Colonoscopy: What to Expect

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A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows a physician to examine a patient’s colon. Colonoscopies are often used to evaluate GI disorders and screen for colon cancer. Here’s what you need to know if you are preparing for a colonoscopy.  

When it’s used

There are a few reasons your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy. The procedure is commonly used as a screening tool for colon cancer, which starts from polyps in the colon. A colonoscopy can help your doctor examine your colon for any polyps and other warning signs of colon cancer. You may also need a colonoscopy if you have previously had polyps. In this case, your doctor will likely look for more polyps and remove any, as a preventative measure against colon cancer. Last, you may need a colonoscopy if you have any GI pain or distress that your doctor needs to identify and diagnose through examination. 

Preparing for a Colonoscopy

There are a few important pre-procedure steps you need to take leading up to a colonoscopy. You will be asked to adhere to a cleansing routine the day before the procedure. This typically consists of taking a liquid laxative the day before to empty your bowels, and switching to a clear liquid diet. You may be asked to drink plenty of liquids as well. Following the instructions on laxative use is a crucial step to properly prepare for the exam, so always be diligent in this regard. 

In addition to the cleansing routine, you should also discuss any medications you use with your doctor. You may have to stop use of some medications like blood-thinners prior to the procedure. This is because some of these medications can increase the risk of excessive bleeding. If you use insulin, you may need to adjust dosage and timing the day of the procedure. Your doctor will also want to know about any allergies to medication you have. 

What to Expect During the Procedure

A colonoscopy takes about 20-30 minutes in total. You will be sedated for the entire procedure, so there is no discomfort during it. Your doctor will monitor your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and blood pressure throughout the process as well. During the procedure, your doctor will insert a colonoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera) in your anus while you lay on your side and advance it to the end of your colon. The camera and light allow your doctor to fully examine the colon lining. 

If your doctor sees anything they want to analyze further, they may take a small tissue sample (biopsy) for later analysis. In the case that they see any bleeding during the examination, they can feed instruments through the colonoscope to medicate, cauterize, or clip affected areas and control bleeding. If they find any polyps, they can use an instrument threaded through the colonoscope to remove them. None of these techniques cause discomfort during the procedure. 

After the Procedure

It typically takes around an hour to mostly recover from the sedation after a colonoscopy. As such, you should always have someone take you home afterwards. The effects can linger to an extent for the next 24 hours, so you should avoid driving, making important decisions, or working for that period of time as well. If any polyps were removed during the procedure, you may be prescribed a temporary special diet. It’s common to pass gas and feel bloated for a few hours after the exam. Walking can help ease some of this discomfort. 

You may see a small amount of blood in your stool during your first bowel movement post-procedure; this is not cause for alarm most of the time. However, if bleeding persists or you develop a fever or consistent bowel pain within a week or two of the procedure, you should contact your doctor. 

Our experienced team at GHP has years of experience performing colonoscopies. We can help establish the best plan of care for your situation. Contact any of our office locations to learn about the options we offer and schedule an appointment today.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Everything You Should Know

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A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an endoscopic examination that helps doctors view the lower colon and rectum.  Here’s a closer look at the procedure. 

Why is a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy performed?

Flexible sigmoidoscopies can help doctors determine the cause of symptoms like rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits. Additionally, doctors can use the procedure as a screening tool. They may recommend that people over the age of 50 have these exams on a regular basis to check for signs of colon cancer. While a colonoscopy is often used to do this, the flexible sigmoidoscopy offers a few advantages. For one, it is less involved in terms of preparation and exam time. It also does not typically require an anaesthetic, and it has a lower risk of perforation.

Preparing for a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

To prepare for the procedure, you should always talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking. Additionally, they will give you instructions for bowel prepping before the exam. A bowel prep helps ensure there is as little stool as possible is present in the intestine during the exam. Doctors usually prescribe a clear liquid diet the day before the exam, and avoiding consuming anything after midnight the day of the exam. The bowel prep may also involve laxatives or enemas. You may need to consume a certain volume of liquid laxative leading up to the procedure. If your doctor prescribes an enema, you should use it the night before the procedure to wash out the rectum. 

