MANAGEMENT OF FAT LIVER DISEASE THROUGH TREATMENT

When too much fat accumulates in liver cells, a condition known as fatty liver develops. One of the most widespread liver issues, it may originate from excessive alcohol consumption or it may not. Obesity is typically thought to be a primary factor in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and it is more prevalent in men and those with diabetes. Sometimes, life-threatening conditions like liver cancer and cirrhosis also result from fatty liver disease. A healthy liver has little or no fat. The majority of the time, a simple fatty liver does not cause symptoms or even complications. Simple fatty liver disease, or "hepatic steatosis," is the name for the disease's mild stage. Steatohepatitis, on the other hand, is the name for the disease's severe or worst stage. The two primary kinds of fatty liver disease are alcoholic liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disorder (NAFLD). Alcohol consumption in excess is recognized as the leading cause of the disease known as fatty liver disease. Limiting your alcohol intake also lowers your risk of developing liver disease. According to studies, heredity is a significant factor in the growth of fatty liver. Additionally, the likelihood of acquiring this illness is increased when drunkenness is mixed with elements like obesity, a fatty diet, and other liver issues.

SIGNIFICANCE OF FAT LIVER DISEASE

When the disease is mild, the fatty liver disease frequently has no symptoms. Even so, if your liver lies under your ribcage on the right side of your body, you might experience fatigue, soreness, and discomfort. Your liver's overproduction of fat caused it to enlarge and stretch the delicate membranes that protect it, causing this agony. As the fatty liver disease worsens, the liver becomes increasingly scarred and develops cirrhosis, a serious illness. If you have cirrhosis, you may experience symptoms including itchy skin, quick bleeding, a large abdomen, nausea, weakness, poor memory, or disorientation, as well as yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). If you experienced any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away.

Large alcohol consumption, a sedentary lifestyle, a lack of exercise, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia (massive blood fat), and rapid weight reduction are all causes of fat-related liver diseases.

In some cases, gastric bypass surgery is also suspected to be the cause of fatty liver disease. Malnutrition and prolonged fasting are other possible causes of fatty liver disease.

• Medical conditions including excessive cholesterol levels, hypothyroidism, and PCOS are some other probable reasons for fatty liver. • Prolonged use of some types of medications, such as tetracyclines, can result in fatty liver.

• People who have HIV, inflammatory bowel disease, or hepatitis C are more likely to develop fatty liver.

• The medical disease known as acute fatty liver may appear during pregnancy and may have an impact on both the mother and the fetus.

• Anti-retroviral therapy and immunosuppressive drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis can also cause fatty liver.

DISEASE OF THE FAT LIVER: DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will first ask you about your symptoms and may perform an examination. He might then inquire about your medical background. As a result, be truthful and open with your doctor about your lifestyle and alcohol consumption. This will enable him to receive the proper treatment, as it can be challenging to diagnose fatty liver disease when there is no symptoms present. Your doctor could advise you to get the tests described below to diagnose fatty liver.

• Physical examination: Your doctor might check the abdomen to see if the liver has become irritated. Therefore, the extensive history may also reveal exhaustion or appetite loss. Alcohol use, other drugs, and dietary supplements are all possible inclusions in the complete history.

Blood tests: A regular blood test can be used to determine the number of liver enzymes present. However, this does not assist in fatty liver diagnosis but may assist in determining the precise source of inflammation.

• Fibroscan: This scan, which is quite similar to an ultrasound, may help to reveal any liver scarring.

• Ultrasound or scan: Images of your liver are created using a variety of imaging techniques, including CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and ultrasound. This scan is essential for determining whether fat is present in your liver.

TIPS FOR PREVENTING AND TREATING FATTY LIVER DISEASE

There is currently no effective treatment for fatty liver disease. If diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia are the primary reasons, then treatment will focus on changing one's lifestyle, losing weight, and engaging in physical activity to reduce the level of liver fat. Highly obese patients are strongly advised to lose weight gradually and sustainably with a healthy diet and regular exercise.