Is a hepatologist the same as a gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist specializes in diseases of all the digestive tract organs, including the liver, stomach, intestines, pancreas, and gallbladder. A hepatologist, on the other hand, specifically focuses on liver disorders as well as the pancreas and gallbladder.

What diseases does a hepatologist treat?

Hepatologists are medical doctors who diagnose, treat, and manage problems associated with your liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. Liver problems are a growing issue around the world, with conditions like cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and hepatitis affecting the lives of millions of people each year.

What will hepatologist do on first visit?

Your hepatologist will inquire about your medical history, ask you detailed questions about the symptoms you have been experiencing and any previous treatments you had for them. You should also answers questions about your lifestyle such as your diet, your exercise regimen and alcohol and drug intake.

What consultant deals with liver problems?

Hepatologists diagnose and treat all manner of liver problems, including: Cirrhosis caused by significant scarring on the liver.

Does an endocrinologist treat liver problems?

Endocrinologists must screen for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as a complication of type 2 diabetes.

What is a hepatology test?

blood testing to detect signs of infections, such as gallstones and pancreatitis, and inflammation of hepatic organs. imaging tests, such as ultrasounds, to identify gallstones, cysts, and tumors.

Why would you be referred to a hepatologist?

A general practitioner may refer a patient to a hepatologist for a variety of reasons including drug overdose, gastrointestinal bleeding from portal hypertension, jaundice, ascites, enzyme defects or blood tests that indicate liver disease.

What questions should I ask my hepatologist?

Questions to ask your doctor

  • What’s the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • What kinds of tests do I need?
  • Are my liver problems likely temporary or long lasting?
  • What treatments are available?
  • Should I stop taking certain medications or supplements?
  • Do I need to stop drinking alcohol?
  • I have other health conditions.

Does a gastroenterologist deal with the liver?

Both a hepatologist and a gastroenterologist can help diagnose and treat liver disease. Chronic liver diseases are on the rise, as is liver cancer.

What type of doctor do you see for elevated liver enzymes?

Hepatologist. This is a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases associated with the gallbladder, pancreas and liver. They treat acute or chronic liver disease, ranging from fatty liver disease to cirrhosis to liver cancer. Both a hepatologist and a gastroenterologist can help diagnose and treat liver disease.

What do elevated liver enzymes mean?

Elevated liver enzymes often indicate inflammation or damage to cells in the liver. Inflamed or injured liver cells leak higher than normal amounts of certain chemicals, including liver enzymes, into the bloodstream, elevating liver enzymes on blood tests.