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liver enzymes in your blood. Other tests of liver function include a blood-clotting test called the international normalized ratio (INR). Abnormal levels may indicate problems with your liver function.
Imaging tests: Your provider can use ultrasound, MRI or CT scan to look for signs of damage, scarring or tumors in your liver. Another specialized type of ultrasound called fibroscan can be used to determine the degree of scarring and fat deposition in the liver.
Liver biopsy: During a liver biopsy, your provider uses a thin needle to remove a small sample of liver tissue. They analyze the tissue to look for signs of liver disease.
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
How is liver disease managed or treated?
Treatment for liver disease depends on the type of liver disease you have and how far it has progressed. Possible treatments include:
Medications: Healthcare providers treat some types of liver disease with medication. You may take medicine for viral infections like hepatitis or inherited conditions like Wilson disease.
Lifestyle changes: You can use your diet to help manage certain types of liver disease. If you have fatty liver disease, avoiding alcohol, limiting fat and calories and increasing fiber intake can help. Alcohol-related liver disease can improve with abstinence from alcohol.
Liver transplant: When liver disease progresses to liver failure, a liver transplant may be the best treatment option. A transplant replaces your liver with a healthy liver.
PREVENTION
Can liver disease be prevented?
You can take steps to prevent some types of liver disease — especially those affected by your diet and lifestyle. If you are at risk for liver disease, your provider may recommend lifestyle changes including:
Avoiding or limiting alcohol.
Avoiding foods and drinks that contain trans fats or high-fructose corn syrup.
Carefully managing your intake of prescription and over-the-counter medications to avoid liver damage, as medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) are a common cause of liver injury.
Getting regular exercise.
Limiting consumption of red meat.
You can minimize the likelihood of contracting viral hepatitis by practicing safe sex and not sharing needles
OUTLOOK / PROGNOSIS
What is the prognosis (outlook) for people with liver disease?
With early treatment and effective lifestyle changes, many people with liver disease can avoid serious liver damage and prevent liver failure.
LIVING WITH
When should I call the doctor?
You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
Changes in the color of your urine or stool.
Jaundice or yellowing of your eyes.
Pain in the upper right side of your abdomen.
Swelling in your arms or legs.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
What lifestyle changes should I make to help keep my liver healthy?
What early warning signs of liver disease should I watch out for?
Should I avoid any medications to help prevent liver damage?
If I have an inherited liver disease, should my family get genetic testing?
Will I need to have a liver transplant?
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