Cirrhosis North Carolina

Residents who suspect they may suffer from cirrhosis North Carolina should come to Carolina Digestive Health Associates and work with one of our 14 highly trained gastrointestinal doctors. Cirrhosis is a type of liver disease that leads to the deaths of more than 30,000 Americans each year. Early detection is extremely important as there is no way to cure cirrhosis. We operate out of five endoscopy clinics, eight private offices, and within every major hospital in the Charlotte area.

What Is Cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is the formation of scar tissue on the liver, the largest internal organ of the human body responsible for the production of bile, an essential bodily fluid that aids digestion. The liver also regulates the amount of fat, protein, and sugar that enters the bloodstream, acting as the filter for the bloodstream. Whenever the liver sustains any kind of damage it will grow scar tissue in an effort to heal itself. If the damage is consistent, which is common with alcohol abuse, the liver will continuously struggle to self-repair and liver functions will quickly deteriorate.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Cirrhosis

One of the most dangerous aspects of cirrhosis is the fact that the disease typically starts with no noticeable symptoms; most people with this condition do not experience noticeable symptoms until it progresses to a severe stage.

• Men may experience sexual dysfunction or even breast growth (gynecomastia) or testicular atrophy.
• Women may experience irregular or absent menstrual cycles unrelated to menopause.
• Easy bleeding or bruising is a common sign of liver dysfunction.
• Jaundice, or yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes, is another common symptom of cirrhosis.
• Cirrhosis may also cause the appearance of spiderweb-like veins on the skin.
• Many people with cirrhosis struggle with nausea and loss of appetite.
• Cirrhosis can cause increased sensitivity to certain medications.
• Swelling or edema in the legs, feet, and ankles is another common symptom.
• Other symptoms include fatigue, itchy skin, weight loss, and redness in the palms.
• Cirrhosis increases the risk of developing liver cancer.

Common Cirrhosis Causes and Risk Factors

The most common causes of cirrhosis in the United States are chronic viral hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. Cystic fibrosis and genetic digestive disorders may also increase the risk of developing cirrhosis. Hardening, scarring, or destruction of bile ducts, fat accumulation on the liver, and iron buildup in the body may also lead to cirrhosis.

When it comes to the most common causes, people who suffer from chronic viral hepatitis do not always develop cirrhosis, but chronic hepatitis certainly increases the risk of cirrhosis in the future. Chronic alcoholism repeatedly damages the liver, and alcoholism is a very aggressive form of addiction that progresses rapidly. Entering addiction treatment or rehab can help slow the progression of cirrhosis, but there is no way to truly cure this disease. Obesity is another common cause of cirrhosis and making dietary changes may improve symptoms and slow the disease’s progression.

Cirrhosis Treatments

Once cirrhosis develops there is no way to completely cure it; early treatment measures typically aim to prevent further liver damage, reduce patient discomfort, and mitigate the risk of secondary complications. Once cirrhosis progresses to an advanced stage it can be fatal without a liver transplant. Patients who display signs of End-Stage Liver Disease generally show irreversible signs of decompensation like hepatic encephalopathy, kidney failure, lung issues, and other life-threatening complications. These patients generally receive priority placement on the transplant list.

If you have struggled with alcoholism in the past and displayed any of the signs of cirrhosis, you need to address the issue immediately with your doctor. There are various imaging tests and screenings that can assess the level of liver damage you have sustained and help your doctor develop a comprehensive treatment plan for your cirrhosis. North Carolina residents can rely on the gastrointestinal doctors at Carolina Digestive Health Associates for all cirrhosis-related concerns and procedures. Our doctors provide a full range of digestive health services, so contact us today during typical business hours at (704) 486-5194 to schedule an appointment at one of our facilities.

Carolina Digestive Health Associates

Carolina Digestive Health Associates is a group of gastroenterologists serving the residents of North Carolina. We have fourteen highly rated GI doctors who provide service at eight offices and five endoscopy centers. Our doctors work in all major hospitals in the Charlotte metropolitan area.

Our physicians, together with our highly trained physician assistants and nurse practitioners, cover a wide range of specialties and are skilled in diagnosis and treatment. Whether you have chronic problems with your digestive tract, a recent, acute attack or simply want a checkup, our team is here in North Carolina to help you reach your healthcare goals.

What We Do

Our team of gastroenterologists in North Carolina is trained to diagnose gastric conditions involving the esophagus, the stomach, the liver, the colon and the rectum. Once we make a diagnosis, we can form a treatment plan tailored to the specific patient and their needs. Some of the common conditions we treat include:

• Constipation
• Bloating and gas
• Celiac disease
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Colorectal cancer
• Diarrhea
• Esophageal cancer
• Fatty liver
• Gallstone
• Gastritis
• GERD
• Hemorrhoids
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Lactose intolerance
• Obesity
• Ulcers

Our team has experience diagnosing and treating these conditions and many more. North Carolina residents in the Charlotte area have come to trust our expertise and our friendly customer service.

Procedures

Our specialists cover a wide variety of fields within gastroenterology and can perform an array of procedures once they have made a diagnosis. Some of the more common procedures are:

• Rectal manometry. This test determines if the rectum is functioning properly and helps to diagnose fecal incontinence and chronic constipation.
• Breath test. A GI doctor can diagnose certain digestive conditions by measuring the gases which a patient exhales.
• Colonoscopy. By means of a camera inserted into the body, doctors can view the intestine and look for polyps, ulcers, bleeding, inflammation and even cancer.
• Polypectomy. If doctors discover polyps during an endoscopy, they will use this procedure to remove them.
• Upper endoscopy. Similar to a colonoscopy, this procedure views the esophagus, stomach and upper duodenum for inflammation, ulcers and abnormal growths.
• Esophageal manometry. This test is to determine the strength of the muscles that you use to swallow, which can affect conditions like heartburn.
• Feeding tubes. A GI doctor can insert a feeding tube when necessary if a patient is not able to feed him or herself.
• ORBERA Gastric Balloon. The FDA has approved our non-surgical program to help patients lose weight and form healthy habits to maintain a stable, healthy weight in the long term.

Research

At Carolina Digestive Health Associates in North Carolina, we participate in many clinical research trials. Medicine is a field that constantly advances, and we encourage and participate in this process to discover new and better ways to diagnose and treat digestive disorders. Sometimes, these trials provide treatment options to our patients in North Carolina that they would not be able to get anywhere else.

When Should You Come to See Us?

Persistent or severe symptoms are reasons to schedule a consultation with us in North Carolina. We also recommend regular screenings starting at age 45 for colon cancer. You may need to see a general practitioner first to get a referral. Come see us if you experience any of the following:

• Constipation. Fewer than three bowel movements a week means constipation. If it persists, contact us.
• Diarrhea. Diarrhea is a common problem, but if it doesn't go away it could be a sign of something more serious.
• Heartburn. A burning your stomach and chest could be your stomach acid inflaming the lining of your esophagus.
• Stomach pain. Severe stomach pain could mean you have a gallstone. More persistent, burning pain could be an ulcer.
• Bloating. If you bloat after a meal, your body might be reacting to something you ate. A gastroenterologist can diagnose the cause.
• Hemorrhoids. If the veins in your rectum are swollen or feel irritated, you may have hemorrhoids, which a GI doctor can treat.
• Blood in your stool. If your stool is black and tarry, or if there is red in the water after a bowel movement, you may have a severe problem that requires immediate attention.

For any of the above symptoms or a cancer screening in North Carolina, contact Carolina Digestive Health Associates for a consultation. Call us at (704) 486-5194 and let one of our highly skilled gastroenterologists assist you.