Reviewed By Dr. Huma Ameer
As the name indicates, fatty liver disease is a medical condition caused by fat accumulation in the liver’s cells. It is difficult to detect due to the subtleness or altogether absence of symptoms during early stages whilst it gradually progresses from harmless fat accumulation to permanent liver scarring and shrinkage (cirrhosis). Let’s take a look at risk factors and treatments for fatty liver disease.
Risk Factors:
While alcoholic steatohepatitis targets habitual alcohol abusers, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) commonly affects individuals in their 40s and 50s, type II diabetics, and those with excess abdominal fat. Other common risk factors include:
Note: Those who do not suffer from any of the above conditions may also develop fatty liver disease.
Risk Factors:
Most complications arise when late-stage fatty liver disease i.e. cirrhosis or liver scarring is left unchecked. They include:
Treatment:
While no medications currently exist for fatty liver treatment, the following measures can help with early-stage remission and later-stage deceleration:
1- Weight Loss:
Since excess body fat is a prime factor, patients are usually encouraged to lose at least 10% of their body weight, although improvement can also be observed after losing 3-5% of the intial body weight. Obese individuals may opt for weight-reduction surgery.
2- Vaccinations:
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, flu, and pneumococcal disease vaccines are normally administered to those with a fatty liver, as they have an increased risk of infection due to their weakened immune system. Contracting liver infection with FLD increases chances of liver failure.
3- Liver Transplant:
Those with impaired livers due to end-stage cirrhosis may require a liver transplant. However, patients that retain some liver function may opt for a partial transplant, in which a section is removed from a donor’s liver and implanted onto the patient’s liver, both of which then regenerate themselves to grow to a normal size.
4- Lifestyle Adjustments:
Lifestyle changes are the first-line treatment for fatty liver disease. Depending on your current condition and lifestyle habits, it might help to:
According to the Mayo Clinic, some evidence suggests that vitamin E supplements might help prevent or treat liver damage caused by fatty liver disease. However, more research is needed. There are some health risks associated with consuming too much vitamin E.
To prevent fatty liver and its potential complications, it’s important to follow a healthy lifestyle.
Taking these steps can also help improve your overall health.
Always talk to your doctor before you try a new supplement or natural remedy. Some supplements or natural remedies might put stress on your liver or interact with medications you’re taking.
While most people do not progress beyond the first stage after being diagnosed, prompt treatment is necessary to ensure complete remission. If you feel you may be suffering from fatty liver disease,, consult your doctor immediately. You can also book an appointment with a top gastroenterologists in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad through oladoc.com. or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT doctor for your health concerns.
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