Symptoms and Indications of Liver Failure

Liver failure occurs when a major part of the liver gets damaged and is beyond any cure. Liver failure is an extremely life-threatening and severe medical condition, and thus needs urgent medical attention. People should consult a good liver specialist Gangaram Hospital or some other renowned medical facility, in case they face any risk of having a liver failure.

In most cases, liver failure tends to occur slowly over multiple years. However, there is a rare condition known as acute liver failure, where the condition takes place more rapidly and may even occur over a period of 48 hours. Acute liver failure is quite difficult to detect in its initial stages. Liver failure may or may not be reversible, depending on its type and the overall extent of its severity.

In order to prevent this severe medical condition as well as take immediate preventive actions, it is important that people are aware of its various early symptoms. Here are some of the major symptoms of liver failure:

• Jaundice
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Poor appetite
• Feeling of nausea 
• Vomiting
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Confusion and anxiety
• Disturbed sleep
• Abdominal pain towards the right side of the body

There are multiple factors that may lead to liver failure, as well as its diverse symptoms. Here are some of them:

There are certain types of medications whose intake can eventually lead to liver failure. These medicines may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants, as well as particular antibiotics. There are a few types of herbal medicines that may lead to liver failure as well, including skullcap, ephedra and kava.

• Medical condition due to which the veins of the liver get blocked can also lead to liver failure. The Budd-Chiari syndrome is one such medical condition. Certain metabolic ailments like the Wilson's disease can also result in liver failure.
• An overdose of acetaminophen can at times lead to liver failure too.
• Acute liver failure might be caused due to viruses like hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis E.
• Liver failure may take place when the liver gets affected by cancer. 
• In order to reduce the risk of liver failure, limiting the intake of alcohol and tobacco, and getting vaccinations for hepatitis or any similar ailment that are known to primarily impact the liver are a must.

A Brief Insight on the Process of Upper Endoscopy

Endoscopy can be of multiple types. Upper endoscopy is one of the most prominent variants of this procedure, and hence people should try to consult the best endoscopist in Delhi or some other city when going through this important procedure.

Upper endoscopy is used for the purpose of examining the upper digestive system of the body with the help of a tiny camera that is held by a long, flexible tube. This procedure is commonly prescribed to diagnose, or even treat conditions that can affect the stomach, esophagus, as well as the beginning of the small intestine (referred to as the duodenum). Here is more on the scenarios due to which the doctors can prescribe an endoscopic procedure:

• Investigate symptoms and signs: An endoscopy can help the doctors to orderly determine the root cause of various symptoms. These symptoms may include difficulty in swallowing, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, and vomiting. 
• Diagnosing: The doctors may prescribe use of endoscopy for the purpose of collecting tissue samples or doing a biopsy. This biopsy is done to test certain medical conditions and diseases like diarrhea, bleeding, anemia, inflammation, as well as various cancers of the digestive system.
• Treatment: The doctors may pass certain specialized tools through the endoscope for the purpose of treating various problems pertaining to the digestive system. These issues may include removing a foreign object, widening a narrow esophagus, and even clipping off a polyp.
• In many cases, an endoscopy can even be combined with various other medical procedures, such as ultrasound.

Endoscopy should be done on an empty stomach. Hence, people should ensure to not eat anything about eight hours before going for this procedure. The patients must also properly inform the doctors about the various medications and supplements that they are taking at the moment, before going for an endoscopy. There are multiple types of blood thinners that may increase the risk of bleeding in the endoscopic procedure. Hence, it is important to inform the doctors beforehand if the patients are taking any blood-thinning medications. In most cases, the doctors recommend the patients to stop taking such medications a few days before the endoscopy. Specific instructions are given by the doctors to the patients having chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

Why and When Should One Visit A Good Gastroenterologist?

Gastroenterology is an important branch of medical science. This sphere of medicine largely focuses on the overall health of the digestive system, or the gastrointestinal tract of the body. The gastrointestinal tract basically includes the organs of the body from the mouth to the anus, which lies along the alimentary canal. Gastroenterology deals with a plethora of medical conditions, ranging from irritable bowel movement syndrome to hepatitis C. 

Who is a Gastroenterologist?
The medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating ailments related to the gastrointestinal tract are referred to as Gastroenterologists. These physicians are usually able to perform various endoscopic procedures, with the help of which they view the gastrointestinal tract, so as to make an accurate diagnosis. Some best gastroenterologists in Gangaram hospital and other prestigious medical institutions tend to be trained in the Endoscopic ultrasonography. This is an advanced technique, which is used to diagnose distinguished abdominal diseases. Gastroenterologists may also commonly perform therapeutic and diagnostic procedures like colonoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound and liver biopsy.

In addition to gastroenterologists that provide general treatment of the various ailments related to the gastrointestinal tract, there also are specialized medical practitioners who have expertise in a certain discipline of Gastroenterology. Their specializations may be related to reflux esophagitis, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic disease, gastrointestinal cancer, etc. 

