Signs You Should Visit a Hepatologist for Liver Concerns

Early warning signs of liver disease can be subtle, but recognizing them early can help in managing the condition before it progresses to more severe stages.

Here are some common symptoms to watch for:

• Fatigue: One of the most common early signs of liver disease is feeling unusually tired or fatigued, even after adequate rest. As the liver’s ability to process toxins and produce energy-related proteins diminishes, you may feel constantly drained or weak.

• Jaundice: Jaundice refers to the yellowing of the skin and eyes, which happens when the liver is unable to process bilirubin, a waste product produced from the breakdown of red blood cells. This is a clear indicator that the liver is struggling to perform its functions.

• Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen, where the liver is located, can be a sign of liver inflammation, fatty liver, or liver enlargement. This discomfort might worsen after eating, especially after fatty meals.

• Nausea or Loss of Appetite: Feeling nauseous or having a reduced appetite can be symptoms of liver problems. If these symptoms persist or worsen over time, they should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

• Swelling in the Abdomen or Legs (Edema): Fluid retention is a common symptom of liver disease, especially in advanced stages. The liver’s inability to produce albumin, a protein that helps keep fluid in the bloodstream, can lead to swelling in the abdomen (ascites) or legs.

• Itchy Skin (Pruritus): When bile builds up in the bloodstream due to liver dysfunction, it can cause the skin to become itchy, a condition known as pruritus.

• Dark Urine: Dark urine, often described as tea-colored, can be an early sign of liver disease. It occurs when the liver is unable to properly process waste products, which then spill into the bloodstream and are excreted in the urine.

If you experience any of these early signs of liver disease, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. Early intervention and treatment can prevent further damage and improve liver health. At Digestive Disease Care, Dr. Nilesh Mehta, MD, and our team of board-certified gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating liver conditions, offering comprehensive care to ensure optimal liver function.

Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, can be a sign of liver problems, but it can also result from other conditions. It occurs when the liver is unable to process bilirubin, a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells, leading to a buildup in the blood. Here are some ways to tell if jaundice is related to liver problems:

1. Accompanying Symptoms

If jaundice is caused by liver issues, it is often accompanied by other symptoms that suggest liver dysfunction. These include:

• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness, even with adequate rest, is common when the liver is not functioning properly.

• Abdominal pain: Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen, where the liver is located, can indicate liver inflammation or enlargement, commonly seen in conditions like hepatitis or fatty liver.

• Nausea and vomiting: These digestive issues often accompany liver disease, especially in more advanced stages.

• Loss of appetite: A decreased interest in food, especially in combination with jaundice, may suggest liver problems.

2. Type of Jaundice

The way jaundice presents can give clues about its origin:

• If the jaundice is more pronounced in the eyes: This could indicate a liver-related issue, as bilirubin buildup often starts in the eyes before spreading to the skin.

• Dark Urine and Pale Stools: Dark-colored urine and light-colored stools are often signs of liver dysfunction, particularly if they appear along with jaundice.

3. Medical History and Risk Factors

Certain risk factors make liver-related jaundice more likely:

• Alcohol Use: Chronic heavy drinking can lead to liver diseases like cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis, which are common causes of jaundice.

• Hepatitis: If you’ve had or are at risk for hepatitis (viral, autoimmune, or drug-induced), jaundice could be related to liver inflammation or damage.

• Gallbladder Issues: Blocked bile ducts due to gallstones can also lead to jaundice, as the bile backs up into the liver.

If you notice jaundice along with other symptoms of liver dysfunction, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Dr. Nilesh Mehta, MD, and our team of board-certified gastroenterologists at Digestive Disease Care can help diagnose the underlying cause of jaundice and provide appropriate treatment. Early detection and intervention can prevent further liver damage.

