In the world of gastroenterology, no organ is more telling than the liver. The liver is responsible for processing nutrients from all of the food and drinks we consume while simultaneously getting rid of any harmful ingredients as they come through the body. Often, alcohol consumption can cause liver problems. But, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is also a reality.
The liver is the second largest organ in the body, and it is vitally important. Specialists like Dr. Siamak Tabib find some patients to be diagnosed with a fatty liver, which can have a wide array of implications. Dr. Siamak provides treatment options for patients with this condition. While having fat in the liver is not inherently a bad thing, too much fat can cause some issues.
Read below to find out more about what fatty liver is, and when you should be concerned about it.
What is Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver?
Fatty liver is a term for a liver that has had more than the normal amount of fat built up in it. While some cases of fatty liver show no symptoms or complications, there is always increased risk as a fatty liver implies a less healthy one.
If you have visited your gastroenterologist for a diagnosis, you may have been diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This is also known as NAFLD. The scientific name for this disease is hepatic steatosis, which describes a buildup of fat in this vital organ. It is named this way because this condition can occur in people who drink little to no alcohol. According to Plastic Surgery, this disease is becoming more and more common across the globe.
Causes of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Typical fatty liver disease is usually caused by drinking too much alcohol. However, in cases of NAFLD, other causes can create a buildup of fat on the liver as well.
Symptoms of obesity and high blood sugar can lead to the development of fat and scarring in the liver. If your body is resistant to insulin, that can increase your susceptibility to this disease as well.
Other causes of fatty liver are much less common but can include hepatitis C, pregnancy, or the side effects of certain medications like Trexall or Pacerone.
Symptoms of Fatty Liver
Again, there are cases where fatty liver causes no symptoms at all. Severe cases will cause pain on the right side of the abdomen or a lot of discomfort on the general right side of the body.
If left untreated, fatty liver can cause a lot of scarring on the liver. This form of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis can create a myriad of symptoms which include:
- Rapid weight loss
- Fatigue
- Nosebleeding
- Fatigue and lack of appetite
- Blood vessels cluttering under the skin
- Swelling of the legs, arms, or abdomen
- Yellow eyes and skin
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, your fatty liver is putting you in a potentially life-threatening situation. You must seek medical attention without hesitation.
What’s the Best Treatment?
While there are no medications specifically designed (or approved) for the treatment of fatty liver disease, there are other treatments that can help reduce symptoms and reduce the amount of fat in the liver.
Your doctor may recommend that you receive a liver biopsy before continuing with treatment options. Afterward, the doctor may recommend a change in your lifestyle and habits. If you have fatty liver disease as a result of alcohol, it is strongly encouraged that you stop drinking.
You may also want to invest in weight loss solutions and diet changes that can help regulate your entire body.
Get Help for Your Liver Today
While you may not be showing any symptoms, it is still possible that fatty liver is affecting you. If you want to stay on top of your health status, and seek all possible opportunities for treatment, get in touch with Dr. Tabib today. You can contact his practice online or call at (310) 683-4911 to make an appointment right away.
