What Is Hepatitis D? A defective virus requiring concurrent hepatitis B infection to replicate, leading to more aggressive liver disease. Why Do I Need Evaluation? Test if you have chronic HBV and: Worsening liver enzymes Rapid fibrosis progression How Should I Prepare? Blood tests: anti-HDV antibodies, HDV RNA, HBV panel. Imaging for fibrosis staging. What [...]
What Is Hepatitis C? A viral infection of the liver caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) that often becomes chronic and can lead to cirrhosis or HCC. Why Do I Need Treatment? Treatment is recommended if you have: Positive HCV RNA on PCR Elevated liver enzymes or fibrosis on imaging/biopsy How Should I Prepare? Blood [...]
What Is Hepatitis A? An acute, self-limiting viral liver infection transmitted via the fecal-oral route. Why Do I Need Evaluation? You may present with: Abrupt jaundice, fatigue, nausea Recent travel, shellfish ingestion, or exposure to infected contact How Should I Prepare? Blood tests: HAV IgM antibodies, liver panel. No special imaging prep. What Happens During [...]
What Is Hepatitis B? A viral infection of the liver caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) that can be acute or progress to chronic disease. Why Do I Need Treatment? You may need therapy if you have: Elevated HBV DNA and liver enzymes Fibrosis on imaging or biopsy Family history of cirrhosis/HCC How Should I [...]
What Is Chronic Liver Disease? Long-term damage to the liver from causes like viral hepatitis, alcohol, or fatty liver, leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Why Do I Need Evaluation? You may be referred if you have: Elevated liver enzymes Signs of portal hypertension (varices, ascites) Fatigue, jaundice, abdominal swelling How Should I Prepare? Fasting: 6 [...]
What Is Fatty Liver Disease? Also called hepatic steatosis, fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat builds up in liver cells. It ranges from simple steatosis (benign) to steatohepatitis (inflammation). Why Do I Need Evaluation? You may be assessed if you have: Abnormal liver enzymes on blood tests Ultrasound/MRI showing fat in the liver Risk [...]
Why Manage Weight? Optimal weight reduces risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain GI cancers. Evaluation BMI calculation and body-composition analysis. Metabolic panel, thyroid function tests. Weight Loss Strategies Lifestyle: calorie-controlled diet, exercise Medications: GLP-1 agonists (e.g., semaglutide) Endobariatrics: balloons, sleeve gastroplasty Surgery: RYGB, sleeve gastrectomy Weight Gain Strategies Nutrient‐dense, high-calorie meals Address malabsorption (pancreatic [...]
What Is PR Bleeding? Bleeding from the anus or rectum, ranging from bright red blood to maroon stools. Why Do I Need Evaluation? To identify the source—hemorrhoids, fissures, IBD, polyps, or malignancy. Workup & Treatment History & Exam: Visual inspection, digital rectal exam. Endoscopy: Anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. Therapies: Hemorrhoids: band ligation, sclerotherapy Fissures: topical [...]
What Causes Abdominal Pain? Varied etiologies—from functional disorders (IBS) to structural disease (gallstones). Why Evaluate Pain? To rule out urgent conditions (appendicitis, obstruction, perforation) and guide treatment. What to Expect in Workup Detailed history (onset, location, character) Lab tests and imaging (ultrasound, CT) Endoscopy if indicated Treatment Approaches Functional pain: antispasmodics, low-FODMAP diet Ulcer disease: [...]
Why Focus on Nutrition? Proper diet supports digestion, heals the gut lining, and manages chronic GI conditions. Key Principles Balanced Diet: Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains. Hydration: 8–10 glasses of water daily. Fiber Intake: 25–30 g/day—soluble for diarrhea, insoluble for constipation. Avoid Triggers: Spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, high-fat meals. Personalized Plans Lactose intolerance: dairy [...]
