What is Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver. It is classified into two main types:
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Fat accumulation in the liver unrelated to alcohol consumption, often linked to obesity and metabolic disorders.
- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD): Liver fat accumulation caused by excessive alcohol intake.
While early-stage fatty liver disease may not cause symptoms, it can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver failure if left untreated.
Why Choose Aster Hospitals for Fatty Liver Care?
Aster Hospitals is led by a team of highly experienced gastroenterologists and hepatologists who specialize in treating fatty liver disease. We use advanced diagnostic tools, including liver function tests, ultrasound, FibroScan, MRI, and liver biopsy, to accurately assess liver health. Our treatment approach is personalized, focusing on lifestyle modifications, dietary counseling, and medical management to slow or even reverse liver damage. Aster Hospitals follows a multidisciplinary approach, addressing underlying conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome to prevent disease progression. We make sure to bring out the best possible outcomes by using patient centric approach to treat patients with fatty liver disease.
Fatty liver disease Symptoms
Fatty liver disease often remains asymptomatic in the early stages. But as the disease progresses below symptoms may appear:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the upper right side
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swelling in the abdomen (ascites)
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Treatment Options
No single medication can cure fatty liver disease, but early intervention and lifestyle changes can significantly improve liver health.
1. Lifestyle Modifications
- Healthy Diet: Increase the intake of fibre rich foods, lean proteins and healthy fats instead of sugary foods, refined carbohydrates, processed foods, and unhealthy fats.
- Weight Loss: Losing 5-10% of body weight can significantly reduce liver fat and inflammation.
- Regular Exercise: Do aerobic exercises and resistance training to improves metabolism and liver function.
2. Managing Underlying Conditions
By managing some underlying conditions there is a possibilty of reducing the progression of the fatty liver disease.
- Diabetes and Insulin Resistance: Controlling blood sugar levels reduces liver fat accumulation.
- High Cholesterol and Hypertension: Managing lipid levels prevents further liver damage.
- Alcohol Reduction: Quitting alcohol is crucial for those with AFLD.
3. Medical and Surgical Interventions
- Medications: While no FDA-approved drugs specifically target NAFLD, doctors may prescribe medications to manage associated conditions.
- Bariatric Surgery: In some cases, individuals with obesity-related fatty liver may benefit from weight-loss surgery.
When to see a Gastroenterologist?
Consult a gastroenterologist if you experience:
- Persistent fatigue or unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Elevated liver enzymes in blood tests
- Symptoms of liver damage, such as jaundice, swelling, or fluid retention
- A history of alcohol-related liver disease
