Fatty Liver: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

30% of the Indian population suffers from fatty liver, reports the Deccan Herald. Given the seriousness of this disease, we have undertaken to compile everything about the condition so that you may know the fatty liver symptoms, its causes and treatments.

Let's start!

Fatty liver is also known as hepatic steatosis. When excess fat accumulates in the organ, it is known as fatty liver. Typically, the organ has some amount of fat in it. When the fat percentage exceeds 5 to 10% of the organ's weight, the condition is called fatty liver.

Broadly, there are two types of this condition. They are -

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD)

Under this category of fatty liver, there are two subtypes. They are simple alcoholic fatty liver disease (simple AFLD) and alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH).

• Simple Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (Simple AFLD): When the organ cannot break down fat properly because of its damage due to drinking, it is known as alcoholic fatty liver. Moreover, there is no inflammation or complications to be diagnosed as simple alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (ASH): This type of fatty liver occurs when there is inflammation of the organ. ASH can cause scarring of the organ, which leads to cirrhosis. Ultimately, it leads to liver failure.

Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver (NAFLD)

This category includes 3 subtypes. They are simple non-alcoholic fatty liver, acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP), and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

• Simple Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: If there is no organ inflammation and other complications, the condition is known as simple non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy (AFLP): This type of fatty liver occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy. If untreated, it can pose a severe threat to the mother and baby.
• Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): When inflammation accompanies the disease, it is known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

The exact fatty liver causes are not known. Scientists are still studying the genes for the same and have noted that diet and digestive system are likely causes.

For instance, you are more likely to develop fatty liver disease if you have the following conditions -

• You are overweight or obese
• Insulin resistance
• Prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
• High level of triglycerides in the blood.

More fatty liver disease causes are -

• High blood pressure
• Rapid weight loss
• Hepatitis C
• Take certain drugs such as corticosteroids and some cancer drugs

These are also the Causes of Grade 1 and Grade 2 Fatty Liver.

Strangely there are little to no fatty liver symptoms. However, you may feel some signs of fatty liver. They are -

• Abdominal swelling
• Discomfort in the upper right abdomen
• Enlarged blood vessels just beneath the skin's surface
• Enlarged spleen
• Fatigue
• Red palms
• Yellowing of skin and eyes

These were the signs and symptoms of fatty liver.

This condition progresses through 4 stages. They are:

• Simple fatty liver
• Steatohepatitis.
• Fibrosis.
• Cirrhosis.

Since there are no symptoms of this condition, it will probably show up in an ultrasound. Higher levels of liver enzymes in blood tests also raise a red flag. To further diagnose the condition, the doctor may ask you to do any of the following:

• Ultrasound or CT scan of the liver
• Liver biopsy
• FibroScan

There is no treatment in the form of pills for this condition. However, doctors may recommend the following fatty liver treatment.

• Weight Loss: For the non-alcoholic condition, doctors recommend weight loss. Weight loss can reduce fat, fibrosis and inflammation.
• Medications Causing Fatty Liver: Specific medication can likely be the cause of this condition. Hence, the doctor may suggest taking you off that pill and putting you into something else.
• Drinking Alcohol: If you have alcoholic fatty liver disease, then you need to stop drinking alcohol immediately.

To prevent this disease, one can do the following:

• Weight optimization
• Diet modification
• Check for diabetes
• Avoid alcohol
• Eat a healthy balanced diet
• Regular check-ups
• Increase physical exercise

Well, this was all about the fatty liver symptoms and their various causes. To care for your liver, quit drinking, get your cholesterol levels down and exercise more.