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Cirrhosis

At Houston's GastroDoxs, our expert hepatology team provides compassionate, state-of-the-art cirrhosis diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing liver care to patients across the Greater Houston area, combining cutting-edge therapies and personalized support to help you manage liver health with renewed confidence.

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Bharat Pothuri
Symptoms

What is Cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis occurs when healthy liver cells are gradually replaced by scar tissue, blocking blood flow and impairing liver function. Over time, this scarring can lead to serious complications. The general ICD-10 code for cirrhosis is K74.60, and for alcoholic cirrhosis it's K70.30.

Common Symptoms

Cirrhosis may not cause noticeable signs at first. As it progresses, you may experience:

  • Fatigue or generalized weakness
  • Poor appetite or unintended weight loss
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Swelling in the abdomen (ascites) or legs (edema)
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Itchy skin (pruritus)

Causes

A variety of conditions and lifestyle factors can lead to cirrhosis:

  • Chronic heavy alcohol consumption
  • Long-term hepatitis B or C infection
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH)
  • Inherited metabolic disorders (hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease)
  • Autoimmune hepatitis
  • Chronic bile duct diseases (primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis)
Treatment

Treatment Options for Cirrhosis of the Liver in Houston

Treatment includes lifestyle modifications, medical therapies, and procedural interventions:

  • Alcohol cessation: Complete abstinence from alcohol is essential to halt further liver damage.
  • Low-sodium diet: Limiting salt intake helps control fluid buildup in the abdomen and legs.
  • Diuretics: Medications like spironolactone or furosemide reduce ascites and lower portal pressure.
  • Nutrition support: A balanced, high-protein diet with frequent small meals prevents malnutrition and muscle wasting.
  • Vitamin and mineral supplements: Replenishing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and minerals (zinc, magnesium) corrects common deficiencies.
  • Antiviral therapy: If hepatitis B or C is present, targeted antiviral drugs can slow or reverse liver injury.
  • Endoscopy: Regular screening and band ligation of esophageal varices prevent life-threatening bleeding.
  • Liver transplant evaluation: Referral to a transplant center for advanced or decompensated cirrhosis offers a chance for long-term survival.
  • Routine labs and imaging: Periodic blood tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin, INR) and ultrasounds monitor disease progression and detect complications early.
  • Vaccinations: Immunize against hepatitis A and B, influenza, and pneumococcus to reduce infection risks.

Don't Wait - Book Your Appointment Today

Protect your liver health with expert care at GastroDoxs. Schedule a consultation with our cirrhosis specialist near Houston-call us or book online now for personalized treatment plans, accurate ICD-10 coding assistance, and compassionate support every step of the way.

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Patients Treated

We've successfully treated more than 3.2K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

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Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the ICD-10 code for cirrhosis?

The general cirrhosis code is K74.60. For alcoholic cirrhosis without fluid buildup, use K70.30.

How long can you live with cirrhosis?

Survival varies by disease stage and treatment. With early intervention and proper management, many people live for years while maintaining quality of life.

What are signs of late-stage cirrhosis?

Late-stage signs include severe jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), confusion or disorientation (hepatic encephalopathy), fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), and organ dysfunction.

Can cirrhosis be reversed?

Early cirrhosis may improve if the underlying cause is treated and lifestyle changes are made. However, advanced scarring is generally permanent, though complications can be managed.

What's the difference between compensated and decompensated cirrhosis?

Compensated cirrhosis means the liver still performs essential functions and symptoms are minimal. Decompensated cirrhosis involves serious complications like fluid retention, bleeding, or cognitive changes.

What does "alcoholic cirrhosis ICD-10" mean?

This refers to the ICD-10 code K70.30, which is assigned when liver damage results specifically from chronic alcohol use without ascites.

How is cirrhosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis may include blood tests (liver function panels), imaging studies (ultrasound, CT, MRI), elastography to assess fibrosis, and sometimes a liver biopsy for confirmation.

Should I see a liver specialist in Houston?

Yes. A hepatologist or gastroenterologist can offer targeted treatments, monitor disease progression, and help prevent or manage complications.

Why choose a local cirrhosis specialist?

Local specialists provide convenient follow-ups, immediate access during emergencies, insurance coordination, and care plans tailored to Houston's patient community.

How can I book an appointment?

Call GastroDoxs or book online to schedule your visit. Our team will verify your insurance, handle coding, and guide you through each step of your care.

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