Liver Disease

Liver Disease in San Antonio , TX

Liver Disease services offered in San Antonio , TX

There are many health problems that cause liver disease, affecting the structure or function of this vital organ. Some causes of liver disease come and go, while others cause permanent damage to the liver. Allison Harrington Sirakos, MD, is an experienced gastroenterologist who provides expert care for liver disease in San Antonio, Texas. She specializes in fatty liver and the management of chronic liver disease. To schedule an appointment, call the office at the Gastroenterology Clinic of San Antonio or book one online today.

Liver Disease Q&A

What is liver disease?

Liver disease includes any condition that affects the structure or function of the liver.

Your liver is part of your gastrointestinal (GI) system. It makes bile to help digest fat, removes toxins from your blood, and stores energy from the food you eat.

Liver disease can lead to inflammation of the liver and over time, this leads to fibrosis (scarring of the liver) and may eventually turn into cirrhosis. When the liver stops being able to perform its normal functions this leads to liver failure and ultimately death.

What are the types of liver disease?

People can get liver disease from many different etiologies. Common causes of liver disease include:

Viruses, including hepatitis A, B, and C
Excessive alcohol use
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

What are the symptoms of liver disease?

You can have liver disease without developing any symptoms. For those who develop symptoms, usually the first signs are nonspecific, such as, fatigue, weakness and weight loss. As liver disease progresses patients may experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes), swelling of their lower extremities, increasing abdominal girth, or confusion.

You may also have abdominal pain, a change in the color of your urine or stool, or excessive itching. If you have concerns about liver disease and liver health, schedule an appointment with Dr. Harrington.

You can reverse liver disease with an early diagnosis and treatment plan. Dr. Harrington specializes in treating fatty liver and chronic liver disease.

What are the treatments for liver disease?

Treatment for liver disease depends on the cause.

To find out more about the treatment for liver disease, call the office ofAllison Harrington Sirakos, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.