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Liver Disease

At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Scott specializes in diagnosing and treating all stages of liver disease-from fatty liver to cirrhosis. Using advanced tools like FibroScan and personalized care plans, he guides you through lifestyle changes, medications, and referrals to restore and protect your liver health.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
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Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Scott Liu

About the Expert

Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.

What is Liver Disease?

Liver disease includes various conditions that damage the liver, affecting its ability to filter blood, digest food, and store energy.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
  • Chronic hepatitis B or C infection
  • Obesity and metabolic syndrome
  • Certain medications (e.g., methotrexate, amiodarone)
  • Inherited disorders (hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease)

Signs and Symptoms

  • Often none in early stages
  • Fatigue or generalized weakness
  • Pain or fullness in the upper right abdomen
  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
  • Dark urine or pale stools
  • Itchy skin (pruritus)
  • Nausea, vomiting, or poor appetite

How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Liver Disease

Dr. Scott starts with a comprehensive health history and physical exam:

Health History and Physical Exam

He reviews your overall health and any symptoms related to liver disease.

Blood Tests

These tests check liver enzymes to assess liver function and detect abnormalities.

Imaging Tests

Ultrasound or FibroScan are used to measure liver fat and scarring non-invasively.

Liver Biopsy

In some cases, a small liver biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Testing Locations

All testing is performed in-office or at trusted clinics in Houston for your convenience.

Dr. Scott
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for liver disease.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

  • Personalized meal plans to reduce sugar and unhealthy fats
  • Exercise programs to support steady weight loss
  • Guidance on how to lower liver enzymes through diet and fitness

2. Medications

  • We follow the latest FDA fatty liver disease guidelines.
  • We may prescribe an FDA-approved fatty liver disease drug to reduce inflammation or control cholesterol.

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

  • FibroScan for non-surgical monitoring
  • Clinical trials of new therapies for NASH or MASH liver disease
  • Endoscopic treatments for advanced scarring (in selected cases)
Scott Liu

About the Expert

Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a fatty liver?

Fat collects in the liver due to obesity, poor diet, metabolic syndrome, alcohol use or certain medications. Dr. Scott customizes a plan to address your risk factors.

How can I lower my liver enzymes?

Adopt a balanced diet, exercise regularly and avoid excess alcohol. Dr. Scott will guide you through targeted lifestyle and medical strategies to normalize enzymes.

What tests show hepatic echogenicity?

Non-invasive imaging-like ultrasound or FibroScan-measures liver echogenicity to detect and quantify fatty changes without surgery.

Is there a drug for fatty liver disease?

While there's no FDA-approved drug specifically for NAFLD yet, Dr. Scott may prescribe insulin sensitizers or bile acid medications off-label as part of your care plan.

What is NASH life expectancy?

Life expectancy varies by stage. Early NASH often responds well to weight loss and diet changes. Dr. Scott will discuss your outlook based on your test results.

Do I need a biopsy?

Most patients avoid biopsy. Dr. Scott relies on blood work, imaging and FibroScan unless advanced disease calls for a tissue sample to guide treatment.

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