Cirrhosis and chronic liver disease

Your liver preforms essential functions, such as removing toxins and waste, controlling infection and metabolizing food. Yet chronic scarring from metabolic, immune, toxic or viral causes can cause damage. When the liver is not able to function properly, it can lead to cirrhosis, a life-threatening condition.

Though there is no cure for cirrhosis, one of our experienced gastroenterologists will work with you to determine the extent of your condition, what actions you can take to prevent it from worsening and how we can help to improve your quality of life.

Cirrhosis and chronic liver disease: What you need to know

• Some people experience no symptoms in the early stages of cirrhosis. Others may feel fatigue or loss of energy, reduced appetite or nausea.
• As your liver functions worsen, your skin and eyes may show yellowing or jaundice, have redness on your palms, notice that you are bruising easily or feel your thinking is not clear.
• Our gastroenterology specialists at UF Health Jacksonville will assess your condition with a combination of blood tests, imaging technologies and in some cases a liver biopsy.
• They will focus on determining the underlying cause of your liver damage and how to stop or slow your liver damage.
• Our team frequently collaborates with our other specialists such as hepatologists, who focus on diseases of the liver, to create a treatment plan to help you avoid liver failure.
• Your plan may include medications to manage your symptoms, as well as lifestyle modifications.

Cirrhosis and chronic liver disease: Our expertise

Experience you can trust

At UF Health Jacksonville, our board-certified gastroenterologists are accomplished leaders in their field, yet they also receive high marks from their patients for their personalized care. You can rely on their vast experience and their willingness to listen to you, address your concerns and work with you to develop an effective treatment plan that fits your needs.

Advanced research and technology

As a part of a leading academic health center, our gastroenterology team can offer you the most advanced research-based treatments for acute and chronic liver disease to provide you with the best possible outcomes.