Fatty liver has become a commonly diagnosed incidental finding on Ultrasound abdomen these days. One reason is the rise of routine investigations like master health packages which include USG abdomen. Once diagnosed with fatty liver, the patients are worried about its implications. On the event of World Liver Day (19th April 2023) here's a snapshot of what it means and how to prevent further deterioration.
Fatty liver is a medical condition characterized by excessive fat deposition (or build up) in the liver. Depending on the history of consumption of alcohol, it could either be Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease [ALD] or Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease [NAFLD].
For Alcoholic liver disease, apart from the most obvious remedy of quitting alcohol, what's important is to evaluate how severe the disease is and if the patient developed any complications due to this.
Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease can also progress just like Alcoholic liver disease and can lead to an irreversible liver failure called Cirrhosis. So if you do get diagnosed with fatty liver disease, it's important to know how severe it is and what the underlying cause is. Given below is the list of the common causes of NAFLD.
1. Obesity
This tops the list as the commonest cause in present times. Obesity and high cholesterol can cause long term damage to the liver. When picked up early and treated with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, liver damage can also be reversed.
2. Diabetes
Along with obesity, diabetes is a major cause of fatty liver. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a rise in harmful cholesterol (LDL cholesterol and triglycerides) resulting in fatty liver.
2. Viral infections
Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver. This needs to be diagnosed and treated early before it leads to permanent liver damage.
3. Drugs
Certain heart medications, epilepsy medication and HIV medication may cause fatty liver.
4. Disorders of metabolism
These are uncommon in the general population. They include glycogen storage diseases and disorders of copper metabolism like Wilson's disease.
What is to be done about it?
Once you come to know that you have fatty liver, you may need tests like liver function tests, hepatitis serology, transient elastography and sometimes even liver biopsy to evaluate and determine the underlying cause and how to prevent further progression.
Vaccination against hepatitis, weight loss, strict control of diabetes and a healthy diet can reverse fatty liver in some patients.
If you develop symptoms like abdomen pain, fatigue or jaundice, it's even more important to get medically evaluated at the earliest.
Stay informed. Stay healthy.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.