Hepatology Services

Liver diseases and disorders of the gallbladder, pancreas, and bile ducts can occur for many reasons. Sometimes the cause is genetic. Other times they’re related to viral infections or excessive alcohol use. If you experience any symptoms like abdominal pain, fatigue, or jaundice, you should see a liver disease specialist who can help you manage and treat these complex digestive disorders.

At the Northwest Digestive Center, our expert team offers comprehensive hepatology services. We’re dedicated to providing you with compassionate care and personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to make an appointment.

Comprehensive hepatology services in Post Falls

Understanding and treating hepatology conditions requires a specialized approach. At our comprehensive gastrointestinal clinic, people in Post Falls will receive the same advanced, high-level hepatology care typically found in larger medical centers, right here in our beautiful rural community. Our multidisciplinary team is skilled in preventing, diagnosing, and managing diseases of the liver, pancreas, and bile ducts, including:

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is caused by a viral infection that inflames the liver, and it can sneak up on people quickly. In its early stages, it has no symptoms. But as it progresses, people may experience fatigue, abdominal pain, joint pain, or jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes). If left untreated, Hepatitis C can lead to long-term liver damage. That’s why patients should seek care as soon as they experience symptoms. Our team can help you receive an accurate diagnosis, assess whether medications like antivirals can help curb inflammation, and develop a plan to help you prevent further problems.

Other viral hepatitis

Hepatitis D and E occur less often than Hepatitis A, B, and C, but they’re no less serious. While some of these rare types of viral hepatitis may resolve on their own, other times they may need treatment and management. Experts at the Northwest Digestive Center will provide the care and support you need to understand the type of viral hepatitis you have. They’ll also provide tips and treatments to help you recover.

Autoimmune hepatitis

Sometimes, liver disease occurs because your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the cells within your liver. This condition, called autoimmune hepatitis, has two forms. Type 1 affects people of all ages. Type 2 is less common and happens in children and young adults. Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic condition that requires careful management. Our gastrointestinal specialists will run liver function tests to help you diagnose your condition and then teach you how to manage it through medication and lifestyle changes.

Cirrhosis

A late-stage liver disease, cirrhosis occurs from long-term liver damage due to viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, fatty liver disease, or autoimmune diseases. Its defining characteristic is scarring, called fibrosis, which happens inside the liver when unhealthy tissue replaces healthy tissue. This scarring reduces the effectiveness of the liver to perform its primary function of removing toxins and waste products from blood. If you’re diagnosed with cirrhosis, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet, remain active, and avoid alcohol. Cirrhosis specialists at the Northwest Digestive Center will monitor your liver function, track the progression of cirrhosis, and help you manage your symptoms.

Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease

When excess fat builds up in your liver, it can create inflammation and scarring that impact your well-being. Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease is often broken down into two categories. Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease is most common and may be connected to obesity, Type 2 diabetes, elevated cholesterol, or metabolic syndrome. Alcohol-related metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease is caused by excess alcohol consumption. People in the Inland Northwest with metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease count on our team to help them manage their condition successfully and avoid potential complications.

Gallbladder and bile duct diseases

Your gallbladder stores bile, and your bile ducts then carry that bile into the small intestines, where it helps to break down fats after you eat. Many medical conditions can affect both the gallbladder and bile ducts, causing pain, digestive problems, and other complications. At the Northwest Digestive Center, we care for many common gallbladder and bile duct diseases, including gallstones, cholecystitis, biliary colic, cholangitis, and pancreatitis. We offer a full range of medical treatments and, if needed, can refer you to board-certified surgeons right here in the same building.

Pancreatic disease

A well-functioning pancreas releases enzymes that help improve your digestion and hormones that regulate your blood sugar levels. Pancreatic diseases like pancreatitis (an inflammation of the pancreas), diabetes, or cystic fibrosis can prevent your pancreas from doing its job effectively. If you experience signs of pancreatitis, including upper abdomen pain, nausea, or vomiting, our gastrointestinal specialists can help. We’ll use blood tests, imaging studies, and endoscopy to provide an accurate diagnosis, then help you manage your symptoms so you can improve your digestive well-being.

Why choose Northwest Digestive Center in Post Falls for hepatology care?

As a regional center for hepatology services, the Northwest Digestive Center cares for people from Coeur d’Alene to Spokane and everywhere in between. Here, you’ll feel supported by expert hepatology specialists and a care team that’s dedicated to helping you achieve wellness. With a patients-first approach, we will teach you ways to manage conditions of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts so you can take charge of your digestive health. You’ll benefit from:

Expert diagnoses. Hepatology conditions can be tricky to diagnose, especially because some show no symptoms in their earliest stages. Our team uses leading-edge diagnostic tests to assess your liver function and give you the most accurate diagnosis possible.

Access to fellowship-trained gastrointestinal surgeons. Many hepatology conditions can be managed medically. But if you need surgical care, we can refer you to experts right here in our office. Our team is skilled in performing endoscopies that examine your digestive system, and liver biopsies that test for types of cancers or other significant changes in the liver cells. Meet our providers

An entire team on your side. Our institute embraces a multidisciplinary approach to care. Our providers, nurse navigators, dietitians, program coordinators, and mental health specialists work together to provide the highest level of care and support for both acute and chronic liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile duct diseases.