What Is Fatty Liver?
Fatty liver, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a common condition where excessive fat accumulates in the liver cells. While some fat in the liver is normal, having too much can lead to health problems. Fatty liver can be categorised into two types: alcoholic fatty liver, caused by excessive alcohol consumption, and non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD), unrelated to alcohol use. Fatty liver usually shows no symptoms in its early stages, making monitoring and managing the condition important.
What Causes Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver?
The primary causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver are obesity, unhealthy eating habits, and sedentary lifestyles. Other contributing factors include insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome. Genetic predisposition and certain medications can also play a role in developing NAFLD.
What Are the Symptoms of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver?
In its early stages, non-alcoholic fatty liver often presents no noticeable symptoms. This means many people with non-alcoholic fatty liver may not experience any specific signs that prompt them to seek medical attention. However, as the condition progresses, some individuals may start to notice the following symptoms:
- Fatigue – Feeling fatigued even after adequate rest is a common symptom of fatty liver. The liver’s reduced ability to function properly due to fat accumulation can lead to tiredness.
- Mild Abdominal Discomfort – Some people with fatty liver may experience a vague discomfort or heaviness in the upper right side of the abdomen, where the liver is located. This discomfort is usually not severe or constant but may come and go.
- Enlarged Liver – In some cases, the liver may become enlarged due to fat accumulation. A doctor can detect an enlarged liver during a physical examination.
How Is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diagnosed?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver is usually detected during routine medical check-ups or when investigating other health issues. Physicians may use blood tests, imaging techniques (like ultrasound or CT scan), and sometimes liver biopsy to diagnose and assess the severity of the condition.
What Are the Complications of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver can lead to several complications if left untreated or unmanaged, especially in its more advanced stages. The most significant complication is the progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which involves inflammation and potential scarring (fibrosis) of the liver. Here are some of the main complications associated with NAFLD:
- Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): When fat accumulation in the liver triggers inflammation, it can lead to NASH. In NASH, the liver cells are damaged, and over time, this inflammation can cause fibrosis, which is the development of scar tissue in the liver.
- Liver Fibrosis: Fibrous scar tissue may replace the liver’s healthy tissues as NASH progresses. This fibrosis can impair the liver’s function and potentially lead to cirrhosis.
- Cirrhosis: In advanced cases of fatty liver and NASH, extensive liver fibrosis can result in cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a severe and irreversible condition in which the liver becomes scarred, impacting its ability to function properly. At this stage, liver function may be significantly compromised.
- Liver Cancer: Long-term inflammation and liver cell damage increase the risk of developing liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cirrhosis further elevates the likelihood of liver cancer.
- Liver Failure: In severe cases of fatty liver, advanced cirrhosis can lead to liver failure, where the liver can no longer perform its essential functions. Liver failure is a life-threatening condition that may require immediate medical intervention, including a liver transplant.
Can Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver be Prevented?
Fortunately, NAFLD can often be prevented, or its progression slowed down through lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy weight, adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting alcohol intake (especially for alcoholic fatty liver), and managing conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol are essential preventive measures.
What Are the Medications for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver?
Currently, no specific medication is approved solely for treating NAFLD. However, doctors may prescribe certain medications to manage related conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, which can indirectly improve NAFLD.
What Are the Tips and Precautions if Living with Fatty Liver?
Living with NAFLD requires adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes maintaining a well-balanced diet, controlling portion sizes, avoiding processed and fatty foods, staying physically active, and managing underlying health conditions. Regular check-ups with a doctor are essential to monitor the liver’s health and adjust the treatment plan. Avoiding alcohol and consulting a healthcare professional before taking new medications or supplements is also crucial for liver health.
