Fatty Liver Symptoms and Treatment: Your Complete Guide

A Comprehensive Guide to Fatty Liver Symptoms and Treatment

Fatty liver has become one of the most increasing health concerns across the globe. The liver is situated on the upper-right side of the abdomen. Being a crucial organ of the human body, the liver has many functions, from digestion to detoxification. It extracts nutrients from food and removes toxins from the body by filtering blood.

Complication begins when the liver starts to store fat. 1 out of 3 Indians suffers from fatty liver due to a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy dietary choices. If left untreated, fatty liver not only predates Type 2 diabetes but can also lead to a number of other health concerns.

Therefore, it is crucial to understand fatty liver symptoms and take the necessary precautions to stay safe from this prevalent health issue. In the subsequent study, we will explore all the nitty-gritty of fatty liver.

What is Fatty Liver?

Also known as hepatic steatosis, fatty liver refers to excessive fat accumulation in liver cells. A healthy liver conserves little to no fat. However, if the accumulated fat accounts for 5% to 10% of the liver weight, it can impede the normal functions of the liver.

Initially, fatty liver may cause zero damage. But, at times, the fat buildup can lead to inflammation. An inflamed liver becomes hardened or scarred over the years and can even result in liver failure. This is why knowing the fatty liver disease symptoms beforehand helps you detect and reverse the issue as soon as possible.

What Are the Different Types of Fatty Liver?

Primarily, there are two different types of fatty liver. Have a look:

● Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

As the name implies, this type of fatty liver occurs in people who do not consume alcohol. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, is when fat starts to build up when there is no inflammation or other complications.

NASH, or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, is a type of NAFLD when deposited fat is combined with inflammation. Some nonalcoholic fatty liver disease symptoms are:

● Inflammation of the liver.
● 5% to 10% accumulated fat on the liver.
● No history of excessive alcohol consumption.
● Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Consuming excessive alcohol frequently incurs a negative effect on the liver. Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFL) is the first stage of alcohol-driven liver issues. Similar to NAFLD, alcoholic fatty liver symptoms, if there is no trace of inflammation, are called simple alcoholic fatty liver.

If the simple fatty liver becomes inflamed, the condition is called Alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH). A gastroenterologist will diagnose you with either AFL or ASH if you:

● Have excess fat in your liver
● Have inflammation in the liver has inflammation
● Drink a lot of alcohol.

If not treated properly, both NASH and ASH can lead to liver fibrosis and severe liver scarring or cirrhosis.

● Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy (AFLP)

This is an uncommon phenomenon. Globally, 1 to 3 out of 10000 deliveries can lead to acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP). This condition refers to when additional fat grows in the liver during pregnancy.

The exact cause of AFLP is unknown, although genetics can be a reason. AFLP usually appears in the third trimester of pregnancy. When diagnosed, AFLP requires immediate treatment. Otherwise, it poses serious health risks to the baby as well as the mother.
Patients of AFLP need to take follow-up care for several days after giving birth. With proper treatment and diet, liver health returns to normal within a few weeks of giving birth.

What are the Fatty Liver Disease Symptoms?

Healthcare professionals around the world referred to fatty liver as the ‘silent’ disease, as the early stages of it do not have any noticeable symptoms. With the progression of the disease, the symptoms slowly start to manifest. Below are some of the most common signs of fatty liver. These fatty liver symptoms in males or females help to detect the disease and prevent further damage early. Take a look:

● Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms among people with fatty liver disease. Our liver produces energy by processing the nutrients from the food we consume. When the liver becomes overwhelmed with fat buildup, it fails to function properly. This leads to a lack of energy and a feeling of constant tiredness. This fatigue may begin mildly at first but can progress to draining exhaustion.

● Abdominal Pain or Discomfort

The liver is located on the upper right side of the abdomen. When fat starts to build up in the liver, people often experience a striking pain in this area. As the liver enlarges due to fat accumulation, it presses against the surrounding organs. This causes a feeling of fullness or bloating. The pain worsens after eating large meals or fatty foods. It also signifies that the fatty liver is progressing to a more serious condition.

