Liver doctor. Which specialist treats the liver? A hepatologist will come to your aid

Few people know which doctor checks the liver. As a rule, this question is asked in cases where there are clear signs of inflammation or other pathologies. At the same time, the liver is one of the most important organs in our body.

This is explained by the fact that it is the liver that carries out the cleansing function, due to which harmful and toxic substances do not accumulate in the body. However, an unhealthy lifestyle often leads to a very serious load on the organ, resulting in various inflammations and diseases. Abnormalities in the liver can cause improper functioning of the body as a whole. That is why it is very important to consult a doctor promptly when problems arise and the first symptoms appear.

The main doctor who deals directly with liver treatment is a hepatologist. This specialist deals only with liver diseases and can offer the patient various techniques and therapies. However, often the first thing you should contact is not him. If you do not understand whether the symptoms correspond to liver disease, you should first consult a therapist who will help you understand where exactly the inflammation is concentrated. Next, the therapist, as a rule, writes out a referral to a specialist.

You need to immediately contact an infectious disease specialist if you notice signs characteristic of hepatitis:

darkening of urine
almost white stool
yellowing of the whites of the eyes

Since hepatitis is viral disease, it is this specialist who will help determine the presence of infection in the body. Sometimes various disorders liver work manifests itself in the form of skin rashes, hives and even itching. In this case, of course, it is better to first consult a dermatologist in order to find out the cause of such symptoms. Most likely, a dermatologist will refer you for tests. If a urine test shows that the cause is in the liver, then the next step is to visit a hepatologist.

The choice of doctor depends on the specific situation and the symptoms that appear. Before seeking help from a hepatologist, you need to accurately determine whether the signs correspond to liver disease.

What symptoms require a thorough examination?

Of course, you shouldn’t run to the hospital at every slightest ailment and find out which doctor to see to check your liver. However, there are a number of symptoms that may indicate serious infections or developing inflammation liver:

Strong bitter taste in the mouth.
The appearance of new age spots on the face.
Dark urine and light stool.
Increased fatigue.
Acute pain in the right hypochondrium, general discomfort.
The appearance of a yellowish tint on the whites of the eyes.
Frequent digestive disorders.
Severe pain in the pit of the stomach.
Vomiting, sometimes even bile.
Skin rashes accompanied by itching.
Increased reaction to odors.

If you have several similar symptoms, you should immediately contact a hepatologist, since they are mainly signs of infectious hepatitis. In this case, delay may result in complications and longer treatment. After all, as you know, hepatitis is easily treated at the initial stage, in more complex form treatment takes a long time. If no measures are taken at all, hepatitis can lead to the development of liver cirrhosis and even cancer.

How to check your liver?

Diagnosis of liver diseases is quite difficult. First, the doctor testing the liver will examine the patient and conduct a thorough questioning. This will help determine the main symptoms and draw initial conclusions regarding the disease. Signs can only be confirmed or refuted laboratory research. Therefore, as a rule, a series of tests are then prescribed.

Initially, as a rule, a blood test from a vein and a urine test are taken. With their help, the presence of certain enzymes in the body is determined. If tests show that the likelihood of liver disease is high, additional procedures are prescribed, such as ultrasonography, and biopsy. Such measures will make it possible to more accurately determine where inflammation is concentrated and what the size of the liver is (during inflammation, it is usually enlarged).

An ultrasound examination will also show the presence of neoplasms, if any. Sometimes patients are additionally prescribed special genetic tests, which make it possible to determine hereditary predisposition to diseases and certain characteristics of the body.

Only with the results of all tests and other studies in hand can a hepatologist draw conclusions about the disease and the stage of its development. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate, despite the fact that many drugs for treating the liver are sold in pharmacies today. Only an experienced specialist can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe complex therapy. The abundance of drugs makes treatment difficult, since each drug has a number of contraindications and side effects. Due to these features, it is quite difficult to choose a drug that is suitable for a particular patient and does not cause allergic reactions in him.

Not correct treatment can lead to even greater intoxication of the liver and severe disruption of its functioning. You shouldn't rely on traditional methods therapy, liver disease is a serious problem for the whole body, and therefore it cannot be done without competent treatment.

Watch this short video to learn how to quickly check your liver at home:

What does a blood test show?

A blood test is a primary study that shows whether any measures need to be taken or not. The fact is that the liver contains the enzymes ALT and AST. If the organ is normal, the content of these enzymes in the blood is minimal. When the liver becomes inflamed, its cells are destroyed and release enzymes into the blood, causing their levels to become much higher. The average content of enzymes in the blood indicates the presence of some disorders in the liver. High content, in turn, signals the presence of inflammation.

Another marker is the level of the enzyme Gamma-GTP in the blood. This enzyme begins to be released during toxic or alcoholic hepatitis. As a rule, with this disease, the outflow of bile is difficult, which leads to cell destruction.

Another enzyme, alkaline phosphatase, increases in cases alcoholic hepatitis or in the presence of cancer. If the patient does not abuse alcohol, but the enzyme is elevated, this is a signal that a tumor is developing in the body. In this case, additional examination will be required; it is best to undergo an MRI procedure.

Cholinesterase is an enzyme that, on the contrary, decreases sharply during liver diseases. If the level of the first three enzymes has increased and cholinesterase has decreased, we can talk about the presence of serious liver pathology.

Such examinations, even without the presence of symptoms of inflammation, should be performed at least once a year. This will prevent the development of the disease, and generally know what condition the liver is in. It would be a good idea to carry out preventative liver cleansing from time to time.

Now you know which doctor checks the liver and which specialist you should immediately go to if you have the first signs of disease.

Pain that suddenly began in the right hypochondrium is an alarming sign indicating possible liver disease, and in this situation the question arises of which specialist should be contacted in this case.

The best thing to do is to first see a therapist, who will make a preliminary diagnosis based on the description. pain concerns the patient, initial examination and laboratory testing.

Depending on the result of the examination, a recommendation will be given on the next step, but you can also independently consult a doctor who treats the liver, a hepatologist - he provides medical care in case of damage to the structure of the organ and its improper functioning.