During the procedure

During a flexible sigmoidoscopy, the patient is positioned on their left side with their knees drawn up towards their chest. The doctor first does a digital rectal exam, inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into the patient’s rectum to check for anything abnormal. Next, they insert the sigmoidoscope into the rectum. This may feel like pressure to the patient. The doctor then adds air through the sigmoidoscope to expand the colon, allowing them to see more clearly. The sigmoidoscope has a camera on the end of it that gives video feed to a monitor that the doctor views. Lastly, the doctor examines the lining of the bowel while slowly removing the scope. If necessary, they can insert forceps through an empty channel in the sigmoidoscope to take a tissue sample for biopsy. The entire procedure usually takes around 15 minutes.

Post-procedure

Following the procedure, patients can expect some mild abdominal discomfort, cramping and bloating for a few hours. Since the procedure is fairly non-invasive, you can return to your normal and activity level immediately. If a biopsy was performed, you may experience some light rectal bleeding from the site of the tissue sample. If the bleeding is persistent, or if you develop a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, contact your doctor. 

Your doctor will give you post-exam instruction on home care. They will also discuss the results with you. A negative test is when no abnormalities are found during the procedure. If your doctor finds any polyps or other issues during the exam, it is a positive test. This may lead to further testing, including a full colonoscopy. If a biopsy has been performed, the results are usually available after a few days and are communicated to you by your doctor. 

Our experienced team at GHP has years of experience performing flexible sigmoidoscopies. We can help establish the best plan of care for your situation. Contact any of our office locations to learn about the options we offer and schedule an appointment today.

 

What is Hepatitis B?

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Hepatitis B is a liver infection that can cause both acute and chronic liver complications. It can lead to serious health issues over time. Here’s what you need to know about Hepatitis B. 

Causes and Risk Factors 

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This virus is transmitted in several ways, including blood, semen, and other bodily fluids, but not through sneezing or coughing. Some common modes of transmission are sexual contact, needle sharing, and mother to child. People who have unprotected sexual contact with someone infected with Hepatitis B are at a higher risk. They can contract the infection if any saliva, semen, blood, or vaginal secretions from the infected person enter their body. Also, since HBV can spread easily through infected blood on needles and syringes, intravenous drug-users who share equipment are at a heightened risk for contracting Hepatitis B. Mothers can pass the virus to their newborns during delivery as well. 

Types

Hepatitis B can be an acute or chronic infection. Acute cases last less than six months, and the immune system clears the virus from the body without long-term effects. Most adults who get the infection have an acute case. Chronic cases last over six months, and occur when the immune system can’t fight off the virus. Younger children are more likely to have a chronic case- 80-90% of infants who are infected in their first year develop chronic infections, and 30-50% of children under the age of 6 develop chronic infections. Fewer than 5% of healthy adults develop chronic cases.

Symptoms and complications

Symptoms of Hepatitis B can range from mild to severe, and usually appear one to four months after infection. They include joint pain, fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Some people, who are infected may show no symptoms; this is most often the case for younger children. 

Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to serious complications, including Cirrhosis, liver failure, liver disease, liver cancer, Hepatitis D, and kidney problems. 

Diagnosis

The symptoms of the infection overlap with numerous other viral infections. As such, blood testing is used to diagnose. People who may have been exposed to Hepatitis B, or who have been in high-risk occupations or places, are encouraged to get tested. Blood tests can indicate a number of things including whether you currently have HBV, whether you have ever had HBV, if you are infectious, and whether the infection is acute or chronic (through follow-up testing). 

Since Hepatitis B can cause no symptoms in some cases, certain groups of healthy people are often recommended for testing. These groups include pregnant women, HIV-infected people, hemodialysis patients, and people who require immunosuppressive or cytotoxic therapy. 

Treatment and Prevention

In cases of acute infection, treatment for Hepatitis B involves symptom management. In some cases, a timely post-exposure prophylaxis can prevent the infection. This usually involves administering the Hepatitis B vaccine, and may include adding immune globulin to bolster protection. 

The vaccine is an effective prevention measure. The vaccine schedule is usually for three injections: an initial injection, one a month later, and one six months from the initial injection. All infants should receive the vaccine, in addition to any unvaccinated children under 19, people at risk of exposure (including some health care professionals, people with Hepatitis B positive partners, and some people with diabetes). Prior to travel, seek guidance from a doctor regarding vaccination. 

Mitigating risk factors is also crucial for preventing infection. People who intravenously inject drugs should seek help to stop use, or use clean needles and avoid needle sharing. Additionally, you should always seek to know the HBV status of your sexual partner(s). People who have sex with partners that may have the infection should use a new latex or polyurethane condom every time they have sex. Additionally, if you are going to get a tattoo or piercing, make sure you utilize a reputable and sterile shop. 

