Hepatic Diseases

About

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What are Hepatic Diseases?

Hepatic diseases( Chronic Liver Disease) refer to a broad range of conditions that affect the liver, an essential organ responsible for metabolism, detoxification, bile production, and nutrient storage. These diseases can impair liver function, sometimes leading to inflammation, scarring, or liver failure.

Hepatic diseases can be acute or chronic, infectious or non-infectious, and may result from metabolic, autoimmune, genetic, or toxic causes. Early recognition and management are critical to prevent progression and maintain overall health.

Are Hepatic Diseases common?

Yes. Liver disorders affect millions of people worldwide. Conditions such as viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and alcoholic liver disease are especially common. While some hepatic diseases remain mild and manageable, others can progress to cirrhosis or liver failure if left untreated.

Can Hepatic Diseases be cured?

The prognosis depends on the specific hepatic disease and its stage. Some conditions, such as viral hepatitis, may be cured or controlled with medication. Others, like cirrhosis, cannot be fully reversed, but progression can be slowed with appropriate care and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis is key to preventing long-term complications.

Causes

What causes Hepatic Diseases?

Hepatic diseases arise from a variety of factors, including:

  • Viral infections – hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E
  • Alcohol misuse – leads to fatty liver, hepatitis, or cirrhosis
  • Metabolic disorders – nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and NASH
  • Autoimmune conditions – autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis
  • Genetic disorders – hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
  • Toxins or medications – long-term use of hepatotoxic drugs or exposure to toxins
  • Bile duct disorders – obstruction or inflammation affecting bile flow

With Insurance

Hepatology

Your copay
Depending on insurance

Without Insurance

*Price Effective 12/1/2025
$125
Initial Visit
$95
Follow Up

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Symptoms

What are the symptoms of Hepatic Diseases?

Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of liver involvement. Many hepatic diseases are initially asymptomatic. Common signs include:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Loss of appetite and nausea
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the upper right abdomen
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Dark urine and pale stools
  • Swelling in the legs or abdomen (edema, ascites)
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating in severe cases

Diagnosis

How are Hepatic Diseases diagnosed?

Diagnosis requires a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging:

  • Medical history and physical examination – assessing risk factors and signs of liver disease
  • Blood tests – liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase), clotting profile, viral serologies
  • Imaging – ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to detect structural changes or fatty infiltration
  • FibroScan or elastography – non-invasive assessment of fibrosis or stiffness
  • Liver biopsy – confirms inflammation, fibrosis, or underlying pathology
  • Specialized tests – autoimmune markers, genetic panels, or metabolic studies depending on suspected cause

Treatment

How are Hepatic Diseases treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the liver disease:

Lifestyle and dietary measures:

  • Avoid alcohol and hepatotoxic medications
  • Maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and healthy weight
  • Exercise regularly and control underlying conditions (diabetes, high cholesterol)

Medications and interventions:

  • Antivirals – for viral hepatitis
  • Immunosuppressants – for autoimmune hepatitis
  • Medications to manage complications – diuretics, lactulose, or beta-blockers
  • Vitamin or mineral supplementation – in cases of deficiency
  • Management of metabolic risk factors – diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol

Procedures:

  • Endoscopic treatments – for variceal bleeding
  • Paracentesis – for ascites management
  • Liver transplantation – in cases of advanced liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis

With early diagnosis and targeted management, many hepatic diseases can be controlled, preventing progression to severe liver failure.

References

Medically reviewed by:

Dr. Javeed Siddiqui, MD, MPH

Dr. Siddiqui is the Chief Medical Officer at TeleMed2U responsible for clinical and technical program development as well as maintaining a thriving telemedicine practice in infectious diseases which includes specialized care of Hepatitis and HIV.

Meet our doctors

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Affordable – with or without insurance

With Insurance

Hepatology

Your copay
Depending on insurance

Without Insurance

*Price Effective 12/1/2025
$125
Initial Visit
$95
Follow Up

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