● Loss of Appetite

Loss of appetite is associated with many liver diseases, including fatty liver. The inflammation in the liver interferes with digestion and causes a general sense of unease. People with fatty liver lose their appetite entirely. These symptoms can be distressing, and the persistence of these signals the progression of the disease.

● Sudden Weight Loss

Due to loss of appetite, sudden weight loss is another common symptom of fatty liver. Weight loss can occur due to two reasons. As patients may experience a feeling of fullness, they stop eating, which leads to weight reduction. Another reason is when the liver becomes severely damaged, it loses the ability to process nutrients properly, contributing to unintended weight loss.

● Jaundice

Jaundice is another symptom of advanced liver disease. It happens when the liver is unable to process and eliminate bilirubin, a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. The accumulation of bilirubin in the body results in yellowish skin and eyes.

● Swelling in Legs and Abdomen

As fatty liver disease progresses, it can lead to complications such as cirrhosis. The progression impairs the protein production ability of the liver which helps to maintain the fluid balance in the body. This can cause fluid to accumulate in the abdomen (Ascites) and legs (Edema). The swelling can be noticeable and painful, especially in the lower extremities.

● Dark Urine

Dark urine can be another sign of liver dysfunction. When the liver is unable to process bilirubin properly, it can lead to higher levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream. The excess bilirubin is then filtered by the kidneys, making the urine dark yellow or brown.

● Difficulty Concentrating or Confusion

In severe cases of liver disease, a condition known as hepatic encephalopathy can develop. Hepatic encephalopathy refers to dysfunction of the brain due to a malfunctioning liver. Since the accumulation of fat makes the liver unable to process nutrients, toxins start to increase in the bloodstream. These toxins affect the brain, leading to symptoms such as confusion, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating.

● Skin Changes

People with fatty liver often experience skin changes. One common symptom is itching which is also known as pruritus. The accumulation of bile salts in the bloodstream is the reason behind this condition. Itching can be generalized, but it is often most noticeable on the hands and feet.

Additionally, small, spider-like blood vessels start to appear on the chest, arms, or face. It is known as spider angiomas. These skin changes can be signs of more advanced liver damage.

● Elevated Blood Sugar Levels

Fatty liver disease is closely linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The liver is one of the organs in our body that regulates blood sugar levels. When it fails to function properly due to fat accumulation, blood sugar levels begin to rise. Fatty liver patients are at an increased risk of developing diabetes. Thus, monitoring blood sugar levels is essential for managing the condition.

What Are the Risk Factors of Fatty Liver Disease?

Several risk factors can increase the possibility of developing fatty liver disease, including:

Obesity: Excess fat in the body, especially abdominal fat, increases the risk of fatty liver disease.
Type 2 Diabetes: People with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes are more likely to get fatty liver disease.
High Cholesterol or Blood Pressure: Elevated cholesterol and blood pressure levels are associated with an increased risk of fatty liver.
Poor Diet: A diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats can contribute to the development of fatty liver.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Drinking large amounts of alcohol regularly can damage the liver, leading to alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Genetics: A family history of liver disease may increase the risk of developing fatty liver.
Medications: Consumption of certain medications and some cancer treatments can lead to fatty liver.

What Complications Does Fatty Liver Bring?

In most cases, a simple fatty liver causes no harm. However, if left unchecked, it can progress to more serious liver conditions. Have a look:

Cirrhosis: This is the most severe stage of liver disease. It is when the liver becomes scarred and damaged. Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure, where the liver fails to function properly. It can cause life-threatening complications such as bleeding, infections, and liver cancer.
Liver Cancer: Fatty liver also increases the risk of developing liver cancer. The most severe stage of fatty liver, cirrhosis, is the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide.
Cardiovascular Disease: A fatty liver can also incur increased risk of heart disease. Factors that contribute to fatty liver, such as insulin resistance and high cholesterol, also contribute to heart disease.

Since fatty liver disease can progress without showing significant symptoms, it is important to do routine checkups to identify and treat the disease before it leads to severe complications.

When to Seek Medical Help if You Are Diagnosed with Fatty Liver Disease?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with fatty liver disease, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early detection can help prevent further damage to the liver