The doctor prescribes a course of therapy if diagnosed:

all types of hepatitis (toxic, viral, autoimmune);
cirrhosis caused by various sources;
cholecystitis during acute and prolonged periods; genetic abnormalities;
benign formations and malignant tumors;
illnesses digestive system;
hepatitis C and B;
cirrhosis of various origins;
liver abscesses, inflammation.

The very origin of the word “hepatologist” has two roots of Greek origin: “hepatos” - liver and “logos” - teaching. IN modern language this can be interpreted as a doctor treating the liver

Research

A positive result in the treatment of any disease is based on its accurate diagnosis, especially early stages. It is extremely important to see a doctor if your liver hurts and have it examined as soon as possible, since many organ abnormalities develop asymptomatically over several years.

Doctors have modern equipment in their arsenal medical equipment, allowing us to obtain a reliable picture of the disease. In order to check the internal organs, the patient may be prescribed following procedures in combination or some of them:

ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the abdominal cavity;
study of the biochemical composition of blood;
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdominal organs;
esophagoscopy, that is, endoscopic examination of the esophagus;
colonoscopy – visual examination of the rectum and colon;
liver biopsy;
CT scan(CT);
blood test to determine antibodies to the hepatitis virus and malignant tumors;
test to determine genetic changes (genetic examination).

The results obtained during the examinations will give a reliable idea to the doctor treating the liver in what condition the organ is.

How is a liver examination performed?

A physician, a hepatologist, or a gastroenterologist can prescribe a referral for testing. Typically, blood and urine are tested first. They are the starting point for making a diagnosis.

Deviations from standard readings characterizing the normal state of human health tell the doctor about the development of pathology. This is evidenced by:

increased number of white blood cells and red blood cells (typical of an infection inside the liver);
A decrease in platelet count may be an indicator of changes occurring in the liver. This symptom is characteristic of the development of viral hepatitis. There is no single standard for indications for all people. They depend on the gender and age of the person.

Based only on indicators general analysis blood, the doctor who treats the liver does not make an exact conclusion. The doctor prescribes an additional blood test: biochemical analysis.

This method laboratory diagnostics makes it possible to gain full awareness of the condition of all organs located in the abdominal cavity:

kidney;
pancreas;
gallbladder;
and, of course, the liver, assess the usefulness of their work, whether carbohydrate, protein or lipid metabolism is normal.

Important indicators of the study in question will be necessary for a doctor who treats not only the liver, but also the pancreas, and these are:

intracellular enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT), located in the muscles of the heart, liver and skeletal muscles. The presence of an enzyme in the blood is an obvious sign of a defect in the membrane of organ cells. Detection of ALT indicates the existence of hepatitis of viral and toxic origin, malignant formation in the liver, and also indicates a threat cardiovascular system, the occurrence of myocardial infarction. The normal content of the intracellular enzyme ALT is usually within 41 U/l. All indicators above this value indicate the development of serious anomalies within the body;
The enzyme in the tissue cells of internal organs, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), is involved in all biochemical processes in the body, activating them. The highest content of AST is concentrated in the liver and muscle tissue. An increased level of enzyme in the blood is an alarming symptom. Conducting an AST test is necessary to identify dangerous diseases of the liver, heart, pancreas and other internal organs. When studying test results, take into account the ratio of ALT and AST enzymes;
Bilirubin is a bile pigment that occurs during the breakdown of proteins contained in it. An increase in its concentration is a sign of impaired bile movement and liver function;
the enzyme gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) is concentrated in the kidneys and liver. It is an indicator of cholestasis, that is, stagnation of bile.
alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme; its normal concentration in the blood ranges from 44 IU/l to 147 IU/l. A slight deviation from the norm in the direction of increase can be observed in a child in puberty or in a pregnant woman.

An increase in the enzyme, especially in combination with increased ALT AST levels, signals pathology in the liver.

Simultaneously high level alkaline phosphatase and calcium and phosphorus - a problem with bone tissue.

Ultrasound

When diagnosing liver diseases, the doctor must perform an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, which gives a complete and reliable picture of all parameters of the liver and gall bladder at the time of the procedure, and their changes.

Using this method, all types of existing organ lesions:

mixed or diffuse, for example:
- hepatosis is a process in which fat cells replace functionally active hepatocytes;
- both forms of hepatitis: acute or permanent. In this case, there is an increase in the lobes of the organ, a change in the shape of the edges;
- cirrhosis;
focal. Using ultrasound, organ lobes that have a density higher than normal are identified:
- adenomas;
- metastases of malignant tumors;
- hemangiomas and similar anomalies.

The accuracy of the results obtained by ultrasound is high, but the lack of special signs does not make it possible to reliably establish the result; this requires additional research.

The procedure requires preparation, in particular: dietary restrictions and a cleansing enema on the day of the ultrasound.

Fibrotest

Diagnosis of viral hepatitis requires laboratory testing with their markers. The test allows you to obtain information about liver abnormalities in the past and determine whether there is inflammation in the present time. The analysis is considered a reliable barometer in determining dangerous viruses and their generation, and also recognizes hepatitis C. If a woman plans to become pregnant in the near future, then it is advisable to conduct this type of research to prevent transmission of the disease from mother to child.

Additional studies may be required to make an accurate diagnosis. For example, new modern look diagnostics – fibrotest. It serves as an alternative to performing a biopsy of an internal organ. The results of the liver condition are derived through mathematical calculations based on the readings of the patient’s biochemical blood test. The advantage of this type of study is its complete safety, so the hepatologist can prescribe it even during pregnancy.

Laboratory research

Well-known methods for diagnosing diseases of internal organs remain:

magnetic resonance and computed tomography. While conducting the study, the doctor receives images of sections of the organ step by step. With the help of contrast enhancement, foci of pathologies are identified. During a detailed radiation examination of the organ using tomography, all changes in the size and structure of the organ are determined. There are contraindications - a pacemaker and pregnancy in women;
A biopsy, as a rule, is prescribed by a doctor as a last resort, when confirmation of the malignancy or benignity of the test material is required. The procedure is surgery, during which a piece of the organ itself is removed. There are three types of biopsy:
standard – collecting a piece of an organ using a needle,
laparoscopic – visualization of the process by performing endoscopic surgery;
transvenous – using a venous catheter.

