Fatty liver disease- causes, symptoms and treatment.

If you have fatty liver disease, then you have too much fat in your liver. Drinking too much alcohol is one of the causes of this disease, but even people who do not drink may get it due to other reasons. Obesity, malnourishment, fast weight loss, certain medications, removal of gall bladder, certain medical conditions, chronic viral hepatitis and genetic factors increase the risk of fatty liver disease.

There are two main types of fatty liver disease, the Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and Alcohol related live disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

In its simple form, you will just have too much fat in your liver. This does not lead to serious complications. The severe type called Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), involves inflammation of the liver. Liver cells get damaged and this leads to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Alcohol related fatty liver disease

Drinking too much alcohol leads to buildup of fat in the liver. This can lead to serious problems if you continue drinking. The complications include liver enlargement, alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis. This condition is entirely preventable as it is a direct result of drinking. If the disease is in its early stages, you can recover if you simply stop drinking alcohol.

In most people fatty liver disease does not cause any problem, but in some people, it may lead to liver inflammation, formation of scar tissue and cirrhosis.

Symptoms of fatty liver disease

Tiredness and pain in the upper right side of the abdomen may be the only symptoms of fatty liver disease. Most people may never have any symptoms. In case of complications such as NASH or cirrhosis you will have symptoms such as:

• Pain in the abdomen
• Nausea, vomiting
• Weight loss
• Swollen abdomen and legs
• Extreme tiredness and confusion
• weakness
• Enlarged blood vessels under the skin
• Red palms
• Yellow skin and eyes

Treatment options for fatty liver disease

Weight loss

Losing exercise is the best treatment. If traditional methods of weight loss such as diet and exercise do not give you results, you may need bariatric surgery to manage your obesity. Losing weight reduces fat and scarring in the liver.

Avoiding alcohol

Quitting alcohol is very important to prevent further damage to your liver and improve its condition. If you are not able to give up alcohol, consult your doctor regarding de-addiction treatment. This will help you quit alcohol safely.

Liver transplant

If the condition has led to permanent and irreparable damage to the liver and if you have lost complete liver function, you may need to have a liver transplant.

Tips to prevent fatty liver disease

• Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day for most days of the week
• Eat a healthy balanced diet
• Limit or give up alcohol
• Do not take too many over the counter drugs
• Do not take herbal supplements without consulting your doctor
• Manage cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes

Liver is a remarkable organ and is capable of repair and regeneration. If you follow your treatment plan and make the necessary lifestyle changes, you can repair your liver if you are in the initial stages of the disease.

Consult our gastroenterologist for a check up if you have any digestive disorder. Early diagnosis and treatment will give best results.