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Cirrhosis
At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen offers liver cirrhosis care, from diagnosis to personalized treatment plans. Drawing on advanced imaging, expert procedures, and lifestyle guidance, he empowers patients to manage symptoms, improve liver function, and enhance quality of life.
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.
What Is Cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis is a chronic liver condition in which healthy liver cells are replaced by scar tissue. Over time, this scarring impairs the liver's ability to filter toxins, store nutrients, produce vital proteins, and support normal blood flow. If left untreated, cirrhosis can lead to serious complications, including liver failure.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Chronic heavy alcohol consumption
Long-term hepatitis B or C infection
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) linked to obesity or diabetes
Autoimmune hepatitis or other immune-mediated liver disorders
Metabolic syndrome, high cholesterol or triglycerides
Signs and Symptoms
Often asymptomatic in early stages
Persistent fatigue or weakness
Poor appetite, unintentional weight loss
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Abdominal swelling (ascites) or leg edema
Easy bruising or bleeding
Confusion, memory problems or “brain fog” (hepatic encephalopathy)
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He asks about your pain's location, onset, duration, character and triggers (meals, stress, medications, alcohol). He also reviews past GI issues and family history.
Laboratory Tests
He orders blood work to check for anemia or infection (CBC), liver enzymes, pancreatic enzymes (amylase/lipase) and screens for H. pylori.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound to evaluate the gallbladder, liver, pancreas and look for stones or masses.
Upper endoscopy (EGD) to inspect the esophagus, stomach and duodenum for ulcers, inflammation or reflux damage.
CT scan or MRI when complications such as pancreatitis or biliary obstruction are suspected.
Functional and Specialized Testing (if needed)
For persistent or unexplained pain he may order gastric emptying studies, esophageal pH monitoring or motility testing.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for liver cirrhosis.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Complete alcohol abstinence and personalized liver-friendly meal plans
Reduced sodium intake to manage fluid retention
Gentle, regular exercise programs to maintain strength and overall health
Routine monitoring of weight and fluid status
2. Medications
Diuretics to remove excess fluid and relieve swelling
Beta-blockers to lower portal hypertension and reduce bleeding risk
Lactulose for management of hepatic encephalopathy (brain fog)
Antiviral therapies for hepatitis-related cirrhosis when applicable
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
FibroScan for non-surgical monitoring of liver stiffness
Endoscopic band ligation to treat bleeding varices
Paracentesis to safely remove ascitic fluid
TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) to reduce portal pressure
Clinical trials of emerging antifibrotic therapies for advanced disease
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 liver cirrhosis?
The general code is K74.60. It may change based on your specific type.
Can cirrhosis be reversed?
Early cirrhosis can improve with healthy changes. Severe damage can't be reversed but can be managed.
How long can I live with cirrhosis?
Many people live for years with the right care and lifestyle.
What are the signs of late-stage cirrhosis?
In final stages, symptoms may include fluid buildup, confusion, and risk of infection. Early care can delay this.
What should I eat if I have cirrhosis?
Follow a low-salt, moderate-protein diet. Dr. Nguyen will guide your food choices.
Where can I read more about cirrhosis?
Visit the American Liver Foundation for more details.