Our experienced team at GHP has years of experience helping people prevent, manage and treat Hepatitis B. We can help establish the best plan of care for your situation. Contact any of our office locations to learn about the options we offer and schedule an appointment today.

 

Hemorrhoids: An Overview

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Hemorrhoids is a term given to a condition in which the veins around the anus or rectum become swollen or inflamed. They can occur inside the rectum or around the anus. Hemorrhoids are extremely common- around 3 in 4 adults will experience hemorrhoids, and about half of all people will have hemorrhoids by age 50. 

Here’s an overview of hemorrhoids. 

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

The symptoms of hemorrhoids vary based on whether they are internal (inside the rectum) or external (around the anus). External hemorrhoids can cause bleeding, pain, irritation or itching around the anus, and swelling around the anus. Internal hemorrhoids don’t usually cause any pain or discomfort, but they can cause bleeding during bowel movements. Sometimes, these can also push through the anus (prolapse), which can lead to irritation and pain. 

Causes and Risk Factors

The veins around your anus stretch under pressure, and may swell or bulge as a result of too much pressure. As such, anything causing this pressure can cause hemorrhoids. This includes straining during bowel movements, heavy lifting, anal intercourse, having a low-fiber diet, being pregnant, being obese, and sitting on the toilet for long periods of time. 

The risk of developing hemorrhoids increases with age. Tissues supporting veins in the anus and rectum weaken and stretch with age, and can increase risk. Additionally, this same stretching and weakening can happen during pregnancy as baby weight puts pressure around the anus.  

Treatment for Hemorrhoids

Treatment can often take place at home, and for mild cases includes using medications and taking warm baths. Larger or more persistent cases may be cause for seeking further medical attention. Doctors may recommend surgery or banding. Banding is non-invasive and non-surgical. To perform banding, a doctor places a rubber band around a hemorrhoid to cut its blood supply and cause it to wither. This may be recommended for cases with significant persistent bleeding. Typically, two or more cases are required for treatment with banding. 

Prevention

Preventing hemorrhoids involves a few simple lifestyle changes and home remedies. First, eating the proper amount of fiber is important; fiber softens stools and makes them easier to pass, decreasing the likelihood of straining or pressure. Exercise also helps, stimulating bowel function and keeping you regular and less likely to have straining bowel movements. Try not to sit for long periods of time, as it can increase pressure around the anus. Always use the bathroom as soon as possible when you need to defecate as well- waiting can cause build-up and increase strain. Don’t strain during bowel movements either, as this will add pressure around your anus and rectum. All of these simple behavior changes can be incredibly effective prevention measures. 

A warm bath for the buttocks can also help relieve irritation around the anus. A 20 minute warm bath after defecation and a few more baths each day can ease any potential flare-ups. Last, avoiding hard sitting surfaces can prevent hemorrhoids from forming, and also helps ease symptoms of existing ones. 

Our experienced team at GHP has years of experience helping people manage and treat hemorrhoids. We can help establish the best plan of care for your situation. Contact any of our office locations to learn about the options we offer and schedule an appointment today.

Everything You Should Know About Constipation

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Constipation is a gastrointestinal condition which is generally characterized by three or fewer stools passed in a week. It is very common and affects around 30% of the population. Here’s everything you should know about constipation. 

Symptoms of Constipation

Constipation is defined by a few key symptoms. These symptoms include passing three or fewer stools in a week, having difficulty passing stools, having hard or dry stools, noticing blood in stool, having intense rectal or abdominal pain, and feeling like stool is not completely passed. Mild symptoms often resolve quickly, so they are usually not cause to seek medical attention. However, serious symptoms like blood in stool or needing to manually remove stool are signs that you should seek medical help. 

It’s important to note that not having a bowel movement every day is not necessarily a sign of constipation. Bowel habits fluctuate for everyone based on a variety of factors. However, you should use the described symptoms as a guide to determine if you need medical help. 

Causes and Risk Factors

Constipation most often is caused by stool moving too slowly in the digestive tract. Slow-moving stool is not effectively passed and can become hardened and dried out. Slow-moving stool can happen for a variety of reasons. Blockages from anal fissures, a bowel obstruction, bowel strictures, and certain cancers can lead to constipation. Also, neurological problems can affect nerves that help move stool through the digestive tract. These problems include Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries. Muscular problems can be the root cause too. Weakened pelvis muscles, improperly coordinated pelvic muscles (dyssynergia), and chronically unrelaxed pelvic muscles (anismus) can all prevent proper stool movement. Hormones can play a role sometimes as well. Hormones that help balance fluids may be unbalanced for people who are pregnant, diabetic, or have an underactive thyroid. 

