FATTY LIVER DISEASE

The liver is a very important organ in the body. It performs a synthesis of the food we eat. The substances we eat are synthesized and distributed as energy. Usually, the liver stores a certain amount of fat in it, if the amount of fat builds increases it is termed as fatty liver.

Fatty liver is generally a reversible condition with changes in certain dietary habits. The liver repairs itself by building new cells, the moment the liver cannot itself there will be scarring of the liver it is referred to as liver cirrhosis.

Fatty Liver is a common condition. The real problem starts when there is an inflammation in the liver or it is enlarged.

Symptoms of a fatty liver?

Usually, a fatty liver does not have associated symptoms with it. If the liver becomes enlarged the main visible symptoms would be loss of appetite, abdominal pain weakness confusion, and extreme fatigue.

Causes of Fatty Liver:

The main cause of fatty liver is the uncontrolled consumption of alcohol. It leads to scarring of the liver. The other nonalcoholic factors include being obese or overweight, diabetes, smoking, hyperlipidemia, rapid weight loss or abuse of protein milkshakes or bodybuilding shakes, genetic inheritance, abuse of certain medications such as antibiotics, aspirins.

Types of Fatty Liver?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver or NAFL: It is characterized by the liver’s inability to break down fat, which leads to fatty build up in the liver tissue. It has no alcoholic causes; it is detected when 10 percent of the liver is fat.

Alcoholic fatty liver: Fat accumulates in the liver tissues due to the abuse of alcohol, as the fat cannot be synthesized by the liver. Abstaining from alcohol can reverse this condition and the liver starts to function normally. If you start consuming alcohol even after the detection of alcoholic fatty disease your liver starts scaring itself. Hence abstaining from alcohol is a must.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH: it is a condition wherein a considerable amount of fat builds up due to nonalcoholic conditions, which swells the liver which may lead to cirrhosis. Main symptoms that can be noticed are

• Vomiting
• Discoloration of the skin or the skin becomes yellow
• Loss of appetite
• Loose motions
• Nausea
• Weight loss is rapid.

This condition must be treated immediately, as it might cause permanent and irreversible damage to the liver.

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy: This condition is detected in the trimester of pregnancy. The symptoms include:

• Malaise
• Vomiting
• Nausea that is persistent
• Pain or discomfort in the upper abdominal area.
• Pregnant ladies are usually screened for such problems and the liver function normalizes after delivery.

Who is at risk for fatty liver?

Generally, if you are obese or overweight is common to have a fatty liver as in the case of many Americans, the situation becomes serious if the liver starts to swell or enlarge. You are at risk if you are

• Grossly obese
• Abuse alcohol
• Metabolic syndrome
• High triglycerides
• High cholesterol
• Abuse of pain killers or antibiotic

Diagnosis:

The fatty liver condition can be detected through the following examinations:

Abdominal ultrasound

Biopsy of the liver

Liver function test

Treatment options: The advancement of medical technology has lead to the improvement of the treatment of liver problems. The best way to treat a fatty liver would be to:

• Avoid alcohol
• Reduce sugar in the diet
• Eat Whole grains, vegetables, fruits
• Increase physical activity
• Reduce weight

These small steps ensure that your liver repairs itself. Liver biopsy ensures you to check if there is any permanent or irreversible damage to your liver.

Why KIMS?

If you are diagnosed with fatty liver, don’t panic but come to us. Please remember that fatty liver is a treatable condition. At KIMS we have the best liver specialists to help you overcome the situation. KIMS is the best hospital in Hyderabad which has treated patients with liver-related disorders for over a decade. We have been rated as one of the best hospitals in treating liver cancer patients as well. KIMS has also the distinction of conducting crucial liver transplantation operations. Patients who have come to us have seen their condition improve. We ensure our patients lead a normal and healthy life by counseling them and their family members in the course of our treatment. We are driven by ethics and fair practices in our treatment procedures and follow high standards in delivering positive results to our patients and building a base of trust.