Liver Disease Treatment (Hepatology) at Emirates Hospitals Group. The liver is a vital organ that acts as a detoxifier, protein manufacturer, metabolic powerhouse, and bile producer. When this vital organ faces challenges and malfunctions a variety of health concerns can arise. Our hepatologists in Dubai focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of liver diseases.
Symptoms of Liver Disease:
Liver disease can exist with no symptoms in the early stages. However, some common signs and symptoms our liver doctors in Dubai look for include:
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes due to a buildup of bilirubin, a waste product processed by the liver.
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite or nausea
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Dark urine
- Itchy skin
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Confusion or problems with thinking
Common Liver Diseases
Our Liver Doctors in Dubai see a variety of common liver diseases. Some of which are becoming increasingly frequent in the region. This is one reason early detection is important:
- Viral Hepatitis: Infections like Hepatitis B and C can cause inflammation and damage to the liver.
- Alcoholic Liver Disease: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver failure.
- Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Accumulation of fat in the liver unrelated to alcohol consumption, potentially progressing to cirrhosis.
- Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): A more severe form of NAFLD with inflammation and damage to the liver cells.
- Autoimmune Hepatitis: The immune system mistakenly attacks the liver cells, causing inflammation and damage.
- Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver tissue that hinders its ability to function.
- Liver Cancer: A rare but serious form of cancer that can develop in the liver.
Uncommon Liver Diseases
The following conditions that can be diagnosed by our liver specialists in Dubai, but they are fortunately less common.
- Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC): Autoimmune disease targeting the bile ducts, eventually impacting the liver.
- Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC): Inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts, potentially leading to liver damage.
- Wilson’s Disease: A genetic disorder causing copper buildup in the liver, leading to organ damage if untreated.
- Hemochromatosis: Excess iron accumulation in the body, damaging various organs, including the liver.
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: Genetic disorder leading to liver damage and lung problems.
Liver Disease Treatment in Dubai at Emirates Hospitals Group
Our hepatologists employ a variety of approaches to manage liver disease, tailored to the specific diagnosis. Common treatment strategies and procedures include:
- Medications: Viral hepatitis treatments, immunosuppressants for autoimmune hepatitis, or medications to manage complications of cirrhosis.
- Diet & Lifestyle Modification: A specialized diet plan can help manage liver function and prevent further damage. Reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly can improve liver health.
- Minimally invasive procedures: Techniques like transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation to reduce portal hypertension, a complication of cirrhosis.