Liver Conditions: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Liver Conditions?
A hepatologist, a doctor who treats liver disease, usually treats liver conditions. A gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats the digestive system, may also help. Your primary care doctor can order the first tests. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are liver conditions?
Your liver is the largest organ inside your body. It helps your body digest food, store energy, and remove poisons. There are many kinds of liver conditions.
Some liver conditions are caused by viruses, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Others are caused by drugs, poisons, or too much alcohol. Liver cancer is another kind. Some liver conditions are inherited, such as hemochromatosis and Wilson disease. Wilson disease is a disorder in which the body retains too much copper.
Hepatitis means swelling and inflammation of the liver. Long-lasting injury or scar tissue in the liver can cause cirrhosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary, but they often include:
- Swelling of the belly and legs.
- Bruising easily.
- Changes in the color of your stool and urine.
- Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Sometimes there are no symptoms.
Hepatitis can also cause these symptoms:
- Pain or bloating in the belly area.
- Dark urine and pale or clay-colored stools.
- Fatigue, which means feeling very tired.
- Low grade fever.
- Itching.
- Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
- Weight loss.
You may not have symptoms when first infected with hepatitis B or C. You can still develop liver failure later.
Causes and who gets it
Causes depend on the kind of liver condition. Hepatitis can be caused by:
- Immune cells attacking the liver, called autoimmune hepatitis.
- Infections from viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites.
- Liver damage from alcohol or other toxins.
- Medicines, such as an overdose of acetaminophen.
- Fatty liver.
Hepatitis may get better quickly. It may also last a long time. In some cases, hepatitis may lead to liver damage, liver failure, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or even death. With risk factors for hepatitis B or C, ask your provider about testing.
How doctors diagnose it
Tests such as imaging tests and liver function tests can check for liver damage and help to diagnose liver diseases. A doctor does a physical exam to look for an enlarged, tender liver and yellow skin. You may also have these tests:
- Ultrasound, MRI, or other imaging of the belly.
- Blood tests for hepatitis A, B, or C and other viruses.
- Liver function tests and liver enzymes.
- A liver biopsy to check for liver damage, which may be needed in some cases.
Treatment
Treatments vary depending on the cause of the liver disease. Your provider will talk with you about treatment options. You may need to eat a high-calorie diet if you are losing weight.
Some steps can lower your risk of liver problems. Talk to your provider about having a vaccine to prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Avoid alcohol. Treat conditions that can lead to liver disease, such as obesity and diabetes.
To avoid spreading hepatitis B and C, do not share personal items such as razors or toothbrushes. Do not share drug needles or other drug equipment. Use safer sexual practices.
To lower your risk of catching hepatitis A, wash your hands well after using the restroom. Avoid unclean food and water.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you vomit blood or have bloody or tarry stools. Also call 911 for a sudden change in mental state, such as confusion, for fainting, or for severe belly pain.
Get care right away if you have symptoms from too much acetaminophen or other medicines. Contact your provider if you have symptoms of hepatitis or may have been exposed to hepatitis A, B, or C. Also contact your provider if you cannot keep food down because of too much vomiting.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can ask about your symptoms and risk factors and order tests, such as liver function tests.
Common questions
Can you have a liver condition without symptoms?
Yes, sometimes there are no symptoms. You may not have symptoms when first infected with hepatitis B or C, but you can still develop liver failure later.
What tests check for liver damage?
Imaging tests and liver function tests can check for liver damage. Your doctor may also do a liver biopsy in some cases.
Can a vaccine prevent a liver condition?
A vaccine can prevent two kinds of viral hepatitis, hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Talk to your provider about having one.
Can alcohol harm the liver?
Yes, too much alcohol can cause liver disease. Alcohol damage is one cause of hepatitis, so avoid alcohol.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Liver Diseases
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Liver Disease
- MedlinePlus - Hepatitis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
