Liver Disease Specialist
GI Endoscopy Practice
Bharat Dasani, MD
Gastroenterologist located in Riverdale, NJ & Parsippany, NJ
Your liver is the most vital and largest organ in your body. It participates in your body’s metabolic processes, manufactures proteins, and eliminates waste. Though your liver can regenerate itself, certain types of liver disease cause permanent damage to the organ. Bharat Dasani, MD, and the team at GI Endoscopy Practice in Riverdale and Parsippany, New Jersey, specialize in diagnosing and treating liver disease. They conduct comprehensive examinations and provide targeted treatments to improve liver health and prevent permanent damage. To schedule a consultation, call or book online today.
Liver Disease Q&A
What is liver disease?
Liver disease is a general medical term that includes any condition that affects the structure or function of the liver. Liver disease may develop from:
- An inherited condition
- Viral infection
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Obesity
- Tumor
- Autoimmune condition
Though the liver can repair itself, when left untreated liver disease may cause permanent damage that affects normal function and your overall health.
What is hepatitis?
When your liver is inflamed, you have hepatitis. Viral infections are the most common cause of hepatitis, and include:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is an acute viral infection that causes mild liver inflammation. It resolves on its own over time without causing permanent damage.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B may be acute or chronic. A chronic hepatitis B infection may cause permanent liver damage. A hepatitis B vaccination protects you from getting this common viral infection.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a chronic viral infection that leads to permanent liver damage when left untreated.
What are liver disease symptoms?
Symptoms of liver disease depend on the underlying cause. It’s possible you may not have any symptoms at all.
Common symptoms include:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itchy skin
- Abdominal swelling
- Dark-colored urine
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
If you’re experiencing these symptoms or have concerns about liver disease or hepatitis, contact the team at GI Endoscopy Practice to schedule an evaluation.
What can I expect during a liver disease evaluation?
You can expect a comprehensive liver disease evaluation with the team at GI Endoscopy Practice. During your exam, the team reviews your symptoms and medical history and then performs a physical.
Diagnostic tests are conducted to further evaluate your liver health and identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and disease. Testing may include:
- Bloodwork
- Urinalysis
- Ultrasound
- MRI
To assess the health of your liver, Dr. Dasani may also perform a liver biopsy.
How is liver disease treated?
The team at GI Endoscopy Practice develops individualized treatment plans for liver disease based on the underlying cause. To preserve liver health and function, the team may suggest lifestyle changes such as abstinence from drugs and alcohol and weight loss.
For patients with hepatitis C, Dr. Dasani prescribes an antiviral medication that cures the virus and may prevent permanent liver damage. For chronic hepatitis B, he may prescribe an antiviral that helps prevent or slow down liver damage, but it can’t cure the infection.
No matter the cause or treatment, Dr. Dasani schedules regular follow-up visits to monitor your liver health. If you’re in end-stage liver failure, Dr. Dasani may recommend a liver transplant.
For expert care of your liver disease, call GI Endoscopy Practice or book an appointment online today.