Complications of liver diseases and their treatment

Ascites or dropsy is a serious complication that occurs with cirrhosis of the liver and requires surgical intervention. The disorder is represented by a cluster large quantity water in the abdominal cavity. Additional signs indicating an anomaly:

a belly that has grown to enormous sizes;
dyspnea;
feeling of heaviness.

The disease is treated with diuretics medicines. If the required effect of treatment is not achieved, surgery is used and excess fluid is pumped out through a procedure called paracentesis (insertion of a tube into the abdominal cavity to drain water).

Common complications include venous bleeding of the esophagus, which threatens the patient with an extremely serious condition, often ending in coma.
In this case, hospitalization is necessary.

Oncological lesions of the liver

Cirrhosis is an extremely dangerous disease. Its presence significantly increases the risk of developing malignant tumors in the liver. In addition, the following factors increase the likelihood of cancer:

excessive abuse of alcoholic beverages;
cholelithiasis;
hepatitis;
genital infections.

In each individual case, the doctor deals with the liver thoroughly and very seriously, since the consequences of an illiterate diagnosis and prescribed treatment end in death for the patient.

A timely visit to the doctor and timely research will help prevent not only the development of cirrhosis, but also diagnose and prevent the development of:

cysts;
pancreatitis – dangerous disease pancreas;
polycystic disease in women;
hemangiomas are benign formations of internal organs.

Below are some tips from Professor Alexander Yakovlevich Neumyvakin to maintain digestive health and quality preventive measures that will help avoid complications:

drink more clean, plain water;
chew food thoroughly;
maintain the acid-base balance in the body.

The liver is one of the most important human organs; its importance is difficult to overestimate. It is the liver that removes waste products and harmful substances accumulated in the body.

It is directly involved in the synthesis of many compounds and enzymes, as well as bile, without which the process of metabolism and digestion is simply impossible. It also renews blood cells and produces immunoglobulin, a reliable defender of human immunity. In addition to everything, this organ also accumulates energy reserves and some vitamins. Suffice it to say that the liver performs about 500 functions, so humanity has not yet learned how to artificially reproduce its functioning.

Problems that periodically appear in the liver cannot be ignored, so they must be taken very seriously, without letting the situation take its course. You should contact the clinic if:

heaviness appeared in the hypochondrium on the right;
a feeling of bitterness appeared in the mouth;
suffers from heartburn, loss of appetite and nausea;
visiting the toilet with diarrhea reveals the presence of colorless feces and dark urine;
the skin and sclera of the eyes turned yellow;
nervousness and fatigue arose;
diarrhea;
constipation;
allergic attacks are present, itchy skin;
vision deteriorates;
acne and furunculosis appeared on the body;
Blood pressure suddenly rises.

You should never self-medicate; visit a specialist who can certainly perform a detailed examination before starting treatment. This is because most liver diseases have no symptoms, long time do not show up at all.

Therefore, often turning to medicine occurs too late, when the functionality of an organ is significantly impaired, its tissues have undergone a process of degeneration. Connective tissue, which was formed in place of the natural one, is not able to function like the liver, so an imbalance occurs in the body. If the condition is advanced, it is very difficult to cure the liver; usually the only task is to stop the development of the pathology.

hepatitis (can be toxic or infectious);
fatty hepatosis (also called steatosis);
cirrhosis (can cause organ cancer).

Most people know very well which doctor to go to if they have stomach pain, constipation, or pancreatitis. But regarding the liver, there is no unanimous answer to the question of which doctor to see. But really, what kind of doctor treats this organ? Let's look at the closest medical specializations to determine what kind of doctor should be who treats the liver.

It is very logical, when visiting a clinic for the first time with a liver problem, to first consult a therapist. After all, this is a general specialist, he has enough skills and knowledge to suspect liver pathology and preliminarily determine the diagnosis. The doctor has at his disposal laboratory and many instrumental methods for performing diagnostic studies.

These include:

lab tests;
Esophagoscopy;
magnetic resonance imaging;
colonoscopy.

After conducting laboratory tests and receiving their results, the therapist is able to detect disease of the liver or other internal organs (pancreatitis), which gives similar symptoms. Sometimes liver diseases are discovered purely by chance as a result of such examinations. This situation is quite understandable, since the initial stages of any liver problem do not cause any specific complaints, because this organ, due to the peculiarities of its structure and the absence nerve endings It doesn't hurt on its own.

In addition to the fact that the attending physician will assess the functionality of the liver, he is also able to identify some concomitant diseases that affect neighboring organs (pancreatitis), which are saturated in the abdomen. They are the gallbladder and the pancreas. Statistics stubbornly show that with hepatitis, in four out of five cases, a combined pathology is observed and pancreatitis is a frequent “neighbor” of liver problems.

Thanks to the correct interpretation of research results, the therapist is able to determine subsequent tactics and begin liver treatment. When the pathology does not threaten a person with serious complications, has not affected other systems and nearby organs, and does not require hospital treatment or additional examination, the doctor independently provides the correct therapy. If the problem threatens the patient’s life, he will refer him to specialists specializing in a narrow profile.

Gastroenterologist

You need to understand the question - who is a gastroenterologist and what does he treat? If laboratory tests reveal abnormalities in the functioning gastrointestinal tract, pancreatitis - the therapist refers the patient to this specialist. He appoints additional tests, capable of clarifying the current stage of the disease and the tendency towards its progression. Also, this doctor not only treats gastritis - he is able, thanks to various techniques, to diagnose the presence of other diseases, as well as identify abnormalities in the functioning of the digestive organs.

If a gastroenterologist reveals dyspeptic disorders, there may be serious damage to the liver tissue. Then he will prescribe the patient medication that can stop the progression of the pathology.

