All you need to know about fatty liver disease

Fatty liver disease is also known as steatohepatitis or hepatic steatosis. In this condition, excess fat builds up in the liver. Too much fat in the liver is associated with liver inflammation, which can damage the liver and kill hepatic cells. In severe cases, this can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver failure.

There are two types of fatty liver: alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is very prevalent in the modern world, and about 25 - 30% of people in the United States and Europe suffer from this condition.

As the name suggests, alcoholic fatty liver disease is caused due to prolonged consumption of alcohol and is associated with liver failure. In this article, we discuss the common symptoms of NAFLD & AFLD to watch out for and bring you insight into this condition that might help with early diagnosis.

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What are the signs of fatty liver disease?

Fatty liver disease can lead to liver failure if left untreated (Image via Unsplash/Sam Moghadam)

Fatty liver usually starts with minor symptoms and gradually progresses into cirrhosis:

• Initial stage: It starts with a buildup of excess fat in the liver. At this stage, it is harmless and proper diagnosis can prevent this disease from progressing.
• Steatohepatitis: In addition to the fat deposition, there’s significant inflammation in the liver at this stage.
• Fibrosis: Inflammation in the liver causes scarring, however, the liver can still function properly at this stage.
• Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver causes the liver cells to stop functioning. This is the most severe stage and is irreversible without medical intervention.

Consuming foods that are good for the liver can manage the symptoms and reduce the risk in the early stages, thus preventing cirrhosis and liver failure.

NAFLD/AFLD is usually associated with symptoms on your face and skin. Here are some common signs to look for:

• abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• weakness or fatigue
• nausea
• itchy skin
• yellow skin and eyes, especially on the face
• easy bruising or bleeding
• dark-colored urine
• pale stools
• fluid accumulation in the abdomen (known as ascites)
• skin swelling (edema), especially in the legs
• breast enlargement in men
• confusion and reduced cognition

Symptoms of fatty liver disease are often ignored in their initial stages and early diagnosis can help with the prevention of serious conditions such as cirrhosis.

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NASH liver - hepatic steatosis

Alcohol is a leading cause of liver cirrhosis (Image via Unsplash/Adam Jaime)

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs in people who do not consume alcohol but follow a very unhealthy diet and lifestyle.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a type of NAFLD. This occurs when a buildup of excess fat in the liver is also accompanied by inflammation. Diagnosis is done depending on the following factors:

• excess fat is deposited in the liver
• liver inflammation is observed
• there is no history of heavy alcohol use

If left untreated, NASH can cause liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver failure. Bad eating habits can cause fatty liver disease and a proper diet is essential for the management of NASH. Look for signs and symptoms of inflammation in the face and skin for early diagnosis.

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Indranil Biswas is a nutritionist and personal trainer with a diploma in dietetics and personal training with a specialization in sports nutrition and strength training.

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