It is not uncommon for people to be advised about getting colon or reproductive health screenings regularly, but how often are people advised to get their liver checked? Liver health is often ignored until] an issue arises. Early liver screenings can help identify ailments like fatty liver, inflammation, and fibrosis before they worsen and lead to much serious health problems.
Within this post, we will outline the risk factors as well as when to get the liver checked.
Risk Factors that Make Screening Important
Certain risk factors can make liver screenings just as important. These factors include:
- Heavy alcohol use- Heavy alcohol use can cause the cells of the liver to be damaged. It’s important to partake in liver screenings in order to assess how much damage has been done, as well as prevent any further damage to the liver.
- Individuals with hepatitis B or C- Long-term hepatitis can lead to liver damage and increase the possibility of liver cancer. Screenings can help make sure that timely treatment is administered, thus preventing any potentially serious complications.
- Family history of liver disease- Individuals with a family history of liver disease generally have a higher risk of developing it themself.
- Diabetics- Insulin resistance can affect fat storage and can lead to fat getting into the bloodstream, which eventually ends up in the liver. This can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can cause further liver damage if left untreated.
- Obese individuals- Obese individuals have an increased risk of developing non-fatty alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD). If left untreated, NAFLD can worsen and lead to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or cirrhosis. Screenings can help prevent NAFLD from progressing any further.
Symptoms of Early Liver Dysfunction
Recognizing the symptoms of liver dysfunction can be extremely helpful in preventing any sort of progression and damage. These symptoms include:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling of the legs
- Itchy skin
While liver disease does cause symptoms, it’s important to note that early stages of liver disease can cause zero symptoms.
Why Early Detection Matters
Early detection of disease is vital for liver health. If the liver experiences minimal scarring, the damage is able to be reversed with the help of a treatment plan. These types of treatments can help reduce the risk of any further damage and health complications. This isn’t always easy, since disease symptoms aren’t always experienced, regardless of what is going on beneath the surface. Liver disease that is left untreated can progress to more serious stages like cirrhosis (severe scarring and irreversible damage to the liver) and even liver failure.
How FibroScan GO Makes Liver Checks Faster and Easier
Like a liver biopsy, FibroScan GO is a screening tool that helps assess liver health, yet unlike a liver biopsy, it is a non-invasive procedure. A probe is placed on the skin above and uses ultrasound waves to test the stiffness and fat content of the liver. The stiffer the liver indicates a greater amount of scarring, whereas increased sound wave absorption reveals a greater fat content. This procedure takes about 15 minutes and requires no recovery time afterwards. Results are received shortly following the scan, which helps to develop the next steps in the treatment plan.
How to Schedule an Appointment With Newtown Gastroenterology
With all this information, it can be overwhelming to know what to do and where to begin. Here at Newtown Gastroenterology, you don’t have to go it alone. Our expert gastroenterologists can help ensure that you get the care for your liver health that you need. Don’t wait, Schedule an appointment today.
