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Problems With Fatty Livers

There are two types of fatty liver problems. The first type is referred to as alcohol induced fatty liver and the second is known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Alcohol induced fatty liver is seen in patients who have engaged in chronic and heavy drinking of alcohol. NAFLD patients have no prior history of excessive drinking. The NAFLD condition is often brought on by insulin or metabolic problems, and both types can become quite serious if left untreated. Early-stage treatments include dietary changes and medications, while late-stage fatty liver disease may entail surgery or a transplant.

  1. What Is Fatty Liver?

    • According to the American Liver Foundation, a small amount of fat in the liver is healthy. The condition that is referred to as "fatty liver" occurs when liver cells fill with excessive amounts of fat. The weight of a healthy human liver averages 3 lbs. When fat levels begin to exceed 10 percent of that weight, the liver is considered to be fatty.

    Fatigue and Stomach Pain

    • In the beginning stages of fatty liver disease most patients have very few symptoms, if any. But when symptoms do occur they are often vague and sometimes dismissed as other illnesses. The American College of Gastroenterology of Bethesda, Maryland, explains that early symptoms of fatty liver can produce pain in the center or upper right quadrant of the abdominal area along with a feeling of general fatigue and weakness.

    Inflammation

    • In patients who have fatty liver, the liver will often become swollen and inflamed. According to Merck, a physician is usually able to feel a swollen liver upon examination and palpation. Once inflammation is detected, the physician will usually order a series of blood tests that can identify the reason behind the swelling. The attending physician may also order an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the abdomen, which will give a clearer picture of how much extra fat the liver has accumulated.

    Nash

    • NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis ) is often referred to as a silent killer, and according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, NASH is suspected when the levels of ALT (alanine aminotransferase) or AST (aspartate aminotransferase) are found to be elevated in a blood test. If left untreated, the abnormal cell development associated with NASH can cause scarring of the liver. This scarring is known as "fibrosis" and can become quite severe. A liver biopsy is often necessary to confirm fibrosis.

    Cirrhosis

    • Cirrhosis of the liver is a severe illness that occurs in the later stages of fatty liver disease. The Mayo Clinic reveals that when scarring is minimal, the liver is capable of healing itself through regeneration. But, when scarring is chronic, cirrhosis sets in. Cirrhosis of the liver can cause an increase in infection throughout the body and difficulty absorbing vitamins and nutrients. Cirrhosis of the liver can also increase the risk of developing liver cancer, which is often life threatening.

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