Reasons Behind Liver And Pancreatic Conditions

By Author: Dr Kiran Peddi
Total Articles: 8
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The liver is the largest organ in our body and the gastrointestinal tract. Tucked beneath our ribcage and next to the abdomen, this football-sized organ performs many important vital functions. A healthy liver produces bile, filters our blood, and breaks down complex substances like fat and protein. Many diseases and conditions can hinder the normal functioning of the liver.
The pancreas is a spongy gland that is part of our gastrointestinal tract. The pancreas is located behind the abdomen and is surrounded by the liver, small intestine, and spleen. The pancreas produces many digestive enzymes; most importantly, it produces pancreatic juice and insulin. The pancreas is in charge of producing and releasing hormones into our bloodstream that are crucial for the functioning of other organs such as the brain, kidneys, and liver.
In the following segments, we will discuss the functions of the liver and pancreas, diseases that impact its normal functioning, and the causes/ reasons behind these conditions. We will also discuss when it is appropriate for us to contact the best gastro doctor in Hyderabad and when to look ...
... for the best gastroenterologist near me.
Liver
Functions of the liver
• The liver processes glucose, removes the excess glucose, and stores the remainingglycogen.
• The liver secretes bile, a fluid that aids digestive enzymes in digesting and absorbing fat in the small intestine.
• The bile produced by the liver is important for absorbing vitamin K, which creates blood clotting coagulants. Therefore, the liver regulates blood clotting.
• The liver stores and processes important vitamins such as A, D, E, B12, and K, and also minerals such as iron and copper.
• The liver filters our blood and removes harmful toxins and substances like alcohol and drugs.
• The liver aids in metabolizing medication.
Liver Diseases
• Hepatitis- Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Depending upon the type of hepatitis, hepatitis can either be long-term or short-term. It can be caused by alcohol abuse, consuming poisonous or toxic substances, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections. Symptoms of hepatitis may include- jaundice, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and fever.
• Fatty Liver disease- Fatty liver disease is common amongst people with obesity, high cholesterol, high levels of triglycerides, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes. You must book an appointment with the best gastroenterologist in Hyderabad, India, if you have the following symptoms- fatigue, jaundice, abdominal swelling, enlarged spleen, and red palms.
• Liver cirrhosis- Liver cirrhosis is caused because of excessive scar tissue formation that is formed every time the liver gets injured. Liver cirrhosis is caused by other liver diseases, alcohol abuse, fatty liver disease, Alagille syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and other conditions. Make an appointment with the best gastroenterologist in Hyderabad near me if you have the following symptoms- swelling in legs, loss of appetite, confusion, irregular menstrual cycle, testicular atrophy, redness of palms, weight loss, nausea, etc.
• Acute Liver Failure- Acute liver failure is the rapid loss of liver function in people with no pre-existing liver conditions. Acute liver failure can be caused by cancer, heat stroke, autoimmune disease, toxins, hepatitis, and other viral infections. Visit a stomach specialist in Hyderabad if you have the following symptoms- drowsiness, tremors, disorientation, nausea, abdominal pain and swelling, and jaundice.
• Liver cancer- Hepatocellular Carcinoma, hepatoblastoma, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma are types of liver cancers that begin in the cells of the liver. Liver cancer can be caused due to hepatitis infection and can develop amongst people with no underlying liver issues. You must make an appointment with the best gastro doctor in Hyderabad if you experience- abdominal swelling, white stool, fatigue and weakness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, jaundice, and weight loss.
How are liver problems caused?
There are different reasons behind the causation of each liver condition. In this segment, we will discuss the general causes behind liver problems-
• Hepatitis or swelling, and inflammation of the liver are caused by viral infections and parasites. Hepatitis infection is caused by Hepatitis A, B, and C virus. Hepatitis A is contracted when people eat food that is tainted by fecal matter. Hepatitis B is contracted by having unprotected sex and sharing needles. Hepatitis C is contracted when infected blood enters your blood, i.e., sharing needles.
• Liver diseases such as hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, and Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are caused because of genetic defects inherited from your parents.
• Factors that increase your chance of developing liver disease include- type 2 diabetes, unprotected sex, sharing needles to inject drugs, obesity, consuming harmful drugs and toxins, abusing prescription medication, and an extremely fatty diet.
• Liver diseases are also caused because of cancers that can develop in the liver and bile duct and because of other growths like liver adenoma, a benign liver tumor.
• Autoimmune diseases can affect the normal functioning of the liver. Some common autoimmune liver diseases are- primary sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and autoimmune hepatitis.
Pancreas
Functions of the Pancreas
• The pancreas produces lipase, protease, and amylase, three enzymes that help digest and absorb nutrients from food. Lipase breaks down the fat in our diet; protease breaks down protein; amylase breaks down starches into sugar.
• The pancreas produces insulin hormone. Insulin regulates the blood sugar levels in our body and stores glucose for future energy requirements. Without insulin, our body won’t be able to metabolize the sugar present in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
• The pancreas produces glucagon, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.
Pancreatic diseases
• Pancreatitis- Pancreatitis is a condition that refers to the inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms of pancreatitis include- weight loss, abdominal pain and tenderness, nausea, vomiting, fever, and smelly stools. You must visit a stomach specialist in Hyderabad if you have severe abdominal pain. Pancreatitis can lead to kidney failure, diabetes and can cause breathing problems.
• Pancreatic Cancer- Pancreatic cancer refers to a cancerous growth that begins in the tissues of the pancreas. Book an appointment with the best gastro doctor in Hyderabad if you are experiencing- fatigue, nausea, vomiting, itchy skin, loss of appetite, yellowing of skin and eyes, dark-colored urine, and light-colored stools.
How are pancreatic problems caused?
• Excessive alcohol consumption can cause pancreatitis and liver diseases.
• Cigarette smokers are vulnerable to developing pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
• Pancreatic problems can be caused due to injuries and trauma to the pancreas and abdomen.
• High triglyceride levels, diabetes, and hypothyroidism can cause pancreatic problems.
• Any family history of pancreatic diseases increases your chances of developing pancreatic problems.
• Cystic fibroids, gallstones, and abdominal surgery increase the risk of developing pancreatic conditions.
• Autoimmune diseases and metabolic disorders can cause pancreatitis.
You must consult a stomach specialist in Hyderabad if you have a family history of liver, pancreas, and other gastrointestinal diseases in your family. Visit your doctor today and ask for preventative measures to lower your risk of developing liver and pancreatic issues. You can start at home by making lifestyle changes like reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, eating a less fatty diet, practicing safe sex, etc.
If you are experiencing severe discomfort in the abdominal region and are feeling fatigued and nauseous all of the time, then book an appointment with the best gastroenterologist in Hyderabad, India, today!

Dr. Kiran Peddi is the best gastroenterologist and Innovate IBD in Hyderabad. He is expert and specialized in the treatment of disorders and diseases pertinent to the digestive system. Dr. Kiran Peddi is the best Gastroenterologist doctor in Hyderabad.