What Are the 4 Stages of Liver Disease?

What Are the 4 Stages of Liver Disease?

How your gastroenterologists in Huntsville, AL, can diagnose and treat liver disease

Your liver is an important organ that works to eliminate toxins from your body. When you have liver problems, toxins can build up in your body, causing damage to your organs and tissues. Fortunately, your gastroenterologist is an expert at diagnosing and treating liver disease.

Dr. E. Anthony Ugheoke at Associates In Gastroenterology in Huntsville, AL, offers comprehensive GI services, including diagnosis and treatment of liver disease.

Liver disease can be caused by a virus, excessive alcohol use, obesity, poor diet, genetics, an autoimmune disease, or a drug reaction.

There are 4 stages of liver disease:

  • Stage 1 is inflammation of your liver, caused by your immune system reacting to a foreign substance, like toxins. Chronic inflammation can lead to an enlarged liver. Inflammation can result from fatty liver, hepatitis, and other causes.
  • Stage 2 is liver fibrosis or liver scarring, caused by chronic inflammation. Scarred tissue begins to replace healthy tissue, which reduces how well your liver functions. Liver scar tissue also reduces blood flow to your liver.
  • Stage 3 is cirrhosis of your liver, caused by severe liver scarring. At the cirrhosis stage, you may experience more symptoms of liver damage including jaundice, weakness, fatigue, appetite and weight loss, abdominal bloating, and edema in your extremities.
  • Stage 4 is liver failure, which means your liver can no longer function or heal itself. In liver failure, the liver can no longer process toxins or drugs, and they build up in your body. Symptoms grow worse and can include mental and physical impairment, appetite and weight loss, diarrhea, and other problems.

Early diagnosis of liver disease is the key to early treatment, which can mean a better outcome for you. Liver disease in the early stages is treatable because your liver has a great ability to heal itself. As liver disease progresses, the liver’s natural healing abilities decrease.

To learn more about the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of liver disease, call Dr. E. Anthony Ugheoke at Associates In Gastroenterology in Huntsville, AL. You can reach him at (256) 883-0098, so call today!

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