Doctor's Notes on Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD, NASH)
Fatty liver disease refers to the buildup of fat within the liver. This condition is most commonly caused by alcohol abuse, but other conditions can also cause fatty liver (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or non-alcoholic fatty liver steatohepatitis, NASH). Other causes of fatty liver include genetic conditions, obesity, and certain medications.
Fat in the liver does not cause specific signs and symptoms. However, if inflammation (hepatitis) is present along with the fat deposition, associated symptoms can include:
- loss of appetite,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- fatigue,
- jaundice, and
- abdominal pain.
Some cases of fatty liver progress to scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver and resultant liver failure. In this case, symptoms include:
- a distended,
- fluid-filled abdomen,
- problems with blood clotting, and
- confusion.
What Is the Treatment for Fatty Liver Disease?
There is no direct treatment for fatty liver disease; management is directed at controlling the factors or conditions that have caused the fatty liver. Treatment may include:
- Avoiding alcohol intake
- Weight loss
- Treatment of underlying diabetes, if present
- Medications to control cholesterol and fats (lipids) in the blood
Alcohol : Alcoholism & Health Effects Quiz
QuestionLong-term heavy alcohol consumption can cause:
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
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Alcoholism
Alcohol problems vary in severity from mild to life-threatening and affect the individual, the person's family, and society in numerous adverse ways. Signs of a drinking problem include insomnia, loss of employment, blackouts, depression, auto accidents, bruises, frequent falls, and anxiety. Treatment involves stabilization, detoxification, and rehabilitation of the alcohol-dependent person. -
Ascites
Ascites is an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity (abdominal cavity). The primary cause of ascites is liver disease, such as: cirrhosis, acute liver failure (Tylenol, acetaminophen overdose), Budd-Chiari syndrome, and cancer. Other causes of ascites include congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, pancreatic disorders, diseases of the ovary, hypothyroidism, and direct irritation of the peritoneum. Symptoms of ascites include abdominal pain, shortness of breath, easy bruising, and edema (swelling). Treatment for ascites depends on the cause. -
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cirrhosis of the liver is progressive and chronic scarring of the liver, caused by hepatitis infection, alcoholism, or other factors. Learn about symptoms and life expectancy. -
Diet and Nutrition
Nutrition and diet is needed for health. Read dietary guidelines, dietary reference intakes, food guide pyramid, calories, carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. A healthy variety of food provides nutrients for health and weight management and weight loss. -
Edema
Edema is a condition in which fluid builds up in tissues in certain parts of the body causing swelling, pain, redness, and soreness. There are various types of edema. The most common type is peripheral edema, which affects the arms, legs, ankles, and feet. Edema is caused by many diseases and health problems like water retention, lymphedema, and blood clots in the leg. -
How to Lower Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is naturally present in the body. Diets high in fat, inactivity, and obesity contribute to high cholesterol. Some factors such as genetics are uncontrollable for having high cholesterol. You can lower your cholesterol levels naturally with lifestyle changes such as weight loss and control, exercise, diet, and quitting smoking. If these measures don't lower cholesterol enough a person may need to take cholesterol medications. -
Jaundice
Jaundice is yellow staining of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by abnormally high blood levels of the bile pigment bilirubin. Examples of the causes of jaundice include malaria, sickle cell disease, drugs, toxins, newborn jaundice, gallstones, pancreatitis, and autoimmune disorders. Some of the common symptoms of jaundice include a yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes, light-colored stools, dark urine, and itching of the skin. Treatment for jaundice depends on the cause. -
Obesity
More than two-thirds of Americans are overweight, including at least one in five children. Nearly one-third are obese. Obesity is on the rise in our society because food is abundant and physical activity is optional. The safest way to lose weight is to eat less and exercise more. Treatment may also include medications, surgery, and behavior modification.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.