Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a prevalent condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver. This condition has gained significant attention due to its rising incidence and association with obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. Fatty liver disease often remains asymptomatic in its early stages, making it imperative to understand its causes, diagnosis, progression, and available treatments.
What are the causes of fatty liver disease?
- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD): AFLD is predominantly caused by excessive and chronic alcohol consumption. The liver metabolizes alcohol, and excessive intake can lead to the accumulation of fat, inflammation, and liver damage.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): NAFLD is primarily associated with metabolic risk factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sedentary lifestyle. Genetic factors and certain medications may also contribute to NAFLD.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease tends to develop in people who are overweight or obese or have diabetes, high cholesterol or high triglycerides. Rapid weight loss and poor eating habits also may lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, some people develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease even if they do not have any risk factors.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may cause the liver to swell (steatohepatitis). A swollen liver may cause scarring (cirrhosis) over time and may even lead to liver cancer or liver failure.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease often has no symptoms and it is either diagnosed when a USG scan is done for some other reason or during routine health check up.
When symptoms occur, they may include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, spider-like blood vessels, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), itching, fluid build up and swelling of the legs (edema) and abdomen (ascites).
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is initially suspected if blood tests show high levels of liver enzymes. However, other liver diseases are first ruled out through additional tests. Often, an ultrasound is used to confirm the NonAlcoholic Fatty Liver Disease diagnosis.
There are no medical treatments yet for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly may help prevent liver damage from starting or reverse it in the early stages.
See a doctor who specializes in the liver regularly
Talk to your doctor about ways to improve your liver health
Lose weight, if you are overweight or obese
Lower your cholesterol and triglycerides
Control your diabetes
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a healthy diet
Exercise regularly
Limit alcohol intake
Only take medicines that you need and follow dosing recommendations.
What happens when fatty liver is neglected or ignored?
Fatty liver disease can progress in severity and lead to complications, including:
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): In some cases of NAFLD, the accumulation of fat can cause inflammation in the liver, leading to NASH. NASH can further progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure if left untreated.
Cirrhosis: Prolonged inflammation and liver damage can result in the formation of scar tissue, leading to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a severe condition where the liver loses its ability to function properly and can be life-threatening.