When to see a Gastroenterologist?
There are several types of ailments and diseases that might cause complications in the digestion process. Consistently high pain in the abdomen, as well as diarrhea and gas, may indicate the presence of a gastroenterological disorder. For the proper diagnosis of such symptoms, it is important that people consult the best gastroenterologists in Gangaram hospital and other prestigious medical institution. 

Here are a few of the symptoms after facing which people should definitely consult a good Gastroenterologist:

• Heartburn: This basically is a feeling of pain or burning that can be felt in the chest or the throat, and tends to occur when the acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus. Heartburn is often caused due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

• Negative reaction to dairy products: Experiencing uncomfortable symptoms after consuming any dairy product may be a symptom of lactose intolerance.

• Excruciating abdomen pain: Extreme abdominal pain, especially on its right side, maybe due to the presence of gallstones. 

People should always prioritize visiting a good gastroenterologist in case they face any difficulties with their digestion process.

Overview on Primary functions of the Liver

The liver is one of the most vital organs in the human body. This organ is located on the right side of the abdomen, just under the rib rage of a person. The liver is renowned for playing a major role in the process of food digestion, and also helps the human body to get rid of various toxic components. Owing to the numerous important functions conducted by this organ, it is imperative that people visit the best liver specialist in Gangaram hospital or some other renowned medical institute in case they face any liver related concerns.

Here are a few of the major functions of the liver:

· Production of distinct important proteins needed for blood plasma

· Processing of hemoglobin owing to its iron content

· Regulating blood clotting

· Clearing bilirubin from the red blood cells of the body

· Eliminating toxins from the blood stream

· Conversion of poisonous ammonia to urea

· Resisting infections by augmenting the strength of the immunity system of the body, as well as by bacteria from the bloodstream

· Regulation of amino acid blood vessels that form the building blocks of protein

· Conversion of any excess glucose in the body into glycogen for storage purposes, as well as to adequately balance and make glucose whenever necessary

· Production of bile that goes a long way in aiding the process involved in carrying away waste and breaking down of fats in the small intestine during digestion

· Production of various types of special proteins that help in efficiently carrying fats and cholesterol through the body

Due to the above-mentioned crucial functions performed by the liver, maintaining its good health is incredibly important for a person. The health of the liver directly impacts the overall wellbeing of a person. Any severe damage suffered by the liver can thus be quite fatal for a person. Medical conditions related to the liver can be caused by a magnitude of factors, such as viruses and alcohol consumption. Obesity might also lead to liver damage in the long run.  Certain liver ailments might also be genetic. People suffering from any kind of medical condition related to this organ should visit the best liver specialist in Gangaram hospital or some other prestigious medical institute at once.

A Refresher on Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreas is one of the most vital internal organs of the human body. It is found within the abdominal cavity that is there behind the stomach. Pancreas is also considered to be a vital endocrine gland and is responsible for producing several key hormones like polypeptide, somatostatin, glucagon, and insulin.  By releasing strong digestive enzymes into the small intestine, the pancreas helps in digestion process. It also facilitates the infusion of hormones like glucagon and insulin into the bloodstream.

Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer usually develops when the cells in the pancreas start to multiply out of control, and ultimately form a mass or lump. These cancerous cells can, at times, even invade other parts of the human body. Pancreatic cancer can be of several types, pancreatic adenocarcinoma being one of its most common variants. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is, in fact, known to account for 85% of the cases of this medical condition. At even the slightest indication of this medical condition, people should try to consult any well-known and experienced pancreas specialist in Delhi or some other urban center of the country, as this condition can worsen very quickly if not treated right at the onset. Here are few of the symptoms of pancreatic adenocarcinoma:

· Pain in upper abdomen

· Jaundice

· Loss of appetite

· Weight loss

Adenocarcinomas usually develop within the distinct part of the pancreas that makes a host of digestive enzymes. Doctors usually recommend the following tests for the patients suspected with adenocarcinoma:

• Ultrasonography of the abdomen
• CT scan

Its diagnosis is usually confirmed by endoscopic ultrasound and fine needle aspiration. Surgical resection is regarded to be one of the most prominent treatment options for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. However, it is seen that 20% of tumors are usually resectable. Therefore, for other cases, treatment options like palliation with stent placement in common bile duct and duodenum for relief of jaundice and chemotherapy is used.

While underlining any certain factor as the cause of pancreatic cancer can be quite difficult, as per renowned pancreas specialist in Delhi and other urban hubs, the habit of smoking usually increases the risks of developing this medical condition to a great extent. Here are few of the other factors that can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer:

· Chronic inflammation of the pancreas

· Diabetes

· Obesity

· Tobacco chewing

· Family history of genetic conditions, such as :

a) Familial atypical mole-malignant melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome

b) Lynch syndrome

c) a BRCA2 gene mutation

People can check out the websites of renowned medical centers of this country to get a better idea of this ailment.