A hepatologist specializes in the treatment of specific liver diseases. He performs diagnostics, prescribes the correct treatment and gives recommendations regarding the prevention of liver diseases and problems with the biliary system. The clinics also employ pediatric hepatologists who are well versed in how the liver works and should develop correctly along with gallbladder in children from a very early age.

The main symptoms of hepatitis are dark urine with light feces, yellowing of the eye sclera and skin. However, many liver diseases have similar symptoms. Therefore, it is the hepatologist, based on his knowledge in the field of physiology, toxicology, pharmacology and anatomy internal structure human, is able to correctly differentiate diseases characterized by similar manifestations, such as itching, fatigue and sleep disturbances.

Among other diseases that a hepatologist deals with are the following:

toxoplasmosis;
cholelithiasis;
cirrhosis of the liver;
Legionnaires' disease;
enteroviral hepatitis;
leptospirosis;
hemochromatosis;
astheno-vegetative disorder;
Gilbert's syndrome and others.

At the first visit to the hepatologist, the patient will be sent to donate urine and blood, for which they will perform a general analysis, as well as a biochemical study. It is also likely that you will be referred for an ultrasound and radiological examination of the diseased organ.

Diagnosis is then made based on the symptoms of the disease:

feces are checked for stercobilin;
the level of reticulocytes and red blood cells is shown by a blood test;
a computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan of the organ may be required;
the blood is tested for the presence of Epstein-Barr virus, herpes or cytomegalovirus;
do a liver biopsy;
sometimes electroencephalography becomes necessary;
if viral hepatitis belonging to group E is suspected, blood and urine are tested for hemoglobin.

When at diagnostic studies identified malignant neoplasms liver or biliary system, the hepatologist sends the patient for further treatment by an oncologist.

There are all kinds of oncological pathologies of the digestive organs. The most common of these is liver cancer. It traditionally forms after the spread of metastases in the organ. Oncology can develop according to various reasons, including sexual contact with suspicious partners, all kinds of hepatitis, addiction to alcoholic beverages and cirrhosis of the liver.

To try to overcome the disease, the following measures are used:

irradiation of the organ with radio frequency waves;
surgical intervention;
chemotherapy.

Infectious disease specialist

An infectious disease specialist acts as a consultant in the presence of various types of hepatitis. As many as six forms of viral hepatitis have now been identified:

groups A and E do not cause fatal consequences;
groups B, C, D, G can cause complications and the development of pathologies leading not only to cirrhosis, but also other dangerous diseases.

When a rash appears on the body, the color of stool and urine has changed significantly, and characteristic pain has appeared, felt in the right hypochondrium - immediately visit an infectious disease specialist.

Only in a hospital setting can hepatitis classified as categories B, C, D or G be cured. Treatment includes a variety of types and methods of therapy. They are aimed at excluding the development of liver failure and other complications.

Nuclear Diagnostic Specialist

There is also a special section in medicine – nuclear. He uses all kinds of substances that can detect liver pathology in a timely manner. To do this, radioactive elements are injected into the patient.

They emit a certain part of the spectrum, so scanning the organ makes it possible to identify abnormalities that have appeared in the liver. A similar method is sometimes used to diagnose and then treat a disease such as liver cancer.

The liver performs the most important functions and cleanses the body of toxic and harmful substances, synthesizes beneficial elements, supports immune system. Which doctor should you go to if you have liver pain? If you often experience pain in this area, you should contact family doctor.

Causes contributing to the appearance of pain in the right hypochondrium

The appearance of heaviness in the stomach, bitterness in the mouth, vomiting and pain in the abdominal cavity make you think about your health. You can live without kidneys and other organs, but it is impossible without the liver, since it simultaneously performs a huge number of functions and tasks.

What functions and tasks does the liver perform:

helps increase immunity by producing immunoglobulin;
cleanses the body of toxic and poisonous substances;
renews blood cells;
participates in metabolism;
performs the function of accumulating useful elements, vitamins and energy;
produces bile;
synthesizes enzymes, due to which metabolism and the digestion process occur.

Painful sensations occur with the following pathological diseases:

various types of hepatitis;
yellow fever;
cirrhosis;
cholangitis;
hemochromatosis;
organ cyst;
malignant tumor;
cholelithiasis;
steatosis;
gallbladder disease.

Which doctor should I contact for liver pain?

If you felt severe pain and the manifestation of other symptoms, then you should go to your family doctor. He will conduct a general examination, prescribe all the necessary tests, and then give a referral to specialists with a narrow focus.

Which doctors specialize in liver treatment:

gastroenterologist;
hepatologist;
if there is a suspicion of education malignant tumors the therapist can refer you to an oncologist;
nuclear diagnostics doctor.

A gastroenterologist helps get rid of diseases of the digestive system. People turn to him for hepatitis, abscess and cirrhosis. If the problems are related to the gallbladder and the liver hurts, then a hepatologist will help in such cases. Patients most often turn to him with inflammatory diseases biliary system and digestive system, for example, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, cholecystitis.

Nuclear diagnostic doctors conduct examinations and tests for the presence of radioactive substances and other abnormalities in the body that negatively affect the human body and that can be transmitted to other people. Such doctors use radiation to treat malignant tumors.

Diagnosis and treatment of pathological diseases

To find out the reason for the appearance painful sensations in the stomach, the patient needs to undergo a series of examinations, after which it becomes clear which doctor treats the liver in your particular case – hepatologist or gastroenterologist.

Diagnostic methods used to detect liver diseases:

Ultrasound of organs in the abdominal cavity;
blood and urine tests;
MRI of the abdominal cavity;
colonoscopy;
EGDS.

do not drink carbonated water, only mineral and preferably purified water;
always observe the rules of hygiene;
do not abuse alcohol and alcoholic beverages;
take medications strictly as prescribed by the doctor;
exercise in the morning;
adherence to diets and proper nutrition;
do not abuse fried, fatty and salty foods.

Let's summarize. If you are suffering from pain in the liver area, you can immediately contact a hepatologist. He has all the knowledge in his field and can help you successfully get rid of the disease.

