Liver Disorders
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Specialists in Gastroenterology
Board Certified Gastroenterologists located in St. Louis, MO
Liver disorders can change your life — and not in a good way. If you have a liver disorder, you can take control by seeking diagnosis and treatment at Specialists in Gastroenterology in St. Louis, Missouri. The board-certified gastroenterologists provide comprehensive diagnosis and management of all forms of liver disease. Call the office or click the online appointment scheduler for help today.
Liver Disorders Q & A
What are liver disorders?
Liver disorders are diseases and conditions that affect your liver, one of the biggest organs in your body.
Livers are workhorses that have many functions, including aiding in digestion, blood clotting, detoxification, and fighting disease.
Damage or disease within your liver can lead to serious bodywide consequences, and could potentially be fatal.
What liver disorders do gastroenterologists treat?
The experienced gastroenterologists at Specialists in Gastroenterology offer comprehensive care for all types of liver disease, including:
- Hepatitis B and C
- Fatty liver disease
- Cirrhosis
- Autoimmune liver disease
- Primary biliary cholangitis
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
- Drug-induced liver injury
The GI specialists have extensive experience in diagnosing and managing many other liver disorders, both common and rare.
What are the most common liver disorder symptoms?
With many liver disorders, there aren’t any symptoms at first. In fact, most people with liver disease have no obvious changes until the disease affects more than three-fourths of their liver.
Symptoms vary with the specific disease, but some general signs of liver disease include:
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Skin itching
- Dark urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in stool
- Pale stool
- Dark, tarry stool
- Poor appetite
- Increased tendency to bruise
- Lower extremity swelling
The best way to know what you're dealing with is a diagnostic workup at Specialists in Gastroenterology as soon as possible.
How are liver disorders diagnosed?
Specialists in Gastroenterology diagnoses liver disorders using a variety of methods.
A physical exam and blood tests are usually the first step. Specialists in Gastroenterology has Fibroscan, a tool that measures the fat and scarring in your liver. You may need ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI imaging, which shows many types of liver damage.
In some cases, you may also need a liver biopsy. During a biopsy, your doctor uses a thin needle to extract a tiny section of your liver tissue for testing purposes.
How are liver disorders treated?
Treatment depends on your specific liver disorder diagnosis. Often, treatment includes several approaches such as lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and medication at the on-site infusion center.
Specialists in Gastroenterology views liver disorders as treatable conditions, and they're here to help you enjoy the best health possible. Call the office or use the online scheduler to arrange your liver disease assessment today.