Liver Doctor in East Setauket, NY

A liver doctor, also known as a hepatologist, specializes in diagnosing and managing liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and bile duct disorders. At Digestive Disease Care, our hepatologists provide comprehensive care, utilizing advanced techniques to address a wide range of liver conditions.

Here’s what they do:

• Diagnosis: Hepatologists assess symptoms and medical history, using advanced diagnostic tools such as blood tests, imaging studies, and liver biopsies to identify liver diseases.

• Treatment Plans: After diagnosis, liver doctors develop personalized treatment plans that may include medications, lifestyle changes, and dietary modifications to manage liver conditions effectively.

• Conditions Treated: Hepatologists specialize in managing liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer, alcoholic liver disease, and genetic liver disorders.

• Preventive Care: Hepatologists focus on early detection of liver issues to prevent complications, monitor liver function, and recommend regular screenings for those at risk.

At Digestive Disease Care, we ensure that each patient receives expert care tailored to their specific needs, providing the best possible outcomes for maintaining liver health and function.

You should consider seeing a liver doctor (hepatologist) if you experience symptoms or have risk factors that suggest liver problems.

Here are key signs and risk factors to watch for:

Common Symptoms:

• Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), a hallmark sign of liver issues.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Itchy skin, often caused by bilirubin buildup in the blood.
• Abdominal pain or swelling in the upper right side of the abdomen.
• Unexplained nausea or vomiting.

Risk Factors:

• History of heavy alcohol use: Chronic alcohol consumption can cause liver damage.
• Viral hepatitis (e.g., Hepatitis B or C) or a history of liver infections.
• Family history of liver disease, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.
• Abnormal liver function tests: Routine blood tests may show signs of liver dysfunction.
• Chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome can increase the risk of liver disease.

When to Seek Evaluation:

• If you notice any of the above symptoms or have risk factors, schedule an appointment with a liver specialist.
• Early detection and treatment can prevent liver disease progression and complications like cirrhosis or liver failure.

At Digestive Disease Care, we provide state-of-the-art testing, early diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans to help manage liver health effectively.

Liver doctors (hepatologists) treat a wide variety of liver, gallbladder, bile duct, and pancreatic conditions. At Digestive Disease Care, our specialists provide comprehensive care for both common and complex liver diseases:

• Hepatitis: Treatment for Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, including viral infections that can cause liver inflammation and long-term damage.

• Fatty Liver Disease: Includes both non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic liver disease. This condition can lead to liver scarring (cirrhosis) if untreated.

• Cirrhosis: A condition where the liver becomes severely scarred due to chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis or alcohol abuse. It can lead to complications like portal hypertension, varices, and liver failure.

• Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma): Hepatologists manage and treat liver cancer, often coordinating care with oncologists for surgical interventions or liver transplants.

• Genetic Liver Disorders: Conditions like hemochromatosis (iron overload) and Wilson’s disease (copper accumulation) are diagnosed and managed by hepatologists.

• Autoimmune Liver Diseases: Includes conditions like autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), where the body attacks its own liver cells.

• Gallbladder and Bile Duct Diseases: Treatment for gallstones, cholestasis, cholangitis, and biliary strictures, as well as obstructions in the bile ducts.

• Liver Failure: For severe liver disease, specialists evaluate candidates for liver transplantation and provide ongoing care to manage symptoms.

• Pancreatic Diseases: Hepatologists also treat certain pancreatic conditions that may impact liver health.

At Digestive Disease Care, we offer personalized care using the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options to manage and treat liver conditions, improving your liver health and quality of life.

Yes, a liver doctor (hepatologist) can play a crucial role in managing alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). ALD can range from fatty liver (steatosis) to more severe stages, such as alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Here’s how a hepatologist can help:

• Diagnosis: Hepatologists evaluate your medical history, perform blood tests, and use imaging studies to assess the extent of liver damage.

• Alcohol Cessation Support: One of the primary treatments for ALD is to reduce or stop alcohol consumption. Hepatologists provide counseling and support to help patients achieve sobriety.

• Medications: For those with severe liver damage or complications, hepatologists may prescribe medications to manage liver symptoms, reduce inflammation, or treat complications like liver failure.

• Monitoring and Follow-Up: Regular monitoring of liver function and ongoing care to manage ALD and prevent progression to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

• Liver Transplant: For patients with advanced liver disease or liver failure, our specialists will assess for liver transplantation and coordinate care with transplant centers.

At Digestive Disease Care, early intervention can significantly improve liver health and quality of life.

Dr. Nilesh Mehta, a highly skilled board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Digestive Disease Care, specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of liver conditions. With extensive expertise in liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and liver cancer, Dr. Mehta provides comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. He combines his deep knowledge of liver health with the latest medical advancements, ensuring optimal outcomes for his patients. Dr. Mehta’s approach to liver care involves personalized treatment plans that include medications, dietary guidance, and advanced diagnostic tools, helping patients maintain liver function and prevent complications.

Dr. Mehta is board-certified in Gastroenterology and Hepatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. His professional affiliations ensure that he stays at the forefront of advancements in liver disease treatment, offering patients the highest level of care. At Digestive Disease Care, Dr. Mehta and his team are committed to improving the lives of those affected by liver conditions, providing compassionate and expert care in the heart of the community. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 235 N Belle Mead Rd, Setauket- East Setauket, NY 11733. We have convenient locations to serve you in Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Massapequa NY, Riverhead NY and BEYOND.