Treatment for Cirrhosis in Waco TX
What is Cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis is a severe type of liver disease caused by the buildup of fibrotic scar tissue in the liver. Cirrhosis impairs normal liver function and is often the last stage of liver disease.
What Your Liver Does
The liver is an organ that eliminates toxins and waste products from your body. If the liver doesn’t function properly, toxins and waste products build up in your body, resulting in increased liver damage and damage to other organs.
Early Liver Disease
Before progressing to cirrhosis, liver disease begins. There are several stages of liver disease, and cirrhosis is one of them. Liver disease is classified as:
- Stage 1 liver disease–inflammation in your liver
- Stage 2 liver disease–scarring or fibrosis of the liver
- Stage 3 liver disease–cirrhosis of the liver
- Stage 4 liver disease–liver failure
Risk Factors for Cirrhosis
There are several risk factors for developing cirrhosis, including:
- Long-term alcohol use
- Chronic hepatitis
- Fatty liver disease
- Autoimmune issues
Signs and Symptoms of Cirrhosis
The signs and symptoms of cirrhosis can be severe and include:
- Jaundice
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal bloating
- Weakness and fatigue
- Poor appetite and weight loss
- Swelling and edema in your extremities
- Mental and physical impairment
How Cirrhosis is Diagnosed
Cirrhosis is typically diagnosed by a gastroenterologist who will perform a comprehensive physical examination and record your symptoms. A gastroenterologist may also order laboratory testing and imaging studies to aid in diagnosis.
How Cirrhosis is Treated
Treatment for cirrhosis will depend on the cause and severity of liver damage. Treatment is designed to slow the disease progression and relieve symptoms. Your gastroenterologist may recommend treatment to:
- Minimize or eliminate alcohol use
- Manage blood sugar levels
- Lose weight
Medication may also be recommended, including medications that will:
- Limit damage caused by hepatitis
- Slow the progression of cirrhosis
- Control pain, itching, and fatigue
- Treat infections
- Reduce the buildup of toxins in the blood
Liver transplant surgery may be recommended in advanced cases of cirrhosis.
Want To Know More About Cirrhosis?
Talk with the experts to learn more about cirrhosis and how your gastroenterologist can help. Call the gastroenterologists at Waco Gastroenterology Associates in Waco, TX. You can reach them in the office by calling (254) 537-0911 so call today.
