What is Fatty Liver Disease?
Monday, June 22nd, 2009What is fatty liver disease?
An accumulation of fats, triglycerides in the liver. Once it reaches 5-10% of the livers total weight you are considered to have fatty liver disease.
Who is afflicted by fatty liver disease?
The largest two groups are those who drink alcohol excessively and those who are obese. There are many other factors which seem to produce fatty liver disease (FLD): diabetes, malnutrition, rapid weight loss, high triglyceride levels, certain drugs (legal and otherwise) seem to be a factor. In some cases none of these factors are present.
What are the symptoms?
Unfortunately, until the disease progresses there are none. Advanced cases produce weakness, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, confusion, unexplained weight loss.
If there are no symptoms, how is fatty liver disease diagnosed?
A doctor may notice an enlarged liver upon routine examination or lab work may come back with irregularities. More tests will be ordered to rule out other liver disease. The only sure diagnosis is a liver biopsy.
Can FLD be treated?
As with most disease, most effective treatment occurs early.
What treatments are available for fatty liver disease?
Depending on the stage of the disease you may be able to reverse some, if not all damage by the following:
- If overweight, lose weight. Goal to be one or two pounds a week, rapid weight loss can make FLD worse.
- Lower triglycerides through diet, medication or in combination
- Avoid alcohol and other substances which may harm the liver
- If diabetic, control it
- Eat a balanced healthy diet
- Increase your physical activity
Can it be prevented?
Following the above practices will greatly reduce your chances of developing FLD. Since all causes are not known, 100% prevention would be impossible at this time.
What happens if fatty liver disease is left untreated?
Hepatitis (which just means inflamed liver) can lead to cirrhosis (which is scarring of the liver). This can lead to liver failure.
