Fatty Liver Disease

Symptoms

Fatty liver disease, also known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is a common condition that damages the liver and is associated with an increased risk of developing cirrhosis. About 25 percent of adults in the United States have NAFLD. The condition is often silent at first, but if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Fatigue, mental confusion, and spider-like blood vessels may also be present. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease symptoms are similar to those of alcoholic liver disease. In addition, fatty liver disease may cause jaundice, yellowish skin, and eyes.

A doctor can diagnose fatty liver disease by taking blood and imaging tests. These tests can show whether the liver is swollen or stiff. In addition, elevated liver enzyme levels are a sign that the liver is under stress.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of fatty liver is based on a physical examination, including blood and imaging tests. In some cases, a liver biopsy is required. This procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic and inserting a hollow needle into the liver to collect a sample of liver tissue. This tissue sample will show whether there is fat on the liver and how severe the damage is. The condition can be treated to reduce liver fat content. A 5% reduction in body weight can reduce fat in the liver and reduce inflammation and scarring.

Diagnosis of fatty liver can be difficult, but there are tests available that can help confirm the diagnosis. Ultrasound imaging is one way to detect steatosis. It can show abnormalities such as hepatic echogenicity, fatty liver, and cirrhosis. It can also detect hepatomegaly.

Diagnosis of fatty liver is critical for treatment and prevention. The first step is to reduce the amount of alcohol that you drink. Alcohol intake can cause inflammation in the liver. This inflammation can cause liver scarring and cirrhosis.

Treatment

Treatment of fatty liver focuses on controlling the cause of the disease, which is often a lack of nutrients in the diet. While lifestyle changes are often effective, medications may be necessary to control the fatty liver disease. Current medications for this disease include glitazones and metformin, two effective drugs against NAFLD.

The main treatment concern is reducing liver steatosis, which may progress to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. The most promising medicines are insulin sensitizers, lipid-lowering agents, and antioxidants. Other promising drugs include co-factors that increase the transport of fatty acids to mitochondria. Thiazolidinediones are among the most promising drugs, regulating the microsomal lipid oxidative pathway. Other potential therapeutic approaches include the pharmacological treatment of obesity and the use of probiotics.

A liver biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of fatty liver. It involves inserting a long hollow needle into the liver and obtaining a sample of liver tissue. This test can determine whether the liver is fatty and pinpoint the damage’s cause and extent. In addition, a 5% reduction in body weight has been shown to reduce liver fat, inflammation, and reverse scarring.

Prevention

Prevention of fatty liver disease begins with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor because it causes direct damage to the liver. Also, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and white meat is an excellent choice to keep the liver healthy and prevent inflammation.

Fatty liver disease is caused by a buildup of fat in the liver, which can cause several serious complications. High-fat diets, high alcohol consumption, and diabetes mellitus are all risk factors for developing fatty liver disease. However, lifestyle interventions, including reducing dietary fat, exercising, and losing weight, can prevent the development of the condition. The liver’s job is to process the nutrients in food and remove toxins, and excess fat can impede its functions.

The main goal of lifestyle modification programs is to reduce fat intake and increase physical activity. Inflammation of the liver can lead to scarring and hardening of the liver tissue, known as cirrhosis, a potentially fatal condition. In addition, fat accumulates in the liver due to excess calories, and it cannot process fats properly. Other risk factors for fatty liver disease include alcohol abuse, rapid weight loss, and malnutrition.