There are a few risk factors for constipation. Older people and women are more likely experience constipation. Dehydration, a low-fiber diet, a sedentary lifestyle, some medications, and mental health conditions including depression and eating disorders are also risk factors. 

Treatments and Prevention

In most cases, constipation can be treated easily. Most of the time, constipation is a disorder of bowel function and not due to other structural issues. In these cases, focusing on softening stool and getting it moving again is the best treatment. You can do this by hydrating more, eating fiber, and getting more exercise. Sometimes, taking a laxative until the constipation passes may be helpful as well. You should consult a doctor for laxative use, especially if your constipation is severe or chronic. 

The same lifestyle changes that can treat constipation are also great ways to prevent it in the first place. Always drink plenty of fluids- six to eight glasses of water per day is a good baseline. However, this varies based on factors including your age, height, weight, sex, and activity level. Avoid consuming too much caffeine, which can cause some dehydration. Eat fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to promote regular bowel movements. You should aim for at least 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day. Regular exercise is another great way to promote bowel movements too. Finally, always use the restroom when you feel the urge. Holding it in can cause fecal matter to accumulate and lead to constipation. 

Our experienced team at GHP has years of experience helping people manage and treat constipation. We can help establish the best plan of care for your situation. Contact any of our office locations to learn about the options we offer and schedule an appointment today.

Barrett’s Esophagus: Five Things You Need To Know

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Barrett’s Esophagus is a condition that develops from chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD causes stomach acid to back up into the esophagus, and over time tissue in the esophagus can change to become tissue similar to that in the intestines. This tissue change is the defining element of the condition. 

Here are 5 things you need to know about Barrett’s Esophagus. 

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of Barrett’s Esophagus is not known. However, a major risk factor is having GERD symptoms for 10 years or more. While some people who develop the condition have no history of GERD, it does increase the likelihood of the condition. Additionally, men, older adults, White people, overweight people, and people who smoke or have smoked are more likely to develop it. 

Barrett’s Esophagus Symptoms

Many of the symptoms people experience with Barrett’s Esophagus are the same symptoms associated with GERD. These include frequent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, upper abdominal pain, a dry cough, and chest pain. However, many people with the condition do not have any of these symptoms. 

Diagnosis

Barrett’s Esophagus is diagnosed through a procedure called an upper endoscopy. During this procedure, a physician uses an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera) to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract. The endoscope is fed through the mouth and gives a view of any changes in the lining of the esophagus. Then, the physician may take a tissue sample of the lining, which will later be studied for any signs of metaplastic cells that can confirm a diagnosis. Since the condition doesn’t affect all areas of the esophagus, biopsy samples are taken from multiple places on the esophagus lining. 

Complications from Barrett’s Esophagus

People with Barrett’s Esophagus have an increased chance of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma, a rare type of cancer. When their esophageal tissue is replaced with intestine-like tissue (in a process called metaplasia), if the stimuli causing the metaplasia is not removed by addressing the acid reflux, dysplasia can occur. 

Dysplasia is a process where cells develop abnormally, and can lead to cancerous growth. The extent of dysplasia is diagnosed through a biopsy. Low-grade dysplasia is when cells show a small amount of change, and high-grade dysplasia is when advanced change has occurred and may lead to cancer. As a preventative step, people with Barrett’s Esophagus are often monitored through regular exams to check for precancerous cells. Procedures like ablation can be performed on precancerous cells to prevent cancerous growth. 

Treatments

Treatment for Barrett’s Esophagus varies based on the extent of the condition. For people with no or low dysplasia, lifestyle changes like eliminating heartburn triggers and maintaining healthy weight can ease symptoms. In addition, regular check-ups are often recommended to monitor any changes over time. 

When high-grade dysplasia is present, more serious interventions may be required. These treatments include removing damaged cells through an endoscopy, surgery to remove damaged parts of the esophagus, using cold therapy to damage abnormal cells, and using light therapy to destroy damaged cells.

Our experienced team at GHP has years of experience helping people manage and treat Barrett’s Esophagus. We can help establish the best plan of care for your situation. Contact any of our office locations to learn about the options we offer and schedule an appointment today.

