1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Alcoholic Liver Disease
At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen provides care for alcoholic liver disease. Using advanced imaging, blood tests and personalized plans focused on alcohol cessation, nutrition and medications, he guides you through diagnosis, treatment and ongoing support for liver health.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Heavy alcohol use (more than two drinks per day for men, one for women)
Family history of liver disease
Overweight or obesity
High cholesterol or triglycerides
Unhealthy diet
Chronic hepatitis or other liver infections
Signs and Symptoms
No symptoms in early stages
Fatigue or weakness
Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
Abdominal swelling from fluid (ascites)
Easy bruising or bleeding
Unexplained weight or muscle loss
Strong body or breath odor
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Alcoholic Liver Disease?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your alcohol use, duration and pattern of drinking, gastrointestinal symptoms, family liver disease history, and risk factors. He then performs a focused abdominal exam, checking for epigastric tenderness, liver enlargement, and signs of fluid buildup.
Blood Tests
We obtain liver enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT), bilirubin, albumin, complete blood count, coagulation studies, amylase/lipase to exclude pancreatitis, and viral hepatitis serologies.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound to assess for fatty infiltration, liver texture, ascites, and gallbladder disease.
FibroScan (transient elastography) to measure liver stiffness and quantify fibrosis.
CT or MRI of the abdomen when epigastric pain persists or pancreatic pathology is suspected.
Endoscopic Evaluation (if needed)
Upper endoscopy (EGD) to identify gastritis, peptic ulcers, esophageal varices, or other upper GI sources of epigastric pain or bleeding.
Advanced Testing (Rarely Required)
Liver biopsy may be performed in select cases to confirm the degree of inflammation and scarring and to guide a targeted treatment plan.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for alcoholic liver disease.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Quit alcohol completely with personalized support
Eat balanced meals with lean protein, whole grains, and vegetables
Reduce salt intake to help control swelling (ascites)
Connect with local Houston support groups for recovery
2. Medications
Supplementation with vitamins such as thiamine and folate
Prescription medicines to reduce liver inflammation and swelling
Diuretics (“water pills”) to ease fluid buildup in the abdomen
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Paracentesis to safely drain excess fluid from the belly
FibroScan or ultrasound-based liver stiffness assessment
Referral for liver transplant evaluation in cases of severe cirrhosis
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for alcoholic liver disease?
K70.* is the code. It covers the spectrum of alcohol-related liver damage, from fatty liver to cirrhosis.
Why does alcoholic liver disease cause a smell?
A damaged liver can't clear toxins effectively. Those toxins alter body and breath odor.
What are signs of late-stage alcoholic liver disease?
Late stages often include confusion (hepatic encephalopathy), fluid build-up in the belly (ascites), easy bleeding, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
Can the damage be reversed?
Early damage from alcohol can improve with complete abstinence and healthy lifestyle changes. Once cirrhosis has developed, scarring is permanent, but symptoms can be managed.
How soon will I feel better after quitting alcohol?
Many patients notice increased energy and appetite within a few weeks. Full improvement of liver function can take months to years, depending on severity.
Is there support to help me stop drinking?
Yes. We partner with local Houston support groups, counselors, and rehab programs to provide comprehensive recovery assistance.
Can you help with a liver transplant referral?
If your liver disease is advanced and meets transplant criteria, we'll coordinate with top transplant centers in Houston for evaluation and listing.
Related Blogs
What Are The Treatment Options for My Loved One with Colon Cancer?
