Fatty Liver North Carolina

Most people are aware that excessive chronic alcohol abuse can cause irreversible liver damage, but it is possible to suffer from liver disease even if you do not drink. If you suffer from symptoms of a fatty liver, North Carolina is home to one of the best digestive health practices in the region. Carolina Digestive Health Associates offers treatment for a wide variety of gastrointestinal diseases and medical conditions, including fatty liver. We employ 14 highly trained and experienced gastroenterologists who provide patient care in eight offices, five endoscopy clinics, and in every major hospital in the Charlotte area.

What Is Fatty Liver Disease?

There are two major types of fatty liver disease: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and alcoholic steatohepatitis. Alcoholic liver disease may see some improvement by ceasing or limiting alcohol consumption, but alcohol abuse can cause severe damage over time, and some liver damage may be irreversible. People who regularly consume large quantities of alcohol over a long period of time and who are obese face the greatest risk of developing alcoholic fatty liver disease. Women also face an inherently higher risk of developing alcoholic fatty liver disease from consistent alcohol abuse.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease generally comes in two varieties: simple fatty liver disease which typically entails few to no negative symptoms and a relatively low risk of future complications, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which entails liver cell damage and scar tissue formation. The latter can potentially progress to cirrhosis of the liver from excess scar tissue formation or even liver failure.

Symptoms of Fatty Liver

One of the most troubling aspects of fatty liver disease is that both nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic fatty liver disease entail few to no symptoms. When an individual has either condition, he or she may not experience any symptoms other than mild discomfort in the upper right portion of the abdomen or a persistent lack of energy.

Despite the fact that fatty liver disease rarely causes overtly noticeable symptoms, some noticeable symptoms are possible and may indicate advanced liver damage from excessive fat buildup in the liver:

• Unexpected weight loss
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Lack of appetite
• Weakness
• Abdominal pain

If fatty liver disease escalates to cirrhosis or liver failure, symptoms may progress to jaundice, an inflamed abdomen, confusion, and abnormal bleeding.

Common Causes of Fatty Liver

Alcohol abuse disorder is the most common reason for fatty liver disease, but there are other risk factors that may lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Obesity is one of the most dangerous possible causes and this condition also entails a host of other possible health problems. Other common causes of fatty liver disease include diabetes, genetic inheritance, and hyperlipidemia, or an excess buildup of fats and triglycerides in the blood.

Fatty liver sometimes develops during pregnancy. Acute fatty liver during pregnancy usually becomes apparent during the third trimester and can be life-threatening. Women who experience acute nausea and vomiting, jaundice, pain in the upper right abdomen, and/or general malaise may have developed this condition and if so require immediate care. If caught early enough, women who experience acute fatty liver generally see their symptoms fade within a few weeks following delivery.

Treatments for Fatty Liver Diseases

When it comes to alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol cessation is the most effective treatment. However, the addictive properties of alcohol abuse disorder can make this extremely challenging for alcoholics in advanced stages of abuse or who have been alcoholics for many years. For nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the best treatments often include lifestyle changes such as limiting fatty and processed foods, managing intake of sugars and saturated fats, and controlling blood sugar.

If you experience any symptoms of fatty liver disease or have struggled with alcohol abuse, it is best to have a professional evaluate you for fatty liver. North Carolina residents who struggle with nonalcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver diseases can contact Carolina Digestive Health Associates to schedule an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists. Call us at (704) 318-4493 during normal business hours to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors.

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) 318-4493 and let one of our highly skilled gastroenterologists assist you.