Liver Disease

Nearly five million adults in the United States have liver disease. If you’re at risk of liver problems or develop unusual symptoms, such as dark urine or yellowish skin, see the experts at Mirage Health in Chandler or Mesa, Arizona. Board-certified gastroenterologist Rajiv Sharma, MD, and the team diagnose and treat liver disease to ease symptoms and avoid life-threatening medical problems. Schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment by phone or request one online today. 

What is liver disease?

More than 100 types of liver disease exist. It’s a condition affecting your liver, the organ responsible for filtering toxins from your body and completing more than 500 other important functions. 

Liver problems can be temporary or chronic (long-lasting), progressively damaging the liver over time when left untreated. Liver failure is life-threatening, but early detection and treatment of liver disease can help you avoid serious complications. 

What are the symptoms of liver disease?

Liver disease symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Dark urine
• Swelling of the ankles, legs, face, or hands
• Yellowed whites of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
• Pale stool
• Itchy skin
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Easy bruising and/or bleeding
• Reduced appetite
• Digestive problems
• Muscle loss
• Unintentional weight loss
• Bad breath
• Nail and skin changes

Women can experience irregular periods or infertility, while men might notice shrinking testicles and/or enlarged male breast tissue. 

See the Mirage Health experts at the first sign of unusual symptoms or if you have significant liver disease risk factors. A fatty liver is an early sign of liver disease.

What are the risk factors for liver disease?

Liver disease risk factors include:

• Infections, including hepatitis A, B, and C
• Autoimmune conditions
• Genetic changes
• Cancer
• Heavy alcohol use
• Some medications
• Sharing needles
• Unprotected sex
• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Family history of liver disease
• Exposure to toxins
• Metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.)

Adopting healthy habits may help reduce your risk of liver disease.

How is liver disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing liver disease requires a review of your symptoms and medical history, physical exam, and diagnostic testing. You might complete blood work, imaging tests, an endoscopy, a biopsy, or other tests to learn how to best treat your condition. 

How is liver disease treated?

Your personalized liver disease treatment plan may consist of:

• Weight loss
• Healthy diet
• Other lifestyle changes
• Avoiding alcohol
• Medications
• Surgery
• Liver transplant

It’s helpful to get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, eat nutritious foods, maintain a healthy weight, stay active, and avoid smoking, alcohol, and drug use. Manage your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

Some medications and dietary supplements (especially in excess) can harm the liver, so check with the Mirage Health team to determine which are safe and effective for you.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth liver disease evaluation at Mirage Health by phone or request one online today.