Fatty liver disease, also known as fatty liver disease, is a condition in which fatty deposits build up in the liver. Fat in the liver is not necessarily harmful and does not cause symptoms in many patients. However, it can cause liver damage and organ failure. Risk factors for this disease include obesity, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, and rapid weight loss, although fatty liver infiltration can sometimes occur in patients who do not show risk factors. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, treatment for underlying conditions, and careful monitoring of prescription and nonprescription medication use.
Two types of fatty liver disease are most commonly diagnosed. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NALD) is the most common, and people with this condition often do not develop serious complications. Non-alcoholic steatorrheic hepatitis (NASH) is considered more likely to damage liver function and cause life-threatening complications such as cirrhosis. Hepatitis B and C can increase a patient's risk of developing NASH, as can alcoholism.
Fatty liver diseases often cause no symptoms, and those that do occur are usually limited to weight loss, fatigue, and dull pain in the upper right section of the abdomen, where the liver is located. More serious symptoms include weakness, nausea, spider veins, and generalized itching. Patients may also experience confusion, swelling of the legs or abdomen, and jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
Fatty infiltration of the liver can be diagnosed with blood tests to measure liver enzymes. When there are high levels of liver enzymes in the blood, it is often a sign of decreased liver function. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests, computed tomography (CT) tests, and ultrasounds can be used to confirm the presence of fatty deposits. Liver biopsies may be necessary if the medical professional suspects a serious case of this disease.
Treatment for fatty liver disease has not yet been standardized. Multiple factors can contribute to the problem, so treatment usually revolves around reducing the patient's risk factors and treating underlying conditions, such as diabetes. Regular exercise and a low-fat, plant-based diet are generally recommended for those with any form of liver disease. Patients are generally advised to avoid alcohol and medications, including over-the-counter drugs, which can stress the liver. Prescription drug use is usually carefully monitored, as many can tax liver function.