Fatty liver, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a condition in which fat builds up inside the liver.
Although storing fat is a primary function of the liver, too much of it can prove to be dangerous.
The liver performs several functions for the body and is the second-largest organ.
Damage to it can be life-threatening, and a fatty liver can lead to such health problems.
The build-up of fat can cause inflammation inside the liver, further causing damage and scarring.
The scarring can result in liver failure if not treated early.
Here’s everything you need to know about this health problem:
Types
There are two types of fatty liver: alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Alcohol can damage the liver, impairing its ability to break down fats.
The fats start to build up, causing scarring and damage.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is quite common as well, and usually represents an imbalanced diet or an underlying problem that affects the liver.
Causes
The main causes of fatty liver disease are the production of too much fat or inefficient metabolism.
The fat not properly handled by the body gets stored in the liver cells, causing the liver to bloat.
Excessive alcohol is one prominent cause of this, leading to alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD).
However, that is just one of the possible causes. Others include high blood sugar, obesity, insulin resistance, or abnormally high levels of triglycerides or other fats in your body.
Less notable causes for fatty liver disease include rapid weight loss, pregnancy, exposure to toxins, and side effects of medication.
Your genetics can also pose a problem as certain genes are believed to increase the risk of fatty liver disease.
Symptoms
A fatty liver is often hard to detect because its symptoms are not easily noticeable.
The first sign will be a sharp pain or discomfort in the upper right side of your abdomen.
The disease can become quite serious in some cases, leading to liver scarring and cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis is a life-threatening health problem and has the following symptoms:
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Weakness
Nosebleeds
Fatigue
Itchy skin
Abdominal pain and swelling
Yellow skin and eyes
Clusters of blood vessels beneath the skin that are web-like
Enlargement of male breasts
Swelling of the legs
Confusion
Diagnosis
Diagnosing liver fatty disease involves blood tests, a physical examination, and imaging studies.
A medical history and family history are required as well.
Blood tests are used to look at liver enzyme levels, with elevated enzymes signaling inflammation in the liver.
Finally, imaging studies such as a CT scan, an ultrasound, or an MRI may be used to check the condition of the liver.
A liver biopsy can also be used to find the extent of liver damage.
Treatment
There is no set treatment for liver disease. You simply have to change your lifestyle.
Surgery may also be carried out in case of extensive liver damage.