Dealing with Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an acute disease of the pancreas, an organ which is located behind the stomach. In case of pancreatitis, which can be either acute or chronic, digestive enzymes tend to digest the organ itself, thus resulting in serious complications. Acute pancreatitis may last for a short time, while the chronic disease keeps getting worse with passing time, thereby resulting in permanent damage. Chronic pancreatitis may be attributed to excessive alcohol intake, gallstones, or cystic fibrosis. Hence, it is always better to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease and to look for the best pancreas specialist in Delhi or near your home, as they have proper knowledge of the disease and can suggest a proper treatment.

What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

Mild or severe pain in the upper side of the abdomen, which might spread to the back too, is a characteristic sign of both chronic and acute pancreatitis. However, those suffering from acute pancreatitis may feel the pain in a different way as compared to those afflicted with the chronic disease.  Some of the other symptoms of acute pancreatitis include vomiting, fever, increase in heartbeat, and swelling in the abdomen. However, in case of chronic pancreatitis, one might not observe any sign of the disease till the time there are complications. Some of the signs of this chronic disease are nausea, diarrhoea, reduction in weight, and greasy stools.

Why one should consult a pancreas specialist?

Seeking the right care at the right time is of utmost importance for curing this disease. Depending upon the condition, some of the best pancreas specialists in Delhi offer various treatment options to those afflicted with the disease. Patients suffering from acute pancreatitis might be given pain medicines as well as intravenous fluids, while some whose condition is severe, might have to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for constant observation as the disease might damage other organs as well. Patients might also have to undergo gallbladder surgery or other processes for removing obstructions from the bile duct. Some of the specialists may also feel a need to perform pancreas surgery in order to drain liquid from the organ or to get rid of diseased tissue. For treating chronic pancreatitis, pancreas specialists might suggest some medicines for controlling pain or pancreatic enzyme supplements in order to assist the breaking down the food.

Hence, it is important to consult pancreatitis specialists at the earliest as they can offer quality care, which in turn can improve outcomes over a period of time.

Hepatology: All your questions answered!

You may be on the lookout for the best hepatologist in Delhi, Mumbai, or other cities, but do you actually know about what the specialization is actually about? Knowing more about Hepatology can actually help you a lot when it comes to finding the best hepatologist in Delhi or in other cities.

What is Hepatology?

It is one of the many branches of medical sciences and it covers prevention and cure of diseases of the liver, gall bladder, biliary tree, and pancreas. The term is derived from the Greek words “hepatikos” and “logia”, which mean liver and study, respectively. Hepatology covers jaundice and liver-related ailments such as cancer and transplantation. The field also covers drug overdose, pancreatitis, GIT bleeding, and biliary infection bleeding. The field is known for diagnosis, management, and prevention of ailments such as liver cirrhosis, hemochromatosis, and hepatitis.

Who is a Hepatologist?

A hepatologist is a doctor who has specialised in the diagnosis, prevention, and management of the liver and its associated ailments. The liver is one of the primary organs that require special attention in terms of treatment. A hepatologist is known to cure the diseases listed earlier. These cures also come along with management and effective treatment of the diseases. A hepatologist also follows up with patients who have undergone a liver transplant process, as it is quite a tedious process that may lead to severe complications in some cases.

Medical Procedures that hepatologists perform

There are several procedures related to diagnosing ailments of the liver, gall bladder, biliary tree, or pancreas that are conducted by hepatologists, some of which are:

· Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography – This process is used to diagnose and treat many biliary and pancreatic diseases.

· Transhepatic pancreato-cholangiography – It uses an X-ray to detect obstructions in the bile ducts or the liver.

· Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt – It is a process that involves an artificial channel that is made to create a connection between the portal and hepatic veins.

Ailments for which you should consult with a hepatologist

· Liver-related diseases which are caused by excess intake of alcohol. This also involves cases of fatty liver disease, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

· Viral hepatitis infections (hepatitis A, B, C, and E).

· Prevalent cases of drug overdose, especially paracetamol overdose

· Jaundice

· Gastrointestinal bleeding caused by hypertension which is linked to liver injury

· Enzyme defects causing liver enlargement in children, known as liver storage diseases

· Cases of tropical infections such as hydatid cyst, kala-azar or schistosomiasis

· Cases of liver transplantation

· Acute and advanced cases of liver cancer

· Genetic and metabolic liver diseases

· Pancreatitis, caused by alcohol consumption or gallstones

· Drug metabolism

· Damage to the pancreas or biliary tract caused by infections, cancer, alcohol, bleeding, or obstruction

A hepatologist can play a major role in helping you maintain the health of your liver, gall bladder, biliary tree, and pancreas.