Fatty Liver Disease: A Silent Killer | Symptoms & Causes

Fatty liver disease is a serious health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is often a silent killer that can go unnoticed until it’s too late. The disease is caused by fat accumulation in liver cells and can lead to severe health complications if left untreated. While heavy drinking is often associated with fatty liver disease, poor lifestyle choices and obesity have made non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) increasingly common. 

In this blog post, we will delve into the causes and symptoms of fatty liver disease and effective ways to manage it. Whether you or someone you know has been diagnosed with this condition or you simply want to learn more about it, this post will provide valuable insights into this prevalent health issue. By understanding fatty liver disease and its potential risks, we can take steps to protect ourselves from its harmful effects.

What is Fatty Liver Disease?

A fatty liver is also called hepatic steatosis and occurs when more fat builds in the liver. It is normal to have a small amount of fat in the liver, but more of it can result in a health issue. 

Excess fat can cause inflammation in the liver and can cause damage to it and create scarring. In most cases, the scarring leads to liver failure. People who drink alcohol in massive amounts usually suffer from alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD). However, people who do not drink alcohol suffer from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

What are the Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease?

In almost all cases, fatty liver showed no signs or symptoms. However, people suffering from the issue might feel tired, pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen. The damages caused to the liver due to cirrhosis are permanent and can not be cured. Thus, it is essential to be alert and maintain health as it can prevent serious illness. People who have cirrhosis might feel the following signs and symptoms.

• Weakness or fatigue

• Dark-coloured urine

• Abdominal pain

• Weight loss

• Nausea

• Pale stool

• Itchy skin

• Loss of appetite

• Breast enlargement in men

• Swelling (oedema) in the legs

• Easy bleeding or brushing

• Web-like clusters of blood vessels under the skin

• Often confused

• Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites)
• Yellow eyes and skin

If you feel such fatty liver pain symptoms, you should consult the best liver doctor in Delhi who can analyse your liver health initially and give suitable treatments. 

What are the Causes of Fatty Liver Disease?

The extra fats are stored in the liver cells with a fatty liver. The storage of fat can be caused due to several reasons. If people are addicted to alcohol and consume it heavily, they can have alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD). The vast amount of liquor disturbs the metabolic procedures in the liver. A few metabolic products can join fatty acids and result in the formation of fat in the liver.

People not addicted to alcohol can also suffer from fatty liver issues. It might be possible that these people have more fat in their bodies naturally or that fat metabolism is not working efficiently in them. However, the primary cause of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is still unclear.

Below are some factors that might be the causes of fatty liver disease in people who do not intake alcohol and still develop the problem.

• Type 2 diabetes
• Insulin resistance
• Metabolic syndrome
• Obesity
• High levels of fat in the blood, especially triglycerides

Other possible factors behind the causes of fatty liver disease involve the following:

• Side effects from any medications
• Certain rare genetic conditions
• Pregnancy
• Any infection, for example, hepatitis C

Fatty Liver Disease Treatments

In today’s world, no medical treatment is available for fatty liver issues. More research and development are still needed for this condition so people can get fatty liver disease treatments and cure it. However, people can improve their situation by making a few changes in their lifestyle. 

By changing a few habits in their lifestyle, people can get better with many stages of fatty liver. Below are some of the changes the best liver specialist in Delhi NCR will suggest people go ahead with.

• Maintain a good weight
• Stay away from medicines that are harmful to the liver
• Avoid or limit the liquor
• Change your diet and intake of more healthy food

Preventional Steps to Avoid Fatty Liver Disease

Below are some of the primary things suggested by the best liver specialist in India that people should follow to avoid getting a fatty liver.

• Managing weight.
• Maintain the triglyceride levels, blood sugar, and cholesterol level.
• Avoid or limit the consumption of liquor.
• Perform exercises and physical activities such as walking, cycling, skipping rope, and more for approximately 30 minutes daily.
• Eat a diet with rich nutrients, low trans fats, saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, etc.

The Bottom Line

Nowadays, several people suffer from fatty liver or hepatic steatosis issues. However, many people do not feel signs and symptoms of fatty liver disease while suffering from fatty liver disease. It is usually not noticeable until the liver is badly damaged. People should maintain their health to avoid the development of hepatic steatosis within them. 

If you still have any questions regarding fatty liver disease or are suffering from such issues, visit the PSRI Hospital, the best liver transplant hospital in India, for the best possible care. We have the best liver specialist in Delhi NCR who has years of experience giving suitable fatty liver disease treatments. Book a consultation now to know more. 

FAQs

Q 1. What are the symptoms of fatty liver disease? 

Fatty liver disease is often asymptomatic, but some people may experience fatigue, weakness, and discomfort in the upper right abdomen. It can lead to liver scarring, liver failure, and even liver cancer in advanced cases.

Q 2. Can fatty liver disease be treated? 

Yes, fatty liver disease can be treated through lifestyle changes such as weight loss, regular exercise, and a healthy diet. In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to reduce fat buildup in the liver.

Q 3. What is the best medication for fatty liver disease? 

No single medication is considered the best for treating fatty liver disease. However, some drugs, such as vitamin E, pioglitazone, and metformin, have shown promise in reducing liver inflammation and fat buildup.

Q 4. Who is at risk for fatty liver disease? 

Anyone can develop fatty liver disease, but those who are overweight or obese, have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol are at an increased risk. Additionally, those who consume large amounts of alcohol or have a family history of liver disease are at higher risk.

Q 5. Can fatty liver disease lead to liver cancer? 

Yes, advanced cases of fatty liver disease can lead to liver scarring or cirrhosis, which increases the risk of liver cancer. It is essential to detect and manage fatty liver disease early to prevent it from progressing to a more severe form.