Fatty Liver Disease: What Is It and How to Treat It

Understanding Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease (FLD) is a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver. It can range in severity from a mild form called hepatic steatosis to a more severe form called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Types of Fatty Liver Disease

There are two main types of FLD:

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Not caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
• Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD): Caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

Causes of Fatty Liver Disease

The most common cause of NAFLD is obesity, followed by type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.

Other risk factors include:

• Rapid weight loss
• Certain medications, such as corticosteroids and tamoxifen
• Genetics
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Cystic fibrosis

Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease

In many cases, FLD does not cause any symptoms. However, as it progresses, it can lead to:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Diagnosis and Treatment of Fatty Liver Disease

FLD is diagnosed through a blood test to measure liver enzymes and a liver biopsy.

Treatment options for FLD include:

• Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly
• Medications: To lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, or improve liver function
• Liver transplant: In severe cases where other treatments have failed

Conclusion

FLD is a common condition that can range in severity from mild to severe. It is important to understand the causes and symptoms of FLD in order to prevent and treat it effectively.