How To Prevent Liver Disease

There are different factors that can contribute to liver disease, and while some are out of your control, there is still a lot that you can do to prevent liver disease and liver failure. You can learn more about how our Hagerstown, MD, professionals can help you prevent liver disease by reaching out to Dr. Pear Enam, Dr. Rashid Hanif, and Dr. Urooj Ahmed of Gastroenterology Associates.

Your Liver

One of the principal roles of your liver is that of separating nutrients and waste as they are processed by your digestive system.

Liver disease can refer to a number of conditions that affect how your liver functions. These can damage your liver and, if left untreated, can lead to very serious complications such as liver failure.

There are various symptoms that can accompany liver disease including jaundice, abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and swelling in the arms and legs, to name only some.

Jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and the whites of your eyes, it's one of the most common telltale signs that your liver isn't working properly. The reason is that when the liver is damaged it cannot process a substance called bilirubin, which causes the discoloring.

Preventing Liver Disease

Lifestyle changes are an important step if you are looking to prevent liver disease, these are especially important if you have a family history of the condition.

Regular exercise and a healthy diet are key, you may be advised to specifically avoid consuming too much red meat and trans fats. Limiting or eliminating your alcohol consumption is also very important. Also, make sure to manage your intake of over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen.

Your doctor may also prescribe medication to help prevent liver disease and to treat viral infections, such as hepatitis.

If liver disease progresses to liver failure then surgical intervention may be your only option.

Liver Disease Treatment in Hagerstown, MD

Explore all the ways you can prevent liver disease by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Enam, Dr. Hanif, and Dr. Ahmed of Gastroenterology Associates in Hagerstown, MD by dialing (301) 733-4404.