The liver is a large organ located in the upper right side of the abdomen. Steatohepatitis disease referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver, is a condition where fat accumulates in the liver. Let’s explore the types of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, what non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is, its symptoms, causes, and treatment methods.
Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
There are two types of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease:
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver (NAFL): In this type, fat accumulates in the liver, but there is no inflammation.
- Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): In this type, fat accumulates in the liver and causes inflammation.
People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol may develop a condition resembling non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but it is not associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
Causes of Steatohepatitis
Some factors may cause non-alcoholic fatty liver inflammation in certain individuals, such as:
- Being overweight.
- Having diabetes, which elevates blood sugar levels higher than normal.
- Having high cholesterol.
- Taking specific medications.
Symptoms of Steatohepatitis
Most people affected do not exhibit symptoms, but your non-alcoholic fatty liver inflammation may be detected through routine blood tests.
Do I Need Further Tests?
Yes, if your doctor suspects non-alcoholic fatty liver inflammation, additional tests are likely to be conducted:
- Further blood tests
- Liver imaging tests, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans – these imaging tests produce internal body images.
- Some individuals may require a liver biopsy. During this test, a small sample of liver tissue is taken. Another healthcare provider examines the sample under a microscope to determine if you have non-alcoholic fatty liver inflammation. Liver biopsy is the only test that can confirm your diagnosis.
Steatohepatitis Treatment
non-alcoholic fatty liver inflammation is usually not treated directly. However, the condition may improve when other medical conditions commonly associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver are treated.
For example, weight loss, controlling blood sugar levels, and managing cholesterol can help improve non-alcoholic fatty liver inflammation.
Considering this, your doctor can:
- Assist you in weight loss if you are overweight. If weight loss is recommended, they can help you develop a safe plan. Rapid weight loss should be avoided. Do not lose more than 1.6 kg per week.
- Treat elevated blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
- Treat high cholesterol if you have elevated cholesterol levels.
These changes have additional benefits besides helping with non-alcoholic fatty liver inflammation. They can reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke. This is important because individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are often at risk of heart-related conditions.
If you are taking medication that may cause Steatohepatitis, your doctor will either have you stop taking this medication or replace it with another.
For individuals suffering from severe forms of Steatohepatitis but without diabetes or heart disease, healthcare providers may suggest taking vitamin E. Some studies indicate that vitamin E might reduce certain damages associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver inflammation. However, there are also studies suggesting that high doses of vitamin E increase the risk of death. Therefore, do not take vitamin E unless recommended by your doctor.
Does Steatohepatitis Worsen Over Time?
Steatohepatitis may worsen over time and sometimes leads to serious liver scarring called “cirrhosis.” Cirrhosis can cause various symptoms, such as leg swelling, difficulty breathing, or fatigue. If you have cirrhosis, your doctor will discuss various possible treatments.
Do I Need Follow-Up with a Doctor?
Yes. Individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver inflammation need to see their doctor for regular check-ups. Your doctor will perform regular follow-up tests, usually involving blood tests.
Best Liver Doctor for Steatohepatitis Treatment
Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie is the best doctor for treating Steatohepatitis. He is a specialist in hepatology, gastroenterology, and endoscopy, a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in England, and a member of the American College of Gastroenterology. Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie currently serves as a lecturer in general internal medicine, liver, and gastroenterology at Al-Azhar University Faculty of Medicine in Cairo.
Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie regularly participates in various local and international scientific conferences and has numerous scientific research publications in prestigious medical journals. Schedule your appointment now if you would like to consult with Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie regarding Steatohepatitis or other liver-related conditions.