Hepatology
Hepatology – FAQs
What is Hepatology?
Hepatology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases related to the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas.
When should I see a hepatologist?
You should consult a hepatologist if you have symptoms like persistent jaundice, unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain, liver enzyme abnormalities, or if you have been diagnosed with liver diseases such as hepatitis, fatty liver, or cirrhosis.
What conditions does a hepatologist treat?
A hepatologist treats a range of conditions including hepatitis A, B, and C, fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, autoimmune liver disorders, and complications related to liver transplantation.
How are liver diseases diagnosed?
Diagnosis often involves blood tests, imaging studies like ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, FibroScan, and sometimes liver biopsy to assess liver damage or disease severity.
What are common symptoms of liver disease?
Common symptoms include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), fatigue, nausea, abdominal swelling, loss of appetite, dark urine, and easy bruising.
How serious is liver disease?
Liver disease can range from mild to life-threatening. Early-stage liver disease may be manageable with lifestyle changes and medications, but advanced liver disease can lead to liver failure or cancer if untreated.
Can liver diseases be prevented?
Yes, many liver diseases are preventable. Healthy lifestyle choices like avoiding excessive alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, getting vaccinated against hepatitis, and practicing safe hygiene can help prevent liver issues.
What treatments are available for liver diseases?
Treatments vary depending on the condition and may include medications, lifestyle changes, antiviral therapy for hepatitis, endoscopic procedures, or even liver transplantation for end-stage liver disease.
What is a liver transplant?
A liver transplant is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased liver with a healthy liver from a donor. It is considered when the liver is severely damaged and cannot function properly.
How can I prevent Fatty Liver Disease?
Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, avoid alcohol and drugs that harm the liver, monitor and manage underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension, and have regular medical checkups.