Liver Disease Treatment Options

The liver is a large organ found at the top of the abdomen on the right side. The liver has many important functions, including digesting your food and processing and distributing nutrients. Liver disease is a term that refers to several conditions that can affect and damage your liver. If you are suffering from liver disease in Hagerstown, MD, Dr. Pear Enam, Dr. Rashid Hanif, and Dr. Urooj Ahmed of Gastroenterology Associates can help.

Liver disease can cause cirrhosis (scarring). As more scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, the liver can no longer function properly. Left untreated, liver disease can lead to liver failure and liver cancer.

Causes of Liver Disease

To understand the causes of liver disease, you have to look at each type separately. Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are diseases caused by a viral infection. When your immune system mistakenly attacks your liver, it can cause autoimmune liver diseases. Some liver problems develop because of a genetic condition. Inherited liver diseases include Wilson disease and hemochromatosis. When abnormal cells multiply in your liver, you may develop tumors. These tumors may be cancerous. Alcohol-related fatty liver disease is the result of alcohol use. Non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease (NAFLD) results from consuming too much fat.

Treating Liver Disease

When it comes to treating liver disease, early diagnosis is very important because it may prevent damage from occurring in your liver. If you’re diagnosed when some scar tissue has already formed, your liver can repair and regenerate itself. Because of this, damage from liver disease can often be reversed with a well-managed treatment plan.

Treatment for liver disease depends on your diagnosis. Some liver problems can be treated with lifestyle modifications, such as stopping alcohol use or losing weight, typically as part of a medical program that includes careful monitoring of liver function. Other liver problems may be treated with medications or may require surgery.

To learn more about preventing or treating liver disease in Hagerstown, MD, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Enam, Dr. Hanif, or Dr. Ahmed of Gastroenterology Associates. Call us at (301) 733-4404 today.