Liver Disease

Liver disease is common, affecting about 10% of people in the United States. Liver disease is one of the conditions that the gastroenterology team at Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. in Rancho Cucamonga, California, treats. Hussein Abidali, DO, and the team take a patient-centered approach to care, focusing on you, not your symptoms or disease. For compassionate care for your liver disease, call the office or request an appointment online today.

What is liver disease?

Liver disease is an umbrella medical term that includes any condition that affects the structure or function of the liver. Your liver is one the largest organs in your body and has many functions. 

Your liver processes and distributes nutrients from the digestive system, removes toxins from your blood, and makes bile, which helps digest fat. Your liver also makes proteins and red blood cells and stores energy.

Liver disease may affect these functions, causing other health problems. 

What are some of the types of liver disease?

Liver disease has many causes. Health care providers classify liver disease into types based on the cause. Types include

Hepatitis

Hepatitis means liver inflammation. Hepatitis A, B, and C viruses cause this type of liver disease. Hepatitis A is an acute infection that resolves on its own. Hepatitis B and C may lead to chronic liver disease if left undiagnosed and untreated.

Autoimmune hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks the liver, causing inflammation and damage.

Fatty liver disease

Fatty liver disease means there’s too much fat in your liver. There are two types of fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis means you have permanent liver damage because of a buildup of scar tissue, affecting liver function and leading to liver failure. 

What happens during a liver disease evaluation?

The gastroenterology team at Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. conducts a thorough evaluation when you come in with concerns about liver disease. They aim to find the cause of your liver disease so they can provide the most effective treatment.

Your provider asks detailed questions about your symptoms, medical and family history, and daily routine. They perform a physical exam and may run diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out the cause of your liver disease.

Testing may include bloodwork, imaging, or a liver biopsy.

What are the treatments for liver disease?

Treatment for liver disease depends on the cause and the severity of your liver damage. Treatment may include:

• Eating a balanced diet
• Abstaining from alcohol
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Taking antiviral medications

You need a liver transplant if you have liver failure.

Early diagnosis and treatment of liver disease may prevent serious complications. To schedule an evaluation with the experts at Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc., call the office or request an appointment online today.