Types of Hepatology Diseases

Hepatology

Hepatology is the branch of medicine that studies, diagnosis, prevents and manages disease like biliary tree, liver and pancreas. Hepatology is derived from the Greek words “hepatikos” which means study of liver. Initially it was considered as sub-specialty of gastroenterology but due to its rapid expansion in some countries it has led doctors to specialize in the particular area and they are called as hepatologists.

Overview

Hepatitis affects millions of people globally. It is associated with several poor outcomes including liver transplant and liver cancer. Particularly hepatitis B and hepatitis C are major causes of liver cancer, while alcohol causes conditions such as cirrhosis and other serious complications. Hepatologists frequently deal with alcohol related liver diseases and viral hepatitis.

Liver filters our blood and eliminates drugs, alcohol and other toxins from the body we come in contact with. Our blood passes from the digestive filter through liver where the liver converts sugars and carbohydrates into glycogen and stores it. It later reconverts it to glucose to give the body energy when the body needs it.

The liver produces bile which aids in digestion and absorption of fats. Liver also makes proteins which are important for clotting of blood and various other functions.Because of all the functions the liver performs, when liver diseases are developed the whole body gets affected. Liver is one such organ that has capability to regenerate in the body which makes it is so important to detect and treat liver disease early.

Common Hepatology diseases:-

1.  Liver

•  Liver failure is caused by many factors such as consuming excessive amount of alcohol, infection or any genetic diseases.
• Cirrhosis is a slowly progressing liver disease. Where healthy liver tissues are replaced with scar tissue and the liver is unable to function properly.
• Liver cancer is another disease caused by alcohol abuse, genetic or chronic infection.
• Ascites disease is where the liver leaks fluid space between the lining of the abdomen and abdominal organs which becomes distended and heavy.
• Hepatitis is Inflammation of the liver which is usually caused by hepatitis A, B, and C viruses. Hepatitis is also caused by heavy drinking, drugs, allergic reactions, or obesity.

2.  Pancreas

Pancreatitis is a disease where pancreas is inflamed. Pancreas is damaged when the digestive enzymes are activated before they release into small intestine and attack the pancreas. There are two forms of pancreatitis which are acute and chronic.

Acute pancreatitis: - Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation which lasts for a short time. It may range from mild discomfort to a severe life-threatening illness. In severe cases acute pancreatitis can result in serious damage of tissues, formation of cysts or bleeding in the glands which can harm lungs, kidney and heart.

 Chronic pancreatitis: - Chronic pancreatitis is a long-lasting inflammation. Alcohol abuse is the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis but gallstones, autoimmune diseases, and cystic fibrosis can also cause it.

3. Gallbladder

Gallbladder stones are an extremely common disorder .Some patients experience biliary colic and often severe pain in the epigastrium or right upper quadrant. If the cystic duct obstruction persists the gallbladder becomes inflamed and the patient develops cholecystitis, an acute inflammation and infection of gallbladder.

Treatment Options

Medical practitioners who are specialized in the field of hepatology diagnose and treat many conditions of the body's digestive systems. The hepatology tract is associated with organs such as liver, pancreas and gallbladder which play an important role in the digestion process. The food that we eat goes through many channels and stages to convert it into the simplest form that can be absorbed by the body for nourishment. Some of the treatment and services Hepatologists includes:-

·         Hepatitis: - Usually hepatitis A goes away with time and hepatitis B often requires medicines whereas hepatitis C treatments depend on various factors.

·         Liver:-A liver transplant surgery is needed when the liver does not function properly. For Liver cancer treatment chemotherapy and radiation are performed. In cases, surgical resection is performed.

·         Paracentesis: While treating a needle is inserted through the skin to drain fluid from the abdomen.

·         Drugs and surgery along with lifestyle alterations can be utilized to help with Crohn's disease.

·         Ulcerative colitis which causes swelling of the large intestine and be very painful. There is no cure for it

·         Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is performed using a long, flexible tube with a camera on the end to detect liver problems.

Why India?

Treatment options in India for Hepatology have increased in recent years due to research and technological advancement. Many procedures are introduced in India which is less invasive than in past due to new techniques. There are highly skilled surgeons available in India. Treatments in India are available at very reasonable costs.

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