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Hepatic Fibrosis

Hepatic fibrosis is the buildup of scar tissue in the liver. At GastroDoxs, we provide early diagnosis, lifestyle guidance, and expert treatment to slow disease progression and protect liver function. Book your consultation today in Katy.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Bharat Pothuri
Symptoms

What is Hepatic Fibrosis?

Hepatic fibrosis happens when scar tissue builds up in your liver, replacing healthy cells and making it harder for the liver to do its job. If detected early, treatment and lifestyle changes can slow-or even partially reverse-the damage.

Common Symptoms

In its early stages, hepatic fibrosis often has no obvious symptoms. As scarring progresses, you may notice:

  • Persistent tiredness or fatigue
  • Loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss
  • Mild pain or pressure in the upper right side of your abdomen
  • Dark-colored urine or pale/light-colored stools
  • Swelling in your legs or abdomen (later stages)

Causes

Several factors can lead to liver scarring and development of hepatic fibrosis:

  • Chronic hepatitis B or C infection
  • Heavy, long-term alcohol use
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
  • Autoimmune liver disorders
  • Exposure to toxins or certain medications
Treatment

Treatment Options for Hepatic Fibrosis in Katy

Treatment includes evaluation, lifestyle changes, and targeted therapies:

  • Testing and evaluation: FibroScan or liver biopsy to determine the extent of scarring.
  • Lifestyle modifications: Weight loss, exercise, and alcohol avoidance to slow fibrosis progression.
  • Antiviral or disease-specific therapy: Medications for hepatitis B/C or other underlying causes.
  • Liver-friendly diet: Emphasize lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
  • Routine blood tests: Monitor liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and assess treatment response.
  • Ongoing specialist support: Regular checkups with your Katy gastroenterologist to adjust your care plan.

Why Choose GastroDoxs?

At GastroDoxs in Katy, we specialize in patient-centered care for hepatic fibrosis and overall liver health. Our experienced team combines advanced diagnostics-such as FibroScan and targeted blood work-with personalized treatment plans tailored to the cause of your liver scarring. From lifestyle and dietary coaching to antiviral or medical therapies, we're here to slow or even reverse damage, all while speaking in plain language and offering compassionate support every step of the way. Ready to take control of your liver health? Book your appointment today and let us help you protect and restore your liver function.

2.7K

Patients Treated

We've successfully treated more than 2.7K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

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 causes hepatic fibrosis most often?

Chronic hepatitis B or C infections, heavy alcohol use, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are the leading causes of liver scarring.

How is hepatic fibrosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves blood work to check liver enzymes, non-invasive imaging like a FibroScan to measure liver stiffness, and sometimes a liver biopsy for definitive assessment.

Can hepatic fibrosis be reversed?

Yes-when detected early, fibrosis can improve or even reverse with appropriate treatment of the underlying cause and lifestyle changes.

What do FibroScan results mean?

FibroScan measures how stiff your liver is: lower stiffness scores indicate less scarring, while higher scores suggest more advanced fibrosis.

Is a liver biopsy always needed to diagnose fibrosis?

No. If non-invasive tests (blood markers and imaging) clearly show the degree of scarring, a biopsy may not be required.

How can I prevent hepatic fibrosis from getting worse?

Maintain a liver-friendly diet, avoid alcohol, treat any viral hepatitis, manage your weight, and follow your doctor's recommendations for ongoing care.

What should I eat to support liver health?

Focus on lean proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. Limit salt, sugar, and fried or processed foods.

Can untreated hepatitis B lead to fibrosis?

Yes. Chronic, untreated hepatitis B is a major cause of progressive liver scarring and can eventually lead to cirrhosis.

How often should I see my liver specialist?

Most patients benefit from follow-up visits every 3 to 6 months, but your schedule may vary based on the severity of fibrosis and other health factors.

Where can I find a liver specialist in Katy?

GastroDoxs in Katy offers experienced hepatic fibrosis specialists, clear guidance, and personalized support to help protect and improve your liver health.

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