The liver is the most important body of our body, performing irreplaceable functions, which is why each of us must take the problem of its health very seriously. It is important to understand which doctor treats the liver. Our article will be devoted to this, but first we will briefly highlight the main functional abilities of the liver.

Active participation in the digestion of food, the synthesis of enzymes, bile, acids, neutralization and removal of harmful substances - this is not a complete list of what this organ does. The liver is a barrier to toxins, poisons, infections, alcohol, residues circulating in the body medications, components of low-quality products. This is the largest gland that filters the blood, cleansing the body of toxic substances.

Poor nutrition, bad habits, poor environmental conditions create favorable conditions for the activation of pathological processes. Symptoms of liver diseases are very diverse. When they appear, people behave differently. Some simply ignore warning signs, others begin to self-medicate, but there are also those who are conscious about their health and are thinking about turning to a qualified specialist. But what is the name of the doctor who treats the liver?

Therapist's help

In some cases, consultation with various specialists will be required, including: hepatologist, gastroenterologist, therapist, allergist, dermatologist, infectious disease specialist. But it all starts with contacting a therapist. This doctor, based on his assessment general condition, will prescribe therapeutic measures and refer you to a specialist.

The following symptoms may be a reason to consult a therapist:

heaviness in the right hypochondrium;
heartburn;
nausea;
bitterness in the mouth;
loss of appetite;
stool discoloration;
darkening of urine;
yellowness of the skin, mucous membranes and sclera;
diarrhea or constipation;
increased fatigue, nervousness;
allergies accompanied by itchy skin;
increased sense of smell;
increasing the contrast of odors;
age spots on the face;
acne, furunculosis;
deterioration of visual acuity;
increase in blood pressure.

The progression of the pathology is indicated by vomiting with impurities of blood and bile. During an acute attack, it is necessary to call an ambulance. In case of minor disturbances in the functioning of the liver, the therapist is able to cope with the problem himself, so you should immediately go to him. You shouldn’t go to extremes and run to the doctor for any reason to have your liver checked. This can deprive both the patient and his loved ones of peace.

Do not confuse suspiciousness and attentive attitude to your health - these are completely different things! The task of each person is to know his body and its needs, as well as to understand the failures occurring in it. The therapist has the necessary knowledge and skills that will help him suspect liver damage and make a preliminary diagnosis.

The doctor prescribes laboratory and instrumental examinations: laboratory tests, ultrasound, MRI, colonoscopy, esophagoscopy. Pathological changes in the liver may be discovered accidentally during such a diagnosis. To make a diagnosis, the therapist may need to conduct comprehensive analysis blood. He looks at the indicators of enzymes, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, bilirubin, cholesterol.

Using ultrasound diagnostics, the procedure will help identify changes in the size of the organ or its location. With the development of pathological processes, the liver is usually enlarged. The specialist will also be able to see stones and obstructions bile ducts. MRI is a modern diagnostic method, which allows you to externally evaluate the liver, as well as analyze the condition of the ducts. The procedure allows you to detect the very cause of liver disease, for example, a cyst or tumor.

In addition, the therapist can assess the condition of nearby organs and identify concomitant diseases of the pancreas and gallbladder. According to statistics, combined pathology occurs in approximately eighty percent of cases. If, in addition to the liver, the patient is concerned about the kidneys, a consultation with a urologist or nephrologist may be required.

Doctors treating the liver

There are several branches of medicine and, accordingly, doctors who deal with liver problems. Such specialists include a hepatologist. This doctor specializes in liver diagnostics and treatment of organ pathologies. In some cases, he may need the help of other specialists.

A hepatologist is a liver specialist who examines patients, evaluates diagnostic results, identifies a specific disease, and makes treatment recommendations. The doctor diagnoses, prevents and treats many diseases of the liver and biliary tract, namely:

cirrhosis;
toxoplasmosis;
yellow fever;
alcohol impairment;
leptospirosis;
infectious mononucleosis;
steanohepatitis;
hepatitis of various etiologies (causes);
asthenovegetative syndrome.

At the first visit to the hepatologist, a general and biochemical analysis of blood and urine will be required. An ultrasound and radiological examination of the affected organ may also be required.

The following symptoms may be the reason for contacting a hepatologist:

unstable emotional condition;
loss of physical strength;
the appearance of hemorrhages and causeless bruises;
lack of appetite and weight loss;
jaundice;
heaviness and pain in the side right side;
digestive disorders: belching, nausea, flatulence, change in taste in the mouth.

Gastroenterologist

Patients are referred to a gastroenterologist if pancreatitis or other abnormalities in the functioning of the digestive tract are detected. The doctor will prescribe additional methods diagnostics that provide information about the current stage of the process and the tendency to progression.

This specialist is consulted for systematic disorders of the digestive system and persistent abdominal pain. The presence of dyspeptic disorders may indicate serious damage to the liver tissue. In this case, the gastroenterologist prescribes drug therapy to stop the progression of pathology.

Infectious disease specialist

Consultation with a surgeon is usually indicated in cases of ineffectiveness conservative treatment. Sometimes excision of part of the organ is required. In serious cases, liver transplantation is indicated. In this situation, consultation with a surgeon will not be enough; the help of a transplant specialist is sought. Surgeons also deal with cases in which serious complications have developed due to liver pathologies. This may include bleeding from dilated veins of the esophagus.

Urgent hospitalization is indicated for such patients. surgical hospital. Another common complication is ascites, where fluid accumulates. Treatment begins with the use of diuretics. If they are ineffective, the fluid is pumped out using paracentesis. A surgeon is also needed to detect hemangioma, an abnormal development blood vessels.

If liver cancer and metastases are detected, a consultation with an oncologist will be required. Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer. Most often, this is not a primary tumor, but metastatic cancer from the intestines, lungs and pancreas. The risks of developing a tumor increase with cirrhosis of the liver, toxic hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, cholelithiasis, and alcoholism.

The following symptoms may be the reason for contacting an oncologist:

constant fatigue;
prolonged lack of appetite;
weight loss;
nausea;
skin itching, rashes;
a slight increase in body temperature.

