hepatology meaning - #18768

I’ve recently been reading about liver diseases, and I came across the term hepatology, which I hadn’t heard much about before. I know that hepatology is the branch of medicine that deals with the liver, but I’m curious to know more about what it involves. What exactly does hepatology cover, and what kind of conditions do hepatologists treat? My doctor referred me to a hepatologist because I’ve been having some issues with my liver enzymes, and I want to understand the full scope of what this field addresses. I’ve been having some liver function abnormalities in my blood tests, and my doctor said that they might be related to fatty liver disease. Does hepatology deal with conditions like fatty liver, cirrhosis, and hepatitis? What are some of the most common liver diseases that a hepatologist would treat, and how do they differ from one another? I’m also concerned about how liver disease can progress. If my liver condition is diagnosed as early-stage fatty liver, is there a way to reverse the damage before it leads to cirrhosis or liver failure? I’ve heard that a hepatologist can provide treatments to help with this, but I want to know what my options are. Should I be changing my diet or lifestyle to support liver health even before getting a formal diagnosis from a hepatologist? Since I’m interested in natural healing, I’m also wondering if Ayurveda has any treatments or remedies for liver diseases that could complement hepatology care. I’ve read that Ayurveda focuses on detoxification and improving organ health—are there any specific herbs or practices that would support liver health in a holistic way? I’m especially interested in herbs like milk thistle and turmeric, which are often said to be good for liver health—do they have any grounding in Ayurvedic medicine? Another concern I have is the impact of alcohol on liver function. I occasionally drink wine with meals, but I’m starting to worry that even moderate drinking could be contributing to my liver problems. How does hepatology advise patients on managing alcohol consumption? Is it okay to drink in moderation, or is complete abstinence recommended for liver health? Lastly, I’m wondering what tests a hepatologist might perform to assess liver function. What should I expect during my appointment, and what tests are typically used to diagnose liver conditions? Will I need imaging like an ultrasound or a biopsy, or is blood work enough for most cases? I just want to be sure I’m taking the right steps to maintain my liver health. If Ayurveda has ways to support liver function naturally, I’d love to learn more about them while working with my hepatologist.