What is Colorectal Cancer?

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Colorectal cancer refers to a cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. While cancers that start in either place may be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, respectively, they are often known collectively as colorectal cancer because of similarities between the cancers. 

Here’s what you need to know about colorectal cancer. 

Causes and Risk Factors

Scientists are not exactly sure what causes colorectal cancer. We do know that colorectal cancer begins when healthy cells’ DNA mutates. These cells can then overgrow and divide, creating tumors. Cancerous cells can also destroy healthy tissue and travel to other parts of the body and form deposits. However, there are several well-documented risk factors. These include being over 45, having diabetes, smoking, drinking alcohol, having a high-fat diet, having an inflammatory bowel disease, and having a family history of colon cancer or polyps. 

Types

Most colorectal cancers (around 96%) are Adenocarcinomas. This kind of cancer starts in mucus-producing cells which lubricate the colon and rectum. 

There are a few other kinds of colorectal cancers that are much more rare. Lymphomas, cancers of immune system cells, can start in the colon or rectum (although they typically start in lymph nodes). Carcinoid tumors start from hormone-producing cells in the intestine. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors start from cells in the colon wall, and while most are non-cancerous, some can be. 

Symptoms

It’s common for colorectal cancers to have few symptoms until they have advanced. There are some potential warning signs, but they may be indicators of other issues. These symptoms include lower abdominal pain, blood in stool, bloating, cramps, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, and changes in bowel functions. As always, it’s best to consult a medical professional to determine what your symptoms are caused by. 

Diagnosis

The best way to cure colon cancer is to identify it at an early stage. However, since symptoms may not present early on, doctors recommend screenings for healthy people, usually beginning around age 50. People with more risk factors, as discussed above, may be advised to be screened at a younger age. 

A colonoscopy is one of the most common methods of screening. This involves using a scope to examine the inside of the colon. Your doctor can pass tools through the scope to take tissue samples if they see something suspicious. Biopsies of these tissue samples can help determine if cancer is present. Doctors also may remove polyps found during a colonoscopy to prevent them from becoming malignant. 

Treatment and Prevention

There are three main treatments for colorectal cancer- surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. These three treatment options are often used together in various combinations, depending on a patient’s situation. The best treatment options for each person depends on factors including overall health, the cancer’s stage, and whether the cancer is recurring. 

Localised, small, early-stage cancer in a polyp can be removed during a colonoscopy. A more invasive surgical procedure called a partial colectomy can remove the cancerous area of the colon and some surrounding healthy areas. This can prevent the cancer from growing back. Lymph nodes near the surgical site are removed and tested. Surgery can also be pursued to relieve symptoms and provide comfort for people in very poor conditions. 

Chemotherapy is another treatment option, often used after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells. If the cancer has spread beyond the colon lining, this may be recommended. 

Radiation therapy utilizes beams of intense energy to destroy cancer cells. Radiation may be utilized before surgery to reduce tumor sizes, or after surgery to kill off remaining cancer cells. 

Preventing colorectal cancer is extremely important, and it starts with screening (as discussed above). Additionally, you can reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer by avoiding smoking, reducing or avoiding alcohol consumption, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a healthy diet. 

Our experienced team at GHP has years of experience helping people manage and treat colorectal cancer. We can help establish the best plan of care for your situation. Contact any of our office locations to learn about the options we offer and schedule an appointment today.

 

 

Dr. Michael Krease on a Broad Scope of Practice

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Dr. Michael Krease was recently featured in an MD-Update Magazine article where he discussed broadening perceptions of what gastroenterology is:

 

 “Scope Junkie.” “Scope Monkey.” He’s heard them all, and he gets the joke, but Michael Krease, DO, wants to make sure that everyone understands that there is much more to what he does than performing scopes.

 “That really is the common misconception,” he says of gastroenterology, which he practices at Gastroenterology Health Partners’ Louisville location. “We are much more than that.”