It is not uncommon to feel bloated and experience persistent stomach pain after meals, but these symptoms may indicate an underlying digestive issue that requires attention. Here are some potential causes:

• Indigestion (Dyspepsia): One of the most frequent causes of bloating and stomach pain after eating is indigestion. Overeating, consuming fatty or spicy foods, or eating too quickly can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to discomfort, bloating, and mild stomach pain.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and upper abdominal discomfort, often after meals. This condition can also lead to bloating and a sensation of fullness.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a chronic condition that causes abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Certain foods, especially high-fiber or fatty foods, can trigger IBS symptoms and lead to persistent discomfort after meals.

• Food Intolerances or Allergies: Some people may experience bloating and stomach pain after consuming foods they are intolerant to, such as lactose (dairy), gluten, or certain types of fiber. Identifying and avoiding trigger foods can help alleviate these symptoms.

• Gastroparesis: This condition slows down stomach emptying and can cause bloating, nausea, and stomach pain after eating, particularly after larger meals.

If bloating and persistent stomach pain after meals are frequent or severe, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. Dr. Preeti Mehta, MD, and our team at Digestive Disease Care can help diagnose the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Yes, it is highly recommended to see a hepatologist if you have a family history of liver disease. A hepatologist is a specialist in liver health who can help assess your risk, monitor liver function, and provide early detection of potential liver issues. Here are some reasons why seeing a hepatologist is important:

• Early Detection: Hepatologists can conduct specialized tests to detect liver conditions in their early stages, such as liver fibrosis, hepatitis, or cirrhosis, which may not show symptoms until later stages.

• Family History of Liver Disease: If liver disease runs in your family, you may be at higher risk for genetic liver conditions like hemochromatosis or Wilson’s disease. A hepatologist can offer personalized advice and screenings based on your family history.

• Prevention and Monitoring: Regular check-ups with a hepatologist can help you monitor liver health over time and prevent liver damage. Early interventions, including lifestyle changes or medications, can help reduce the risk of liver disease progression.

• Specialized Care: Hepatologists are trained to manage complex liver conditions, offering specialized treatment plans tailored to your needs.

If you have a family history of liver disease, schedule an appointment with Dr. Nilesh Mehta, MD, at Digestive Disease Care to assess your liver health and take proactive steps toward prevention and care.

If you’re asymptomatic but concerned about liver disease, there are several ways to get screened for liver health. Here’s how you can take proactive steps:

• Blood Tests: A liver function test (LFT) can measure levels of enzymes and proteins in your blood, indicating liver damage or dysfunction. Common markers include ALT, AST, and bilirubin.

• Imaging Tests: Non-invasive imaging, such as FibroScan, can assess liver size, texture, and stiffness, helping to detect liver disease or fibrosis without the need for biopsy.

• Risk Factor Assessment: If you have a family history of liver disease, are overweight, or drink alcohol regularly, it’s important to discuss these factors with your healthcare provider, as they can increase your risk for liver conditions.

• Screening for Hepatitis: Hepatitis B and C can often be asymptomatic. Blood tests can screen for these viral infections, which can cause long-term liver damage if untreated.

At Digestive Disease Care, Dr. Nilesh Mehta, MD, and our team of board-certified gastroenterologists can guide you through liver disease screening, even if you’re not experiencing symptoms. Early detection can help prevent liver damage and improve long-term health.

If you are experiencing symptoms related to liver concerns, it’s essential to seek care from a hepatologist like Dr. Nilesh Mehta, MD, at Digestive Disease Care in New York. Some warning signs that indicate you should visit a hepatologist include unexplained fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), persistent abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss. Additionally, if you have a family history of liver disease, heavy alcohol consumption, or risk factors such as diabetes or obesity, it’s crucial to get a professional assessment. A hepatologist can provide specialized care, including advanced diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific liver health needs.

At Digestive Disease Care, Dr. Mehta and his team of board-certified gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating liver conditions such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and liver cancer. With state-of-the-art diagnostic tools like FibroScan and comprehensive blood tests, we can offer early detection and effective management of liver concerns. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—schedule an appointment with Dr. Nilesh Mehta, MD, at Digestive Disease Care today to take control of your liver health and receive expert care tailored to your needs. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY, New Hyde Park NY, and Riverhead NY.