Fatty liver is also referred to as hepatic steatosis. It happens when fat accumulates in the liver. Small levels of fat in your liver are natural, but too much might cause health problems. Your liver is the second-largest organ in your body. It aids in the digestion of nutrients from meals and beverages while also filtering dangerous elements from your blood.
Too much fat in your liver can cause inflammation and scarring. In severe circumstances, scarring might cause liver failure. Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) occurs when a person consumes excessive amounts of alcohol. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition that affects people who do not consume alcohol regularly.
What are the signs of fatty liver?
Fatty liver can progress through four phases, including:
- Simple fatty liver: There is an accumulation of extra fat in the liver. If the condition does not worsen, a simple fatty liver is quite innocuous.
- Steatohepatitis is characterized by both excess fat and inflammation in the liver.
- Fibrosis: Persistent inflammation in the liver has resulted in scarring. However, the liver can still operate correctly.
- Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver has spread, reducing its ability to function. This is the most severe stage, which is irreversible.
AFLD and NAFLD present similarly. However, in many cases, fatty liver produces no obvious symptoms. However, you may feel fatigued, uncomfortable, or painful on the upper right side of your abdomen. Some persons with fatty liver disease have problems, such as liver scarring. Liver scarring is referred to as liver fibrosis. Cirrhosis, or severe liver fibrosis, is a potentially fatal disorder that can lead to liver failure.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of steatosis (fatty liver disease)? SLD does not always produce symptoms. Symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain or fullness in the upper right side of the abdomen (belly).
- Extreme tiredness or weakness (fatigue).
People usually discover symptoms once SLD begins to progress to cirrhosis of the liver. When cirrhosis develops, you could experience:
- Nausea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Jaundice is characterized by a yellow-colored complexion and white eyes.
- Ascites, or abdominal swelling
- Oedema refers to swelling in the legs, feet, or hands.
- Bleeding (found in your esophagus, stomach, or rectum).
Causes
SLD has several causes. Still, you’re more likely to acquire SLD if you have a cardiometabolic risk factor, drink too much alcohol, or both. You have a higher risk of acquiring SLD if:
- Alcohol use disorder (frequent or excessive alcohol consumption).
- Have metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high triglycerides).
- Have type 2 diabetes.
- Have an overweight BMI (25 to 29.9 kg/m2).
- Obese (BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher).
- I have polycystic ovary syndrome.
- I have obstructive sleep apnea.
- Have hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels).
- Have hypopituitarism (low levels of pituitary gland hormones).
- Have hypogonadism (low sex hormone levels).
Can Fatty Liver Disease be Avoided?
To avoid metabolic-related fatty liver disease, follow the same lifestyle recommendations provided to persons who already have the condition, which include:
- Consuming a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains and healthful fats
- maintain a healthy weight
- Consuming no or very little alcohol
- Physically active on most days of the week.
- If you have not been exercising frequently, consult your doctor first.
Complications of Fatty Liver Disease
In many cases, a fatty liver does not create significant difficulties initially. It can worsen gradually over time. The excess fat in the liver promotes inflammation, which eventually leads to scarring (fibrosis) of the liver. It may potentially result in more severe chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Some persons who develop severe cirrhosis of the liver require a liver transplant. People with fatty livers are more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.
Treatment
Most people with NAFLD will not develop major difficulties, but if you are diagnosed, you should take action to prevent the condition from worsening. There is presently no specific prescription for NAFLD, however adopting a healthy lifestyle can help, and treatment may be advised for linked illnesses (high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol) or consequences. You may be advised to schedule regular appointments with your doctor to monitor your liver function.