What is Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease is also known as Hepatic Steatosis. The condition arises when the liver has more fatty acid deposits as compared to a healthy liver. Having small amounts of fat deposits on your liver is common, but when the deposits are higher than the normal range, it causes fatty liver disease. Too much fat in your liver causes inflammation. Therefore, fatty liver disease can cause many symptoms. Fatty liver disease can lead to scars on the liver and metabolic complications. If you see the following symptoms, it is best to go for fatty liver disease treatment in Mumbai or at your preferred location.
What are the signs and symptoms of fatty liver disease?
In the early stages, there are no noticeable symptoms of fatty liver disease. However, when the disease progresses to fibrosis and cirrhosis, it can produce some severe symptoms. The following symptoms are commonly seen:
- Abdominal pain– The liver is located in the lower abdomen area near the stomach. Scarring and inflammation of the liver can lead to severe abdominal pain.
- Loss of appetite– The scarring and inflammation of the liver due to fatty liver disease can lead to metabolic dysfunction, which can also result in appetite loss.
- Weight loss and weakness– The progression of fatty liver disease can lead to weight loss and weakness due to the metabolic effects of a fatty liver.
- Yellow skin and eyes– The dysfunction of the liver can lead to the yellowing of skin and eyes.
- Dark-coloured stool– The passing of dark-coloured stool due to improper metabolism and absorption of nutrients can be a sign of fatty liver disease.
What are the types of fatty liver disease?
The different types of fatty liver disease are non-alcoholic and alcoholic diseases. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease happens in people who do not drink a lot of alcohol or are teetotallers. The excess build-up of fats and inflammation of the liver are signs of NAFLD.
Alcoholic fatty liver disease is a condition that mostly affects people who drink excessive alcohol. The high consumption of alcoholic drinks can lead to extensive damage to the liver. The condition can also lead to alcoholic hepatitis. If alcoholic fatty liver disease is not properly treated, it leads to liver fibrosis and failure.
How is the fatty liver disease diagnosed?
If the patient sees the signs of fatty liver disease, he should go to a nearby hospital or a doctor who specialises in liver diseases. The doctor will suggest the right kind of fatty liver disease treatment in Mumbai. However, before starting the treatment, the doctor will go for a proper diagnosis of the disease. Accurate diagnosis is necessary for the right treatment approach leading to positive outcomes.
The doctor will consider your medical and family history to determine the vulnerability you have toward fatty liver disease. The doctor will also ask you about alcohol consumption and lifestyle habits that might be linked with the onset of the disease. Any recent changes in health and metabolism are also monitored.
The doctor will also recommend a physical examination and blood tests to determine the factors of fatty liver disease in the body. The doctor usually recommends ALT and AST tests on blood samples to know more about liver enzymes and metabolic factors in the blood.
The doctor might also recommend imaging tests like CT scans and MRI scans to know more about the state of your liver. In extreme cases, the doctor will suggest a liver biopsy to know more about the severity of the condition.
How is the fatty liver disease treated?
Often, fatty liver disease can be reversed with lifestyle changes. If the disease is caused by excessive alcohol consumption, abstinence from alcohol can lead to a reversal of the disease. The doctor will also alter the diet of the patient by limiting the intake of fatty and oily foods, so that fat deposits reduce from the liver. Weight loss and exercise regimens can help improve the condition of the fatty liver. If the patient is taking drugs or medicines that lead to fatty liver disease, the doctor stops these medications.
Conclusion
Fatty liver disease can lead to complications such as liver cirrhosis and cancer that can be fatal. The onset of fatty liver disease can lead to issues such as hypertension and metabolic disorders. The overall function of the body is affected if the disease is untreated. There is a higher risk of infections and other diseases if the fatty liver condition is not reversed. Going to a multi-speciality hospital with a panel of experts in liver health is advisable for comprehensive treatment.
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