What is fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease (steatosis) is a common condition brought on by an accumulation of too much fat in the liver. There is a modest amount of fat in a healthy liver. When fat amounts to 5% to 10% of your liver’s weight, it becomes an issue.
Children and adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease frequently don’t exhibit any early signs, but a fat gut is one sign. Additionally, the condition is commonly accompanied by diabetes, high cholesterol, excessive triglycerides, or heart issues.
Why you should treat fatty liver as a warning?
The fatty liver disease typically doesn’t result in any severe issues or interfere with your liver’s ability to operate correctly. But fatty liver disease worsens with time for 7% to 30% of those who have it. There are three stages it goes through:
- Your liver swells up and gets inflamed, which harms the organ’s tissue.
- Your damaged liver develops scar tissue. The procedure fibrosis.
- Healthy tissue is replaced by extensive scar tissue. Right now, you suffer from liver cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis:
The liver has suffered extensive damage, which results in cirrhosis. The liver’s function is slowed down by the tough scar tissue that has replaced healthy liver tissue. It may eventually completely stop the liver from functioning. Liver failure and liver cancer can result from cirrhosis.
These signs may emerge as the symptoms of fatty liver disease worsen:
- Chronic stiffness or fatigue.
- Discomfort in the abdomen, such as cramps or nausea.
- Confusion or trouble focusing.
- Readily bleeding or bruised, including nosebleeds.
- Appetite reduction and weight loss.
The levels of liver enzymes can be checked in a blood test by worried parents. A doctor may also order an ultrasound or scan in addition to checking the abdomen to discover if the liver is enlarged. But those tests might not detect issues. The most trustworthy one is a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of liver tissue and examining it under a microscope.
How to reverse or avert fatty liver disease
- To lose weight gradually but steadily, combine exercise with a healthy diet.
- Utilize medication and diet to manage cholesterol and diabetes.
- Get a hepatitis vaccination to protect your liver from future damage.
- Avoid anything that can harm your liver, such as alcohol, narcotics, and supplements.
- Let a liver specialist manage your care.
- If you have advanced liver illness, stay away from raw oysters and shellfish as they may contain bacteria that are highly hazardous.
Doctor’s advice on how to avoid fatty liver?
The best approach to prevent fatty liver disease is to practice healthy lifestyle habits, such as:
- Maintaining a healthy weight. Reduce your weight gradually if you are overweight or obese.
- Regular exercise
- Consume alcohol in moderation.
- Use prescription drugs as directed.
If you face any symptoms, visit a doctor and get a diagnosis, Find the best Fatty liver specialist in Noida and near you Delhi NCR, India.
Dr. Sushrut Singh is an Additional Director (Liver & Digestive Sciences) at Fortis Hospital, Noida. He is one of the Best Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist & Liver Specialist in Delhi NCR, India.
