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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
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. -
Nutrition and Diet
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 Serious Is a Fatty Liver
Most people with nonalcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver disease have no symptoms. Symptoms in early stages of alcoholic fatty liver disease may include tiredness or aches in the upper right side of the abdomen. Alcoholic fatty liver disease may progress to more severe forms including alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver. -
Cholesterol FAQs
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. -
What Are the Signs of a Fatty Liver
A fatty liver (hepatic steatosis) is a buildup of fats in the liver caused by alcohol-related fatty liver disease or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Most people show no signs or symptoms, but symptoms can include tiredness and aches in the upper right side of the abdomen.
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How Serious Is a Fatty Liver? Most people with nonalcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver disease have no symptoms. Symptoms in early stages of alcoholic fatty liver disease may include tiredness or aches in the upper right side of the abdomen. Alcoholic fatty liver disease may progress to more severe forms including alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.
Fatty Liver Topic Guide - Visuals
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