Your liver is one of the hardest working organs you have. It helps digest your food, stores energy, and filters toxins out of your blood. Liver disease is a broad term for any condition that keeps the liver from doing those jobs well, and it can range from fatty liver to hepatitis to scarring known as cirrhosis.
One of the trickiest things about liver disease is that it often stays quiet. Many people have no symptoms at all in the early stages, even while damage is building. That is why testing and follow-up matter so much. Our board-certified gastroenterologists in Akron and Massillon look for liver problems early, when they are most manageable.
If you have a known risk factor or your primary care doctor noticed something on your bloodwork, it is worth a closer look. Most liver conditions respond well when we catch them in time.
Symptoms
Early liver disease frequently causes no symptoms. As it advances, you may notice:
- Itchy skin and ongoing fatigue
- Loss of appetite and nausea
- Swelling and pain in the abdomen
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, known as jaundice
- Swelling in the legs or ankles
Causes and risk factors
A number of conditions and habits can lead to liver disease, including:
- Viral hepatitis A, B, and C
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, often linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes
- Excessive alcohol use, which over time can progress to cirrhosis
- Autoimmune conditions, in which the immune system attacks the liver
- Inherited and genetic disorders that affect how the liver works
Because several of these can overlap, sorting out what is driving the problem is an important first step. Liver disease can also contribute to symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating, so we look at the whole picture.
How we diagnose it
We start with your history and a physical exam, then use blood tests to measure how your liver is functioning and to check for hepatitis and other causes. Imaging such as ultrasound or CT lets us see the liver’s size, shape, and texture. In some cases we recommend a biopsy or a more detailed look with endoscopic ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
How we treat it
Treatment depends on the cause and the stage of the disease. For many people, lifestyle changes make a real difference, including reaching a healthy weight, limiting or avoiding alcohol, managing diabetes, and staying current on vaccines. We pair those steps with targeted medication when it is needed, along with regular monitoring to track your liver over time. Advanced liver failure may require a transplant, and we help coordinate that care when it becomes necessary.
When to see us
Reach out if you have a risk factor for liver disease, abnormal liver results on bloodwork, or symptoms like jaundice, persistent fatigue, abdominal swelling, or dark urine and pale stools. Catching liver problems early gives us the best chance to protect your health.
You do not need a referral to see us, and we welcome new patients. To have your liver checked, call The Gastroenterology Group at (330) 869-0954 or request an appointment in Akron or Massillon, and we will help you take the next step.