As the name suggests, liver specialists are experts in managing various liver-related issues. For example, you may be referred to one if you need help with viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer among others.
Thanks to their extensive training in gastroenterology and focus on disorders that affect the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas, a good liver specialist in Singapore is best placed to perform diagnostic procedures like liver biopsies and imaging studies to assess your liver health and function.
This article answers the frequently asked question; how does a liver specialist check your liver? It also explores what you can expect when you visit a liver specialist in Singapore. Read on!
How does a Liver Specialist check your Liver?
When visiting a liver specialist in Singapore, you may be recommended liver function tests if there are concerns of you having or being at risk of getting liver infections like hepatitis. You may also be recommended liver function tests to monitor diseases like viral or alcoholic hepatitis and to assess treatment effectiveness.
Liver function tests also help detect serious conditions like cirrhosis and monitor medication side effects. These tests measure enzyme and protein levels in the blood, with abnormal levels indicating potential liver issues.
Patterns and degrees of elevation in these tests, combined with the overall clinical picture, offer clues to the underlying liver problems. If recommended a liver function test, below are eight tests that a liver specialist may use to check your liver;
- Aspartate transaminase (AST): AST is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in breaking down amino acids. Elevated levels of AST in the blood can indicate liver damage, liver disease, or muscle damage. However, AST levels can also increase due to strenuous physical activity or certain medications.
- Albumin and total protein: Albumin is a protein produced by the liver that helps maintain the body’s fluid balance. Low levels of albumin and total protein in the blood may indicate liver damage or disease. Also, these levels can be affected by malnutrition or kidney-related conditions.
- Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT): GGT is an enzyme found in the liver, bile ducts, and other tissues. Elevated GGT levels in the blood can indicate liver or bile duct damage. However, GGT levels can also be elevated in individuals who consume alcohol or take certain medications.
- Prothrombin time (PT): PT measures the time it takes for your blood to clot. Prolonged PT can indicate liver damage or dysfunction, as the liver produces many of the proteins necessary for blood clotting. PT levels can also be affected by vitamin K deficiency or certain medications.
- Alanine transaminase (ALT): Alanine transaminase is a type of enzyme mostly found in the liver. Elevated ALT levels in the blood are a strong indicator of liver damage or disease. ALT levels can be affected by factors such as alcohol consumption, obesity, or viral hepatitis.
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): ALP is an enzyme found in the liver, bones, and other tissues. Exaggerated ALP levels in the blood can indicate liver damage or disease, as well as bone disorders. ALP levels can also be elevated in pregnant women or individuals with certain cancers.
- Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a waste product produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells. Exaggerated bilirubin levels in the blood may suggest liver disease. They may also hint at a liver dysfunction. Bilirubin levels can also be affected by conditions such as gallstones or hemolytic anemia.
- L-lactate dehydrogenase (LD): LD is an enzyme found in many tissues, including the liver. High LD levels in the blood can indicate liver damage, but they can also be elevated in individuals with cancer, heart failure, or certain infections.
What to Expect When Seeing a Liver Specialist?
If you’re living with conditions that are threatening your liver health, seeing a liver specialist in Singapore can be a crucial step in managing the conditions. Here are six things you can expect when seeing your liver specialist;
- Comprehensive History Taking: Your liver specialist in Singapore will start by taking a detailed history of your symptoms, medical history, and any relevant family history. This information helps them understand your condition better and tailor their approach to your specific needs.
- Thorough Physical Examination: A physical exam is essential to assess your overall health and check for signs of liver disease. Your hepatologist will examine your abdomen for signs of liver enlargement or tenderness. They may also check for other symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) or ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen).
- Discussion about Symptoms: Your hepatologist will ask about your symptoms, including when they started, how they have progressed, and if anything makes them better or worse. This information helps them narrow down the possible causes of your symptoms and guide further investigations.
- Coordination of Investigations: Based on your history, physical exam, and symptoms, your hepatologist will order various investigations to establish a diagnosis. These may include blood tests to assess liver function and look for markers of liver disease, imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scan to visualize the liver, and sometimes a liver biopsy to obtain a tissue sample for further analysis.
- Discussion of Diagnosis and Treatment Options: Once a diagnosis is established, your hepatologist will discuss the findings with you. During this discussion, they will explain the treatment options available. This may include lifestyle modifications, medications, or procedures to manage your condition and improve your liver health.
- Long-Term Management and Follow-Up: Liver diseases often require long-term management and monitoring. Your hepatologist will work with you to develop a personalized care plan and schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor your progress, adjust your treatment as needed, and address any concerns you may have.
The Bottom Line
There are several things that happen at a liver specialist clinic. You shouldn’t worry much about them though as they’re mostly routine activities.
For clarity, always seek the opinion or recommendations of the liver specialists themselves. A good liver specialist in Singapore will always be keen to address any questions or concerns you may have about the health of your liver sightwiki .
If you’re looking to schedule an appointment with a liver specialist in Singapore now, contact the Gastrohealth Center for Digestive and Liver Care today to make arrangements for your appointment. See details below;
Gastrohealth Clinic @ Gleneagles – Dr Bhavesh Doshi | Gastroscopy | Colonoscopy | Health Screening | EUS and ERCP Singapore
6A Napier Road,
Annexe Block #05-35C Gleneagles Hospital
Singapore 258500
820 Thomson Road,
#06-07 Mount Alvernia Medical Centre A Singapore 574623
+65 6355 5773
