The liver is the largest organ found within your body.
It assists with digesting food, storing energy, and removing toxins. Some examples of liver diseases are hepatitis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer, and liver cirrhosis. Liver disease symptoms include abdominal swelling, changes in the color of urine or the stool, bruising easily, and jaundice.
Liver disease does not always cause symptoms. If you suspect there is something wrong with your liver, you will want to seek out a liver disease and hepatitis specialist in Mission Viejo.
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease can be alcoholic or nonalcoholic. Some people suffer from simple fatty liver that involves little to no inflammation. It is not not normally severe enough to result in damage to the liver.
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Heavy alcohol use can cause alcoholic fatty liver disease. Your liver is responsible for breaking down alcohol that you consume so that it is safely removed from the body. This process can lead to the formation of hazardous substances that damage your liver, increase inflammation, and weaken can your immune system.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a common liver condition caused by viruses that cause liver inflammation and damage. Hepatitis A results in an acute affection and normally improves on its own after a few weeks. This virus is acquired through contact with infected stool. It is prevented with the hepatitis A vaccine.
Liver Cirrhosis
Liver cirrhosis occurs when the liver is permanently damaged due to scarring. Healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue that harms your liver. Blood flow through your liver can also be obstructed by scarring. The end stage of cirrhosis is a failing liver. Many people with cirrhosis are unaware that they have the condition, since they may not be currently experiencing any signs or symptoms. They may not be aware that they have liver cirrhosis until their liver is severely harmed.
Liver Disease and Hepatitis Specialist in Mission Viejo
If you have a liver disease, you will want to be under the care of someone who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of liver disease. In this case, this type of doctor is known as a hepatologist. Do not confuse a hepatologist with a hematologist. Hematologists are physicians who specialize in blood disorders. Hepatologists study for many years to learn how to diagnose and treat liver problems, as well as those of the gallbladder and pancreas.
You may want to seek out a liver disease and hepatitis specialist in Mission Viejo if you have symptoms like dark yellow or brownish urine, yellow skin, or chronic digestion problems like pain or heartburn following eating.
Your liver disease and hepatitis specialist in Mission Viejo will not have a separate hepatology certification because it is a subset of gastroenterology. However, your doctor should have a four-year medical degree and have served a three-year residency within internal medicine. They must then have another three years of learning under their belt and have practiced hepatology and gastroenterology.