The Symptoms of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a common condition where fat accumulates in your liver even though you drink little alcohol or none at all. Usually it does not cause any symptoms. However, in some cases the accumulated fat can result in inflammation and scarring of your liver. This condition, which is more serious, is sometimes referred to as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. In severe cases, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can result in liver failure. There are symptoms associated with more serious cases.
Fatigue
While the fatigue associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease does not necessarily reflect the severity of the condition of your liver, or insulin resistance (a precursor to type 2 diabetes), it can impair your physical activity. The severity of your fatigue might be comparable to what you would experience in primary biliary cirrhosis, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Abdominal Pain
You can expect to experience some pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen because this is where your liver is located. You most likely will not notice any discomfort until the nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases reaches the point of steatohepatitis, when it has progressed to the stage of inflammation.
Weight Gain
Your liver is the primary fat-burning organ in your body because it regulates your metabolism of fat. When it is not functioning properly, it stores excess fat, rather than burning it. The result is weight gain around your mid section. You might also have greater difficulty losing weight. Weight loss can actually improve your condition.
Risk Factors
Some conditions might increase your risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. They include high cholesterol, high triglycerides, malnutrition, obesity, rapid weight loss, an under-active thyroid, type 2 diabetes, toxins and chemicals, and gastric bypass surgery. Certain medications might also cause fatty liver disease such as corticosteroids and tetracyclines.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment depends on the cause of the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. For example, if you are obese, your doctor will recommend weight loss. If medications you are currently taking caused it, your doctor might change your medications. In some instances, you might need to take medications for the fatty liver disease or you might need surgery. Methods to reduce your risk include maintaining your weight at a healthy level, eating a healthy diet, lowering your cholesterol levels and controlling your diabetes.
