Who is a Liver Specialist or a Hepatologist?

Hepatologists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases affecting the gallbladder, bile ducts, liver, and pancreas. 

Seeing the top hepatologist can assist you in determining the ideal treatment plan for you. Look for the best liver physicians in India if you’re concerned about your liver’s health.

The number of cases diagnosed each year clearly demonstrates the importance of consulting a medical health specialist.

In this article, Dr Gaurav Gupta, who is one of the best liver transplants  in India shares his views on “Who is a liver specialist and what kind of health problems he can solve”.

Dr Gaurav Gupta is currently employed by Fortis Hospitals in Mumbai, India as the Director of the Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery Departments. He has played a key role in the establishment of three liver transplant units in the state of Maharashtra.

What is the role of a hepatologist?

They will administer the medication in order to examine the hepatic organ, which has been severely damaged. 

They will diagnose your ailment and treat you in accordance with that diagnosis.

What kinds of health problems can they help you with?

Well! There are a variety of health conditions for which they can assist you with therapy, including:

• Cancer of the Liver

• Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a liver disease that is not caused by alcohol 
• Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis is a type of liver disease that is not caused by alcohol consumption (NASH)
• Obesity
• Alcoholic Hepatitis 
• Ascites
• Cirrhosis
• Hepatic Encephalopathy
• Primary Biliary Cholangitis is a condition that affects the bile ducts
• Cholangitis with Sclerosing Cholangitis is a Complication

Who should see a hepatologist and why do they need to see hepatologists?

A hepatologist can be referred to you by your main health care provider. You will need to consult with one based on your situation, as proper assessment is done by looking at the indications and symptoms of the disease. 

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFL), cirrhosis, primary biliary cholangitis, hepatitis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and primary sclerosing cholangitis are among the conditions that can affect the liver.

What causes liver cancer?

Dr Gaurav Gupta, one of the leading Doctors from India notes that, Aside from the persistent infection stated above, some more issues are linked to an increased risk of liver cancer.

This condition is also known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. It produces a fat type that causes liver damage and scarring. Obesity and diabetes type 2 increase the risk.

Hepatic Cirrhosis

Excess alcohol use exacerbates liver scarring. People with hepatitis C or B are at higher risk of infection.

Hemochromatosis

It is a hereditary illness where the body absorbs too much iron from the diet.

As a result of abnormal liver function

If your liver function tests reveal that your liver function is not normal, you should seek medical attention. 

The doctor will use the blood tests to determine whether or not the proteins and enzymes are functioning properly. If the results are abnormally low or excessively high, this suggests that there is a problem.

The signs and symptoms of a liver disease

The following are some of the most common signs and symptoms of a liver problem:

• Gastrointestinal haemorrhage that occurs suddenly
• Bleeding from your upper gastrointestinal tract without warning (haemorrhage from liver cirrhosis). Scarring of the liver due to cirrhosis (the reason is hepatitis or chronic heavy drinking)
• Veins in your stomach and oesophagus that are not normal
• Jaundice is a condition in which the body produces excessive amounts of yellow pigment (white part of the eye and skin becomes yellow)

Infections with hepatitis B and C should be avoided.

Without treatment, the infection can progress and cause scarring (cirrhosis), malignancy, and even liver failure if left untreated. 

Adults and children can both be immunised against some diseases. It is necessary to have the screening test done if you are at elevated risk of contracting Hepatitis C and B infections.

Those suffering from chronic hepatitis B must undergo antiviral therapy to lessen their chances of developing liver problems and the likelihood of developing liver cancer.

Although there is no vaccine available for hepatitis C at this time, following a proper treatment plan will remove the virus completely. 

You must see your doctor on a regular basis and undergo imaging tests, which may include a CT scan, an MRI, or an Ultrasound, among others.

It is necessary to have a healthy lifestyle in order to lower your risk of developing liver cancer. 

Keep your fitness routine up to date, maintain control over your weight, and incorporate nutritious food selections in your daily diet. The most crucial thing to do is to limit your alcohol consumption, marks  Dr Gaurav Gupta.