Liver Problems – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Doctors use several steps to find the cause and extent of liver disease. They start by reviewing your health history and performing a full physical exam.
Common ways to check liver health include:
- Blood Work: Doctors use liver function tests to check for hepatitis, cholestasis, or other liver problems. Other blood tests look for inherited conditions.
- Imaging: Ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI scans can reveal early or late liver damage.
- Tissue Sample: Doctors sometimes take a small piece of liver tissue with a thin needle, called a biopsy. A lab checks the sample for more details.
| Test Type | Use |
|---|---|
| Blood tests | Detect liver function, hepatitis, gene changes |
| Imaging | Show liver size, shape, and damage |
| Biopsy | Find the exact type and stage of disease |
Treatment
Doctors choose treatment options for liver disease based on the type and cause. For nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, you can manage your weight and follow a healthier diet.
If you have alcoholic liver disease, stopping alcohol use often helps. Some people use medicines or need surgery.
In serious cases, such as liver failure, doctors may recommend a liver transplant. Regular checkups help track your progress.
Lifestyle Changes and Helpful At-Home Options
Making healthy daily choices supports your liver. Avoid or limit alcohol. Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Cut back on foods high in sugar.
Choose healthy fats like those in fish, olive oil, and walnuts. Limit red meat. Keep a healthy weight. If you are overweight, lose extra pounds slowly.
Other Treatment Choices
Alternative medicine does not cure liver disease. Some studies suggest possible benefits, but more proof is needed.
Certain supplements and herbal products can harm your liver. Over 1,000 products have caused liver problems, including:
- Vitamin A: A fat-soluble vitamin found in foods like liver, fish oils, milk, and some fruits and vegetables. High doses can build up in the body and damage the liver over time.
- Ma-huang: An herb also known as ephedra. It was once used for weight loss and energy. It can raise blood pressure and stress the liver, especially when combined with other drugs.
- Germander: An herbal product used in the past for weight loss. It contains toxins that can cause liver inflammation and failure.
- Valerian: A plant used as a sleep aid or to ease anxiety. While some people find it helpful, it can stress the liver when taken in large amounts or with other drugs.
- Mistletoe: A plant used in some natural treatments for cancer and immune health. It can be toxic to the liver, especially when used long-term or in high doses.
- Skullcap: An herb often taken for anxiety or insomnia. Some products labeled as skullcap have been linked to liver injury, especially if misidentified or contaminated.
- Chaparral: A desert plant used in some traditional remedies. It contains chemicals that may harm the liver and kidneys.
- Comfrey: An herb used on skin or taken by mouth for ulcers and joint pain. It has toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can severely damage the liver.
- Kava: A root used in drinks or pills to promote relaxation and sleep. Linked to serious liver damage, including liver failure and transplant in rare cases.
- Pennyroyal Oil: An essential oil from a mint plant. Sometimes used in teas or as a remedy for colds or menstrual issues. Even small doses can cause dangerous liver injury.
Always ask a healthcare provider about any risks before starting alternative treatments.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Steps You Can Take Beforehand
Planning ahead makes your appointment smoother. You should:
- Check if you need to avoid food or drink because some tests require fasting. Ask your provider or clinic for instructions.
- Bring someone for support to help listen, take notes, or remember key details.
- Prepare a list of current symptoms, noting when they started and what affects them.
- Write down all medications, supplements, and vitamins, including dosages.
- Gather personal health information, such as other diagnosed conditions and any family history of liver problems.
- Note recent lifestyle changes or major stresses that may be important for your doctor.
- List any questions you want to discuss during the visit.
| Item to Bring | Details |
|---|---|
| Symptom list | Onset, duration, changes |
| Medications list | Name & dosage |
| Family history | Liver disease, other |
Helpful Topics to Discuss
What are some good questions to ask?
- What is the likely reason for these symptoms?
- Which tests do you recommend, and do any require special preparation?
- Are these liver issues temporary or long-lasting?
- Which treatment options are available?
- Should I stop any medicines or supplements?
- Do I need to stop drinking alcohol?
- How should I manage other health issues together with liver problems?
- Should my family members be checked for similar problems?
Share any concerns, even small ones, with your doctor.
What the Healthcare Provider Might Ask
The doctor may ask:
How severe are your symptoms? Do they come and go or stay the same?
Does anything make your symptoms better or worse?
Have you noticed any yellowing of your eyes or skin?
How much alcohol do you drink in a typical week?
Do you have any tattoos?
Does your job involve contact with blood, body fluids, or hazardous chemicals?
Have you ever had a blood transfusion?
Have you had any past liver issues?
If you give honest and detailed answers, the provider can give you better care.
