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Alcoholic Liver Disease Gastroenterologist
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a liver disease that is produced as a result of persistent and excessive consumption of alcohol, resulting in inflammatory destruction of the liver. Fatty liver to cirrhosis should be diagnosed and treated early. Dr. GastroDoxs is a Houston-based company owned by Scott, where personalized care, high-quality testing, and caring can be provided.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Huge alcohol consumption over the decades.
History of liver disease in the family.
Lack of control in the levels of blood sugar or obesity.
Deficiency or malnutrition of vitamins.
The female sex and the women are more prone to the alcohol.
Steal some drugs or environmental poisons.
Signs and Symptoms
Weakness or unceasing exhaustion.
Loss of weight and anorexia.
Pain or discomfort in the abdomen, an upper-right abdominal area.
The skin and the eyes are yellow (jaundice).
Different extent of swelling of the legs (edema) or in the abdomen (ascites).
Sweet or sour odor of the breath.
Difficult issues or disorientation with memory.
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He investigates how much you take of alcohol and how your epigastric pain begins, where exactly it is, whether it is mild or severe, and whether there are any causative or relieving factors. He also decides whether he has jaundice, abdominal swelling, among other physical indicators of liver damage.
Blood Tests
In order to assess liver activity and inflammation we look at liver enzymes (AST, ALT), bilirubin, albumin, platelets count. Other laboratory tests could include a complete blood count and coagulation.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal Ultrasound - evaluates the size of liver, liver texture and liver fatty infiltration as well as fluid accumulation in abdomen (ascites).
FibroScan (Transient Elastography) - is a test used to ascertain the liver stiffness and diagnose fibrosis or cirrhosis.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
A liver biopsy could also be a way of determining the degree of inflammation, fibrosis or cirrhosis and help in making decisions about treatment in case of non-invasive tests.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for alcoholic liver disease.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Quit alcohol consumption through personal help.
Eat moderate meals which include lean proteinaceous food, whole grains and vegetables.
Restrict salt intake to help manage swelling (ascites)
Relapse to local Houston recovery support groups.
2. Medications
Thiamine and folate vitamin supplementation.
Medication to reduce liver inflammation and swelling.
Diuretics in order to empty the abdominal fluid.
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Paracentesis to remove the excess fluid in the belly without risks.
Fibroscan or ultrasound examination of the liver.
Refer to liver transplant evaluation in the severe cirrhosis cases.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
ICD-10 code of alcoholic liver disease?
Codes will be between K70.0 and K70.9 according to the place of your diagnosis and the level of the disease.
Is there any alcohol worsening of non-alcoholic non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
Yes. Liars who consume alcohol more than fatty liver accelerate the pace of liver damage and disease.
Why is ALD so musty-smelling?
The toxins cannot be filtered properly and this may cause the breath of the person to have sweet or musty smell.
What are the end stage alcoholic liver disease symptoms?
Advanced ALD is characterized by severe jaundice, swellings of the fluid, confusion and high risks of bleeding.
How fast will my liver be cured with the quitting drinking?
The alterations in the liver enzyme are reversible in a few weeks and the alterations in the fatty liver are reversible in a few months on abstinence.
Do I need a liver biopsy?
Biopsy is only required in case when your liver has not been diagnosed according to blood tests and images only.
How can one make an appointment with Dr. Scott?
It is only necessary to call GastroDoxs and make an appointment using our online form and book an appointment with Dr. Scott.
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