointment at our Westside or Eastside clinic, please call (503)
229-7137 or request an appointment online.
Causes of Chronic Liver Disease
Your susceptibility to liver disease is influenced by genetic and
environmental factors. Two of the most common causes of liver
disease are obesity and heavy alcohol consumption.
Viral infections and genetic disorders are also common
etiologies of liver disease.
In some conditions and certain cases, inflammation left untreated in
the liver may lead to scarring, or fibrosis, of the liver. Advanced
scarring of the liver, or cirrhosis, affects other organs like the
kidneys and blood vessels.
Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing liver
disease include:
* Type 2 diabetes
* Obesity
* High toxin exposure
* Having unprotected sex
* Sharing needles or straws for drugs
* Tattoos at non-professional parlors
* High cholesterol or triglyceride levels
* Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
* Symptoms of Chronic Liver Disease
One of the most common chronic liver disease symptoms is jaundice,
yellowing of your skin and eyes. Other symptoms may include:
Chronic fatigue
Hair loss
Itchy skin
Dark urine
Weakness or muscle loss
Mental disorientation and confusion
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Curling of fingers
Spider-like veins
Nausea or vomiting
Swelling of legs or ankles
Abdominal pain or swelling
Pale, bloody or tar-colored stool
Chronic Liver Disease Diagnosis
Arrival at the diagnosis of a chronic liver condition can take many
forms. Serologic or blood tests typically comprise initial
evaluation. Your physician at Northwest Gastroenterology Clinic will
review your medical history and perform a physical examination.
Exams that may be pursued include:
* Liver function tests: blood tests can help look for genetic
conditions or viral hepatitis
* CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound: imaging tests can look for sequelae
of chronic liver damage
* Liver biopsy: a long needle is inserted into the skin to remove a
tissue sample of the liver for further study
Treatment for Chronic Liver Disease
If the signs and symptoms of
chronic liver disease are found in the early stages, treatment
can help minimize damage to the liver and in some cases, restore a
degree of normal function.
Dietary Modifications
Since your liver plays a crucial role in digestion and works to
removes toxins, diet and nutrition are critical in maximizing its
ability to function properly.
Avoiding alcohol, high sodium, sugar, and saturated fats from your
chronic liver disease diet, and replace them with cruciferous and
green leafy vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein.
Medications
Medication for liver disease depends on which liver condition a
patient has. For many conditions, medications do not serve as a
“cure,” but rather as long-term treatment so that the liver disease
is controlled and complications from chronic liver disease do not
develop.