Fatty Liver Disease- All About this silent epidemic

 Fatty Liver Disease- All About This Silent Epidemic

The liver typically contains some fat cells, but an excessive buildup of fat storage can result in a condition called Fatty Liver or steatosis. In the initial stages, this is generally a reversible condition, and in most cases, there are no noticeable symptoms or complications.

Understanding Liver function and Fatty Liver Disease

The liver, which is responsible for a multitude of essential bodily functions, is the second largest organ in the body and the largest internal organ. It performs a variety of tasks such as digestion, metabolism, and detoxification of harmful substances. The liver is involved in many activities including the metabolism of drugs, the conversion of nutrients into energy, the production of bile, the production of immune factors, and the elimination of toxins. Maintaining a healthy liver is crucial for overall well-being.

Fatty liver disease is becoming more prevalent due to a variety of factors, including changes in lifestyle and environmental factors. While the majority of people with fatty liver disease experience no problems, a significant number of people may progress to more advanced stages of the disease, resulting in a variety of symptoms.

There are two types of Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, commonly known as NAFLD, occurs in individuals who consume minimal amounts of alcohol. On the other hand, alcoholic fatty liver disease or AFLD is observed in individuals who consume significant amounts of alcohol. The rising incidence of NAFLD is a cause for concern and necessitates preventive measures. In cases where there is inflammation accompanying fat buildup, the condition is referred to as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH. If left untreated and without changes in lifestyle, both NAFLD and AFLD can progress to fibrosis and ultimately, cirrhosis, potentially leading to liver failure.

Stages of fatty liver

The initial stage of fatty liver, known as Stage 1, is typically benign. It involves the accumulation of surplus fat in the liver and seldom advances.

When inflammation and an excessive fat buildup occur simultaneously, it's referred to as Stage 2 or Steatohepatitis.

Stage 3, also called Fibrosis, hampers the liver's typical operations due to scarring resulting from inflammation.

The most severe stage, Stage 4 or Cirrhosis, occurs when extensive scarring occurs, causing irreversible damage to liver function.

Fatty liver- Symptoms

It is uncommon to see noticeable symptoms in the early stages. People may feel tired and may have discomfort or mild pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.

In the later stages, you may have symptoms like

    Pain or discomfort in the abdomen

    Nausea

    Loss of appetite

    Yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucus membrane due to jaundice

    Weight loss

    Itchy skin

    Fatigue and/or feeling weak

    Easy bruising and bleeding

    Urine which is dark

    Swelling of the feet and legs

    Pale stools

Some signs and symptoms are seen in the end stages of liver disease like

    Ascites which is accumulation of the fluid in abdomen

    Web like clusters of blood vessels under the skin called spider angiomas

    Confusion, memory impairment

    Gynecomastia or breast enlargement in males

As the Fatty Liver may be difficult to detect in the beginning, yearly checkups are very important especially for people with risk factors. You may be asked to get certain blood tests including Ultrasound of the abdomen, CBC and Liver Function tests. At O-Lab, you can get disease specific test packages and general tests at affordable rates.

Risk factors and Causes of Fatty Liver

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Being overweight or obese
• Elevated levels of triglycerides, a type of blood fat, with particular emphasis on their impact
• Development of metabolic syndrome
• Insulin resistance
• Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes
• Increased susceptibility to infections such as Hepatitis C
• Presence of certain genetic conditions
• Adverse reactions caused by specific medications

The CDC has identified a higher risk of developing Fatty Liver among men who consume 15 or more alcoholic drinks per week and among women who consume 8 or more alcoholic drinks per week. If you have risk factors for Fatty Liver, it is advisable to seek guidance from your doctor regarding prevention and management strategies. Read more.