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About Hepatologists
Definition
The liver, gallbladder and pancreas fall into the category of medicine known as Hepatology. Hepatolgists diagnose and treat liver disease, manage conditions affecting the gallbladder and offer treatment for pancreatic disease.
The liver, gallbladder and pancreas are organs in the abdomen that combined help your body digest food and cleanse the body of toxins.
Liver disease
The liver functions to filter blood from the digestive tract and remove toxins form the body. Liver disease can be caused by many factors, from infections to alcohol abuse. Left untreated, liver disease can lead to liver failure resulting in the need for a liver transplant. There are many ways to prevent liver disease - reducing alcohol intake, eating a fat-free diet and avoiding drug use being the best preventative measures- but early diagnosis of liver disease is the most important factor in treating the problem. If you experience any of the symptoms below, or feel you may be at risk from liver disease due to family history or excess alcohol consumption, a consultation with a hepatologist could prevent liver problems worsening.
Gallbladder disease
The gallbladder is an organ that produces bile to help the body digest fat. The gallbladder works with the kidneys and the pancreas to remove toxins from the body and digest food. The gallbladder is not an essential organ and many hepatologists recommend the removal of the gallbladder if gallbladder disease is present. The symptoms of gallbladder disease can be uncomfortable and require medical treatment. The most common problem with the gallbladder is gallstones which cause pain urinating.
Pancreatic disease
The pancreas is a gland producing enzymes to help break down food and hormones such as insulin. Along with the liver and the gallbladder, the pancreas works to digest food and remove and control the toxins and chemicals in the body.
There are two main types of pancreatic disease: acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas.The main symptoms to watch for are diorrhea, increased thirst and need to urinate, jaundice, fatigue and tenderness in the abdomen.
Treatments
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