Cirrhosis Treatment

Cirrhosis Medical Care in Nashville, TN

About 1 in 400 adults in the United States have cirrhosis, a condition in which the liver is scarred and permanently damaged. Because the symptoms of cirrhosis do not appear until later stages, many people are not aware they have it. The liver is an important organ that aids in digestion and removing toxins from the blood. The liver also stores essential vitamins and minerals. Other important liver functions include producing bile and metabolizing fat, carbohydrates and proteins.

Early symptoms of cirrhosis may include:

· Feeling weak or tired

· Itchy skin

· Poor appetite or unexplained weight loss

· Muscle loss, cramps and weakness

As liver function gets worse, symptoms may include:

· Easy bruising and bleeding

· Swelling of lower legs, ankles, feet or abdomen

· Severe itchy skin

· Dark urine

· Yellowish tint to skin and whites of the eyes

People most likely to develop cirrhosis have a history of heavy alcohol use; are overweight or obese; have type 2 diabetes; are male; and, are over the age of 40.

If you are in one of the high-risk groups or have symptoms of cirrhosis, you should discuss your situation with your doctor, who may refer you to a hepatologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating liver disease.

Diagnosis of cirrhosis

The hepatology department at Nashville Healthcare Center, in Nashville, TN, can help you navigate the complexities of cirrhosis with confidence and dignity. Diagnosis of cirrhosis may include one or more of the following:

· A physical exam

· Blood tests

· Imaging using ultrasound, MRI, x-rays or elastography, a special test that measures liver stiffness

· Liver biopsy

Treatment of cirrhosis

There is no cure for cirrhosis or a treatment that will reverse damage to the liver. If the liver has failed, and there are not other treatment options, you may be eligible for a liver transplant.

Treatment for cirrhosis is often designed to avoid future damage to the liver and prevent other conditions that may result from cirrhosis. Treatment may include lifestyle changes or prescription medicines. Your doctor may recommend that you stop drinking alcohol and taking certain medications that may make cirrhosis worse. If you are overweight or obese, your doctor may recommend a weight loss program.

Nashville Healthcare Center has a hepatology clinic in our Midtown location at 1919 Charlotte Ave. New patients can request an appointment by completing this form. Existing patients can login to the patient portal to book an appointment.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should talk with your primary care physician or other qualified medical professionals regarding diagnosis and treatment of a health condition.