What is Fatty Liver?
Fatty liver, also medically known as hepatic steatosis, is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver cells, which can lead to serious complications. Those more likely to be diagnosed with fatty liver include those that are obese, consume a high-fat diet, overconsume alcohol or have diabetes mellitus.
Causes of Fatty Liver:
Fatty liver can be caused by various factors and may or may not lead to inflammation of the liver, in addition to more severe liver damage. Further causes of fatty liver can be attributed to:
- Alcohol consumption, as alcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by the excessive intake of alcohol
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can be caused by obesity, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, or other metabolic disorders
- Medications taken regularly
- Rapid or sudden weight loss, which can lead to malnutrition
- Genetic factors and predispositions
- Cirrhosis
Symptoms of Fatty Liver:
Symptoms of fatty liver include fatigue, abdominal discomfort, enlarged liver, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and weakness. It’s important to schedule an appointment to see your healthcare provider if you’re battling any of these symptoms.
Diagnosing Fatty Liver:
In arriving at a diagnosis of fatty liver, your doctor will likely run blood test that check for liver function and levels of liver enzymes. From there, they may also refer you to an imaging center for further tests such as ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs to better visualize the liver. A liver biopsy may also be taken to examine a sample of liver tissue for fat accumulation and inflammation. FibroScan or other non-invasive tests to assess liver stiffness and fibrosis are also commonly used by doctors who suspect their patient is dealing with fatty liver.
Treating Fatty Liver:
To best treat fatty liver, your doctor may start with conservative efforts and encourage lifestyle changes. These changes can encompass losing weight to maintain a healthier weight, changing the diet to get proper fuel and nutrition for the body’s functions, regular exercise, and reducing or cutting out alcohol consumption. It’s worth noting that treating any underlying conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can also help improve fatty liver. Depending on which medications you’re taking, your doctor may also recommend avoiding certain medications which may worsen the condition. Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is also a great preventative measure in keeping your liver functioning as best it can.
When it’s all said and done, your doctor may recommend ongoing monitoring to ensure your liver health is under control and make necessary adjustments to treatment along the way. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you or a loved one are dealing with fatty liver. Early detection and pivotal lifestyle changes can help prevent the progression of this condition and save your liver from more severe liver disease.