To make a diagnosis, oncologists prescribe blood tests for tumor markers, as well as a targeted biopsy. These are the specialists who treat pathology. Patients may be prescribed chemotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, or surgical removal of the tumor.

Nuclear Diagnostic Specialist

Another doctor who examines the liver is a nuclear diagnostic specialist. Nuclear medicine uses all kinds of substances that can promptly detect the development of liver pathology. The patient is injected with radioactive elements. Then a scan of the organ is performed, thanks to which existing anomalies can be identified.

Dermatologist

The specialist examines the condition of the skin, nails and mucous membranes. By the reaction of the skin, he can judge the condition of the internal organs. A dermatologist collects anamnestic data about the patient, clarifies the presence of allergies, and conducts a dermatological examination. Consultation with a doctor is necessary if the following symptoms appear: itching, skin rashes, urticaria, change in skin color, the presence of neoplasms.

Consultation with doctors depending on gland diseases

Liver pathologies are impressive in their diversity. In each individual case, consultation with a specialist doctor may be required. First, let's talk about how the doctor treats hemangioma.

Hemangioma

Hemangioma is a benign tumor that develops in the liver tissue. The prerequisites for the development of pathology are laid during embryonic development. Usually the process develops due to disturbances in the structure of blood vessels and liver tissue. The acquired form occurs as a result of alcohol abuse, hormonal imbalances, as well as severe bruises and injuries. Hemangioma can be single or multiple.

For a long time, the pathology does not manifest itself in any way. The first complaints arise after the neoplasm begins to compress the surrounding internal organs. A disturbance in their functioning manifests itself in the form of the following symptoms:

attack of nausea and vomiting;
jaundice;
nagging pain in the right hypochondrium;
compression of the stomach;
increased pressure in the liver vessels.

The symptoms described above may indicate other pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, so the specialist will refer the patient for an extensive examination. Hemangiomas are benign, but despite this, patients should periodically visit a doctor to monitor the condition.

Rarely does the diagnosis of hemangioma require consultation with a gastroenterologist. Even an experienced specialist sometimes finds it difficult to make a diagnosis without comprehensive examination. The doctor may prescribe a number of studies, including ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder, MSCT of the abdominal cavity, MRI, angiography, scintigraphy, and liver tests.

This is a chronic progressive disease leading to liver failure. The danger of the disease lies in the fact that the cells of the organ die, and scars form in their place. A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats cirrhosis. The disease has no specific symptoms, but if some signs are combined, one can suspect the presence of pathological changes.

The patient’s first and sometimes only complaints are: fatigue, drowsiness, decreased performance. Memory also deteriorates and thinking abilities slow down. Liver cirrhosis is not limited to just these symptoms; as the process progresses, new complaints arise:

itchy skin;
jaundice;
dry skin, hair loss;
digestive disorders;
the appearance of bruises and spider veins;
bleeding gums;
an increase in the size of the abdomen;
temperature increase;
anaphrodisia;
enlargement of the liver and spleen.

The gastroenterologist must first identify and eliminate the provoking factors in the development of the disease. The further task is to stop the degeneration of normal liver cells into fibrous nodes, as well as reduce the load on the veins.

The first symptoms of viral hepatitis may resemble banal overwork or colds. This is why patients rarely seek help on time. Hepatitis A is transmitted through food, water, and household items. Options B and C – through blood transfusions, intravenous infusions and endoscopic procedures.

An acute process is characterized by the appearance of the following symptoms:

weakness and nausea;
temperature increase;
weakness in joints and muscles;
jaundice;
change in the color of urine and feces;
liver enlargement;
tendency to hematomas;
bleeding of mucous membranes.

The following specialists treat hepatitis:

Infectious disease specialist. This is the main doctor who deals with the treatment of viral hepatitis A, B and C. The doctor deals not only with issues of diagnosis and treatment. He assesses the patient's severity and indications for inpatient treatment. If the disease has been detected in a pregnant woman, the infectious disease specialist, together with the obstetrician-gynecologist, develops an optimal treatment plan.
Therapist. This doctor is consulted by patients whose condition does not require treatment. emergency care. The therapist, if necessary, refers the patient to an infectious disease specialist. He can also decide where it is better to treat the patient - at home or in a hospital. The doctor can confirm or deny the diagnosis. His work greatly eases the workload of specialists working in hospitals.
Hepatologist. This is a general practitioner who treats the disease.
Gastroenterologist. Patients with hepatitis usually come to a specialist in the prodromal period, which precedes the main clinic. Patients complain of loss of appetite, a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, and nausea.

Now let's talk about hepatitis C. It is also called the gentle killer, since the disease does not manifest itself for a long time. Viral hepatitis can be transmitted parenterally, vertically (perinonotally, from mother to child), as well as through intimate intimacy. If your health worsens, the patient should consult a therapist.

Based on laboratory tests and medical history, the doctor may suspect infection. If the patient complains of nausea, vomiting and bitterness in the mouth, he may be referred to see a gastroenterologist. Still, the greatest help with hepatitis C is provided by an infectious disease specialist. He prescribes treatment, monitors its dynamics and, if necessary, adjusts therapy.

So, which doctor should you consult for liver disease? It all starts with a consultation with a therapist. This specialist will conduct an examination, prescribe laboratory and instrumental studies and make a diagnosis. In some cases, he may need the help of other specialists, for example, a hepatologist, infectious disease specialist, oncologist, surgeon, dermatologist. When the first alarming symptoms do not hesitate to contact a qualified specialist. Early diagnosis will help prevent the development of dangerous complications.

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The liver is the most important organ of our body, performing irreplaceable functions, which is why each of us must take the problem of its health very seriously. It is important to understand which doctor treats the liver. Our article will be devoted to this, but first we will briefly highlight the main functional abilities of the liver.

Active participation in the digestion of food, the synthesis of enzymes, bile, acids, neutralization and removal of harmful substances - this is not a complete list of what this organ does. The liver is a barrier to the passage of toxins, poisons, infections, alcohol, drug residues, and components of low-quality products in the body. This is the largest gland that filters the blood, cleansing the body of toxic substances.

