LIVER DISEASE

Functions of the liver:

The main function of the liver is the metabolism of most of the nutrients that are absorbed by the intestine
• It also detoxifies the blood by removing harmful chemicals from the bloodstream.
• Produce biochemical which are necessary for digestion.
• Red blood cells decomposition
• Production of hormones.
Liver diseases refer to the type of damage that can affect the normal functioning of the liver. It is a broad term that covers all the liver-related problems. Liver diseases can be caused by a variety of factors that can damage the liver. Genetic causes are also there that can lead to liver problems.

Symptoms of liver disease

The liver is the largest gland of the body. It performs a wide range of functions in our body to maintain its proper functioning. Several diseases can affect the liver. These diseases can harm the liver in different ways by following different mechanisms. But certain signs and symptoms are commonly seen in all the conditions that affect the liver. Most commonly seen are jaundice and fluid in the abdomen.

Yellowish discoloration of eyes and skin or Jaundice

Jaundice is probably one of the most common symptoms that occur with liver diseases. The yellowish discoloration is caused by the buildup of a compound known as bilirubin. The liver is responsible for its excretion. Thus, in liver diseases, proper removal of bilirubin does not occur, leading to jaundice.

Abdominal swelling or ascites

Abdominal swelling is another common symptom. Proteins formed by the liver are responsible for keeping water in the blood vessels. Levels of these proteins decrease in liver diseases which causes fluid to escape the blood vessels and enter the abdominal cavity.

Other common symptoms that occur in liver diseases include the following:

• Abdominal pain (exact position of pain is different for different diseases)
• Swelling in the legs and feet or edema
• Intense skin itching or Pruritus
• Weakness
• Chronic fatigue
• Malaise or a general feeling of tiredness or feeling unwell
• The dark color of the urine
• The pale color of the stools
• Loss of appetite
• Significant, unintentional weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blood in vomitus
• Blood in stools
• Development of purplish-red marks over the skin (petechiae)
• Easy bruising
• Sleepiness
• Confusion or disorientation
• Musty or sweet odor of the breath
• Tremors in the hands

All these symptoms can occur in varying degrees in different diseases of the liver. It is challenging to reach a definite diagnosis with these presenting symptoms because these are common to almost all liver diseases.

But it is also essential to do so because the diagnosis will decide the exact course of treatment. Being able to diagnose different liver diseases from these common symptoms is a skill that is developed over a long period of time. Therefore, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to accumulate such knowledge for the patient's welfare.

Dr. Shri Ram Agarwal is a gastroenterologist or liver specialist in Delhi who has dedicated his life for the betterment of his patients.

He is undoubtedly the best liver doctor in Delhi, with over 20 years of treating patients with various liver diseases. He has seen a wide variety of all kinds of liver diseases, and that knowledge helps him reach a definite diagnosis rapidly so that proper treatment can be initiated for the patients at the earliest. With liver diseases, rapid diagnosis is crucial because it can be a matter of life and death for the patient.

All these factors make Dr. Shri Ram Agarwal the best liver doctor in Delhi.

Causes of liver diseases

1. Congenital causes of liver disease

Hemochromatosis: An iron disorder in which iron accumulates in the body and liver
Biliary atresia: Abnormal development of bile ducts is called Biliary atresia.
Wilson’s disease: Accumulation of copper into the liver, brain and other vital organs because copper isn't eliminated properly from the body.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: Inability of the body to make Alpha-1 anti-trypsin (AAT) which may lead to lung and liver damage. AAT is a protein which made in the liver and protects the lungs and liver from any kind of damage.
Gilbert’s syndrome: An inherited condition in which the liver fails to process bilirubin properly.

2. Causes of acquired liver disease

Liver diseases caused by alcohol: Drinking excess amount of alcohol is the main cause of alcoholic liver diseases. The common risk factors for alcoholic diseases include:
• Obesity
• Gender: women are more prone to alcoholic liver diseases.
• Genetic factors
Three stages of liver damage because of alcohol are as follows:
Fatty liver: Acute alcohol ingestion may cause fatty liver which is generally reversible with abstinence. Accumulation of excess fat cells in the liver is called fatty liver
Alcoholic hepatitis: Chronic use of alcohol may lead to inflammation into the liver, called alcoholic hepatitis. It can also develop in a patient with moderate use of alcohol. The symptoms are the loss of appetite, low-grade fever, fatigue, weakness, nausea and vomiting.
Alcoholic cirrhosis: Jaundice, pruritis and portal hypertension are the major symptoms of alcoholic cirrhosis.

3. Viral hepatitis

Use of the toxins, medication and heavy alcohol use may lead to the development of inflammation into the liver also called hepatitis. This liver condition is often caused by a virus. Most common viral hepatitis are:
Hepatitis A: Caused by Hepatitis A virus infection. Lasts from few weeks to several months. This virus spread by the ingestion of the food or any drink contaminated by even small amount of faecal material of the infected person.
Hepatitis B: Caused by Hepatitis A virus infection. Starts from a mild illness for a few weeks and if not treated turns to a serious chronic life long condition. It spreads to a non-infected person from the infected person when the blood, semen and other body fluids of an infected person enter into the body of a non-infected person.
Hepatitis C: Caused by the infection of Hepatitis C virus. The infection starts with mild illness and turns into a chronic serious illness if not treated. It spreads from the blood of an infected person when coming in contact with a non-infected person even in very small amounts.

4. Medication-induced liver problems

It is important to follow the dosage instructions given by the doctor or given in the packaging because many medications can be toxic to the liver. For example, paracetamol is an effective antipyretic drug and an over the counter medicine but may lead to liver damage after taking more than the prescribed dose.

Why Dr. Shri Ram Agarwal is the best liver doctor in Delhi?

Dr. Shri Ram Agarwal is a renowned liver doctor in Delhi. He has completed his graduation (MBBS) from S.N. medical college in Jodhpur. After graduation, he went on to do his post-graduation in medicine from the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), Delhi. He did his specialisation in Gastroenterology from the GB Pant hospital in Delhi, where he worked for four years. He has over 20 years of experience in dealing with patients of all kinds of liver diseases. 

While working in GB Pant hospital, he published many research papers in various renowned scientific journals. He also worked as a teacher in the hospital and provided training to students on various endoscopic procedures.

Dr. Shri Ram Agarwal is the best liver doctor in Delhi who has vast experience in treating various liver diseases. He is very well qualified and has expertise in dealing with patients who come to him with varied problems. 

Dr. Shri Ram Agarwal is affiliated with the Chanan Devi hospital while simultaneously working at the Samadhan clinic since 2002.

Why Choose Samadhan Clinic for liver treatment?

The Samadhan clinic is one of the best clinics in Delhi with the foremost liver specialist. 

Samadhan clinic is equipped with the best state of art equipment and instruments which are used for all the endoscopic procedures and other procedures that are performed at the clinic.  All these instruments are sterilised thoroughly after use with the help of B class autoclave and the sterilised instruments are stored in separate sealed packages. Sterility of instruments is of utmost importance in the clinic.

You will get the best treatment from the most qualified and skilled doctor and his team, who are very efficient in reaching the correct diagnosis and promptly starting the necessary treatment. This quick approach comes after years of experience and can be very beneficial when the patient is battling for his/her life. 

Dr. Shri Ram Agarwal encourages the patients to have open communication with him which facilitates better treatment for the patient. He ensures the patient's comfort and he provides a safe space for patients to divulge their medical history which is extremely important for correct diagnosis and treatment. 

At the Samadhan clinic, you will get the best treatment for all your liver problems at the most reasonable costs in Delhi.