 It wasn’t the opportunity to perform endoscopies and colonoscopies, after all, that drew Krease to the medical field in particular. Growing up in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, Krease had an early interest in being a veterinarian, but by high school he knew he wanted to be a doctor. He narrowed his field of interest to internal medicine before attending medical school at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He met his wife, Megan, there. She is a pediatrician at All Children Pediatrics in Louisville. They did their residencies together at Oklahoma State University Medical Center. Krease then completed his Fellowship in gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

 

Read the full article here:

 

Michael Krease

Dr. Matthew McCollough on Teachable Moments

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Dr. Matthew McCollough was recently featured in an MD-Update Magazine article highlighting his passion for communicating with patients:

 

 Like all physicians, Matthew McCollough, MD, completed years of education and training before reaching his current position as gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Health Partners’ (GHP) New Albany, Indiana location. As much as he enjoyed learning, he also enjoys imparting that knowledge to his patients, enabling them to better understand and manage their own health. But, contrary to what you might think, imparting that knowledge begins not with a lecture, but by listening.

 “When it comes to talking to patients, I make sure they know I’m listening to them,” McCollough says. “I need to make a personal connection with them that I care about their disease, I care about their complaints. I always ask the question, ‘If I could fix one or two things magically today, what would you like me to do? I’m having a one-on-one conversation with you, you can trust me, I’m going to listen to your complaints, and even if I can’t fix them, I’ll be honest with you about it and try to get you to the right place.’ Having a connection and being able to educate them on their disease and also letting them know that I care, because I do.”

 Those instincts to educate and care for others led to McCollough developing an interest in the medical profession at an early age. He grew up in western Kentucky and attended Georgetown College, in central Kentucky, where he met his wife Robin, who is a physical therapist. He attended the University of Louisville School of Medicine, graduating in 2003. He completed his internal medicine residency there and served as chief medical resident for a year, enjoying the opportunity to teach students. He stayed in Louisville to complete his gastroenterology fellowship in 2010.

 “I love knowledge and teaching people about things,” McCollough says. “Helping people’s quality of life is the main reason I became a doctor. Gastroenterology has allowed me to have a breadth of knowledge that was broad and affords me the ability to continue to learn and help people in a unique way.”

Read the full article here:

 

Lowering Your Risk of Liver Disease

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Liver disease is a general term used to cover multiple types of diseases that affect the liver and its functions in the body. These diseases include cirrhosis, cancer, infectious hepatitis, and blood flow abnormalities, to name a few. 

The liver has a role in many important bodily functions, including iron storage for red blood cell production, bile production, and generally digesting food and getting rid of toxins. Liver disease can affect these functions negatively and eventually lead to serious outcomes if untreated. 

Liver disease can be caused by a variety of things, come of which are controllable and others which aren’t. Luckily, though, there’s a lot you can do to reduce your risk. Let’s take a look at some key factors you can manage to lower your risk for liver disease. 

Exposure to toxins

A healthy liver helps filter out toxins from the blood. However, when too many toxins are present over time, the liver can become damaged. Chemicals found in household products, pesticides, and the like can cause liver damage over time if ingested. Always read warning labels for any chemicals you use to make sure you are employing proper safety measures and practices. Wash your fruits and vegetables before consumption too. In fact, go for clean produce and fruit when you can- pesticide-free food is the best way to ensure you aren’t overexposed to toxins when you eat. 

Alcohol consumption

Liver injury can occur due to alcohol abuse. When you drink too much over a long period of time, this starts to cause fat accumulation in your liver and can eventually lead to more damage. There are also other coinciding factors that can increase risk, like smoking. 

One key way to lower your risk of liver disease due to alcohol consumption is to decrease use. Abstaining from alcohol is incredibly effective in lessening damage, and in earlier stages of fatty accumulations in the liver may even reverse some damage. Even just reducing your amount of consumption to a healthier level is significant. For reference, moderate drinking is defined as up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men. Heavy drinking is defined as 8 or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more drinks per week for men. 

Infection

Liver disease can also develop as a result of infection, which can occur from viruses or parasites. Viruses causing liver damage may be spread through close contact with an infected person, their blood or semen, or contaminated food and water. It’s important to take precautions to avoid virus exposure, including using protection during sex, avoiding needle sharing if you use drugs, and ensuring clean equipment is used on any tatooing equipment you come in contact with. 

Obesity, Diabetes, and High Cholesterol

Obesity, Diabetes, and High Cholesterol can lead to fatty accumulations in the liver. This can turn into nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which like other types of liver disease, can become more severe over time. Fortunately, liver health can be improved by cutting simple carbohydrates and adding in more healthy fruits, vegetables, and proteins to your diet. 

Our experienced team at GHP has years of experience helping patients manage and treat liver disease. We can help you establish the best plan of care for your situation. Contact any of our office locations to learn about the options we offer and schedule an appointment today.