Cirrhosis Specialist

What is cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis means your liver is permanently damaged and scarred. This damage affects normal liver function, which impairs overall health and wellness.

Your liver is the largest organ in your body and part of the digestive system. It cleans your body of toxins, produces substances that assist with digestion, and serves as a storage area for energy. 

When injured, your liver has the ability to regenerate and repair the damage. However, when subjected to repeated injuries from conditions such as hepatitis or alcohol abuse, your liver may develop scar tissue that affects normal function, leading to cirrhosis.

Though cirrhosis is irreversible, early diagnosis and treatment may prevent further damage that leads to liver failure.  

What are cirrhosis symptoms?

You may not experience any symptoms from cirrhosis until you have severe liver damage. Common symptoms of cirrhosis include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Fatigue
• Swelling in your legs or abdominal area
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Itchy skin
• Development of spider veins
• Confusion
• Weight loss

If you have any of these symptoms, you need to schedule a consultation with the experts at Gastroenterology & Nutrition of Central Florida.

What can I expect during a cirrhosis evaluation?

When you visit Gastroenterology & Nutrition of Central Florida for a cirrhosis evaluation, you can expect a patient-focused comprehensive exam. 

Your doctor takes a holistic approach to patient health, which means they focus on your whole-body health, not just your liver. 

During the evaluation, your gastroenterologist asks detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, types of medications you take, and your lifestyle habits. 

They perform a physical exam and may request lab tests to assess liver function, as well as various diagnostic tests such as an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

You may also need a liver biopsy to assess the severity of liver damage.

How is cirrhosis treated?

Your doctor develops an individualized treatment plan for the management of cirrhosis based on the severity of liver damage, your symptoms, and your overall health. 

Your treatment plan may include:

• Disease-specific medication
• Nutrition therapy
• Treatment for alcohol cessation
• Medication to alleviate symptoms (e.g., a diuretic to reduce swelling)

If your cirrhosis is severe and you're at risk of liver failure, your gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology & Nutrition of Central Florida recommends a liver transplant.

For compassionate care of cirrhosis from an experienced gastroenterologist, call Gastroenterology & Nutrition of Central Florida, or book online today.