Poor nutrition, bad habits, and poor environmental conditions create favorable conditions for the activation of pathological processes. Symptoms of liver diseases are very diverse. When they appear, people behave differently. Some simply ignore warning signs, others begin to self-medicate, but there are also those who are conscious about their health and are thinking about turning to a qualified specialist. But what is the name of the doctor who treats the liver?

Therapist's help

In some cases, consultation with various specialists will be required, including: hepatologist, gastroenterologist, therapist, allergist, dermatologist, infectious disease specialist. But it all starts with contacting a therapist. This doctor, based on an assessment of the general condition, will prescribe therapeutic measures and refer you to a specialist.

The following symptoms may be a reason to consult a therapist:

heaviness in the right hypochondrium;
heartburn;
nausea;
bitterness in the mouth;
loss of appetite;
stool discoloration;
darkening of urine;
yellowness of the skin, mucous membranes and sclera;
diarrhea or constipation;
increased fatigue, nervousness;
allergies accompanied by itchy skin;
increased sense of smell;
increasing the contrast of odors;
age spots on the face;
acne, furunculosis;
deterioration of visual acuity;
increase in blood pressure.

The progression of the pathology is indicated by vomiting with impurities of blood and bile. During an acute attack, it is necessary to call an ambulance. In case of minor disturbances in the functioning of the liver, the therapist is able to cope with the problem himself, so you should immediately go to him. Don't go to extremes and run to the doctor for any reason. This can deprive both the patient and his loved ones of peace.

First of all, you should contact a therapist

The doctor prescribes laboratory and instrumental examinations: laboratory tests, ultrasound, MRI, colonoscopy, esophagoscopy. Pathological changes in the liver may be discovered accidentally during such a diagnosis. To make a diagnosis, your physician may need to conduct a comprehensive blood test. He looks at the indicators of enzymes, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, bilirubin, cholesterol.

Using ultrasound diagnostics, the procedure will help identify changes in the size of the organ or its location. With the development of pathological processes, the liver is usually enlarged. The specialist will also be able to see stones and obstruction of the bile ducts. MRI is a modern diagnostic method that allows you to externally evaluate the liver, as well as analyze the condition of the ducts. The procedure allows you to detect the very cause of liver disease, for example, a cyst or tumor.

Attention! The fact that a person does not know which doctor to turn to for help does not justify his inaction. Such delay can seriously affect your health.

Doctors treating the liver

cirrhosis;
toxoplasmosis;
yellow fever;
alcohol impairment;
leptospirosis;
infectious mononucleosis;
steanohepatitis;
hepatitis of various etiologies (causes);
asthenovegetative syndrome.

At the first visit to the hepatologist, a general and biochemical analysis of blood and urine will be required. An ultrasound and radiological examination of the affected organ may also be required.

A hepatologist is a liver doctor

The following symptoms may be the reason for contacting a hepatologist:

unstable emotional state;
loss of physical strength;
the appearance of hemorrhages and causeless bruises;
lack of appetite and weight loss;
jaundice;
heaviness and pain in the side on the right side;
digestive disorders: belching, nausea, flatulence, change in taste in the mouth.

Gastroenterologist

Patients are referred to a gastroenterologist if pancreatitis or other abnormalities in the functioning of the digestive tract are detected. The doctor will prescribe additional diagnostic methods to provide information about the current stage of the process and the tendency to progress.

Important! A gastroenterologist deals with the treatment of combined diseases of the liver and gastrointestinal tract.

Surgeon

Consultation with a surgeon is usually indicated in cases of failure of conservative treatment. Sometimes excision of part of the organ is required. In serious cases, liver transplantation is indicated. In this situation, consultation with a surgeon will not be enough; the help of a transplant specialist is sought. Surgeons also deal with cases in which serious complications have developed due to liver pathologies. This may include bleeding from dilated veins of the esophagus.

Such patients are indicated for urgent hospitalization in a surgical hospital. Another common complication is ascites, where fluid accumulates. Treatment begins with the use of diuretics. If they are ineffective, the fluid is pumped out using paracentesis. A surgeon is also needed to detect hemangioma, an abnormal development of blood vessels.

Oncologist

The following symptoms may be the reason for contacting an oncologist:

constant fatigue;
prolonged lack of appetite;
weight loss;
nausea;
skin itching, rashes;
a slight increase in body temperature.

Ultrasound doctor checking the liver

Nuclear Diagnostic Specialist

Dermatologist

Consultation with doctors depending on gland diseases

Liver pathologies are impressive in their diversity. In each individual case, consultation with a specialist doctor may be required. First, let's talk about how the doctor treats hemangioma.

Hemangioma

attack of nausea and vomiting;
jaundice;
nagging pain in the right hypochondrium;
compression of the stomach;
increased pressure in the liver vessels.

Rarely does the diagnosis of hemangioma require consultation with a gastroenterologist. Even an experienced specialist sometimes finds it difficult to make a diagnosis without conducting a comprehensive examination. The doctor may prescribe a number of studies, including ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder, MSCT of the abdominal cavity, MRI, angiography, scintigraphy, and liver tests.

Cirrhosis

This is a chronic progressive disease leading to liver failure. The danger of the disease lies in the fact that the cells of the organ die, and scars form in their place. A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats cirrhosis. The disease does not have specific symptoms, but the combination of certain signs may suggest the presence of pathological changes.

itchy skin;
jaundice;
dry skin, hair loss;
digestive disorders;
the appearance of bruises and spider veins;
bleeding gums;
an increase in the size of the abdomen;
temperature increase;
anaphrodisia;
enlargement of the liver and spleen.

A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats liver cirrhosis

Hepatitis

An acute process is characterized by the appearance of the following symptoms:

weakness and nausea;
temperature increase;
weakness in joints and muscles;
jaundice;
change in the color of urine and feces;
liver enlargement;
tendency to hematomas;
bleeding of mucous membranes.

Important! Patients with hepatitis in the acute stage are referred to an infectious disease specialist. The hepatologist deals with treatment during the period of remission.

