If you have concerns about liver disease in Katy, TX, you can count on Dr. Kevin Marks of Premier Gastroenterology who has the experience and information to help you cope with a less-than-healthy liver.
Hepatitis B and C
Both types of Hepatitis can damage your liver. They cause inflammation that results in scarring. You can get a vaccine to prevent Hepatitis B, but there is nothing to prevent Hepatitis C. Hepatitis is a blood born viral infection that passes through bodily fluids. Causes include sharing needles, blood transfusions, or sexual contact. It can lead to cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer.
Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Hereditary Hemochromatosis is a genetic disease that can cause severe liver damage. With this condition, the body builds up too much iron in the liver and other areas of the body. It can result in cirrhosis. If you have a family history of Hereditary Hemochromatosis you should ask your doctor to test you for the disease. It can be diagnosed with a blood test then followed by genetic testing.
Alcohol Abuse
Every time you drink alcohol and your liver has to filter it, some liver cells die. The liver can regenerate but if you drink too much over an extended period, you can cause damage that can't be repaired, and it causes low liver function and even complete failure.
Obesity
Obesity poses a risk of getting non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease in Katy, TX. Fat builds up in the liver but is not caused by the excessive use of alcohol. There are two different types of NARLF, NAFL(nonalcoholic fatty liver) and NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis). With NAFL there is little or no inflammation or liver damage. With NASH, you have inflammation and damage along with the fat in your liver. It can cause scarring and lead to cirrhosis.
Excess Acetaminophen
Overdosing on acetaminophen can lead to liver failure, and it doesn't take long. If you take a huge amount, it can happen from that or if you exceed the daily recommended dosage for several days, it can be catastrophic.
Epstein-Barr Virus
Epstein-Barr Virus is a very common herpes virus that 90% of adults have had at least once in their life. For most people, it doesn't damage the liver, but if you are immunocompromised, you are at risk of not only liver damage but complete liver failure. On rare occasions, even if your immune system is fine, you can suffer from damage.
Dr. Marks of Premier Gastroenterology offers treatments for liver disease in Katy, TX. To make an appointment, call our office at (281) 392-0425. We can also be reached via our website.