The following specialists treat hepatitis:

Infectious disease specialist. This is the main doctor who deals with the treatment of viral hepatitis A, B and C. The doctor deals not only with issues of diagnosis and treatment. He assesses the patient's severity and indications for inpatient treatment. If the disease has been detected in a pregnant woman, the infectious disease specialist, together with the obstetrician-gynecologist, develops an optimal treatment plan.
. This doctor is consulted by patients whose condition does not require emergency care. The therapist, if necessary, refers the patient to an infectious disease specialist. He can also decide where it is better to treat the patient - at home or in a hospital. The doctor can confirm or deny the diagnosis. His work greatly eases the workload of specialists working in hospitals.
. This is a general practitioner who treats the disease.
Gastroenterologist. Patients with hepatitis usually come to a specialist in the prodromal period, which precedes the main clinic. Patients complain of loss of appetite, a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, and nausea.

Based on laboratory tests and medical history, the doctor may suspect infection. If the patient complains of nausea, he may be referred to a gastroenterologist. Still, the greatest help with hepatitis C is provided by an infectious disease specialist. He prescribes treatment, monitors its dynamics and, if necessary, adjusts therapy.

So, which doctor should you consult for liver disease? It all starts with a consultation with a therapist. This specialist will conduct an examination, prescribe laboratory and instrumental tests and make a diagnosis. In some cases, he may need the help of other specialists, for example, a hepatologist, infectious disease specialist, oncologist, surgeon, dermatologist. When the first alarming symptoms appear, do not hesitate to contact a qualified specialist. Early diagnosis will help prevent the development of dangerous complications.

Symptoms of liver damage are quite numerous. When they appear, people behave differently. Some ignore the onset of the disease, others begin to self-medicate. The most conscientious think about going to a specialist. The question arises: who to go to with such a problem? Which doctor treats the liver?

It is logical to start your initial visit to the hospital with a therapist. This specialist has sufficient knowledge and skills to suspect liver damage and make a preliminary diagnosis. He has available laboratory and instrumental research methods at his disposal.

They may be an accidental discovery just after these examinations. This is due to the absence of specific complaints about initial stages pathology, during this period the organ does not hurt due to its structural features.

In addition to assessing the functional state of the liver, the therapist can identify concomitant diseases of neighboring organs: the gallbladder, pancreas. Based on statistical data, combined pathology with hepatitis accounts for up to 80% of cases.

Correct interpretation of the results obtained will allow us to determine further tactics for patient management. If the process does not threaten the patient’s life, does not involve other organs and systems, and does not require further examination or hospital treatment, then the doctor himself can prescribe rational therapy. When the problem is more serious, it is worth contacting specialized specialists.

Who deals with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract?

A gastroenterologist deals with combined pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients whose condition requires clarification are also referred to him. Often patients cannot determine which organ in the abdominal cavity hurts. Thanks to a complex of in-depth laboratory and instrumental diagnostic techniques, the localization and nature of the pathology are significantly clarified. Consultation with this doctor is necessary in case of digestive dysfunction.

Dyspeptic disorders can be a symptom of severe liver damage due to hepatitis or cirrhosis, or a separate pathology of the pancreas or gall bladder.

Pathogenetically based therapy will help improve the patient’s condition, normalize the functional activity of damaged organs and slow down further progression of the disease.

Which specialist treats severe liver pathology?

If the disease is isolated, then such a patient will be treated by a hepatologist - a doctor who specializes in the problems of this organ. Due to the functional connection of the liver and gallbladder, their pathology is considered together.

The list of diseases for which people turn to a hepatologist is very extensive. These can be: hepatitis of various etiologies (viral, toxic, autoimmune), cirrhosis, cholecystitis, congenital and gallbladder, neoplasms in these organs.

Almost all patients with such lesions require hospital treatment.

For this purpose, specialized hepatology centers have been organized. There, patients can undergo specialized laboratory and instrumental examinations to diagnose final diagnosis. Indeed, depending on the severity of the lesion (hepatosis, hepatitis, cirrhosis), adequate therapy is prescribed.

Viral hepatitis: who to get advice from?

There are currently 6 types of viral hepatitis known. Some of them have a good prognosis (A and E). The rest (B, C, D, G) often lead to chronicity of the process and the development of complications - cirrhosis, carcinoma.

Symptoms of the disease are similar for all types of hepatitis and do not depend on its name. The patient has pain in the right hypochondrium, jaundice appears, a rash on the skin, the color of urine and feces changes. If these signs appear, you need to contact an infectious disease specialist.

Treatment of such hepatitis is carried out in a hospital. An infectious disease specialist prescribes antiviral therapy that acts on the cause of the disease. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the functional state of the liver. Very often active inflammatory process leads to liver failure.

Treatment of complications due to liver pathology

Complications of cirrhosis include bleeding from dilated veins of the esophagus. If such a condition develops, urgent hospitalization in a surgical hospital is necessary. There, specialists carry out a complex of hemostatic measures, starting with infusion therapy and ending with the installation of a special probe that mechanically compresses the damaged vessels.

Surgeons deal with another complication of liver disease – ascites. Excess fluid is usually removed with diuretics. If ascites does not respond drug treatment, then paracentesis is performed: using a special tube inserted into the abdominal cavity, excess exudative fluid is pumped out.

Oncological lesions of the liver

IN last years The number of cancer pathologies has increased significantly.

Ranks 5th in prevalence. Moreover, the primary process that begins in hepatocytes is rare. This is mainly metastatic cancer from the intestines, pancreas, and lungs.

The risk of developing an oncological process in the liver increases with cirrhosis, alcohol abuse, toxic hepatitis, cholelithiasis, and sexually transmitted infections. Specialized assistance Such patients are provided with oncologists. In addition to highly accurate diagnostics (tumor markers, targeted biopsy), they perform an algorithm therapeutic measures: chemotherapy, surgical tumor removal, radiofrequency ablation, etc.

If you have pain in the right hypochondrium and there are other symptoms of liver disease, do not waste time, consult a specialist. The earlier the correct diagnosis is made, the greater the chances of a positive outcome of the disease.