Fatty liver disease involves the presence of excess fat in the liver. Dietary habits and excessive alcohol consumption are risk factors. Depending on the type of fat in the liver, fat accumulation may not cause problems, or it may lead to liver damage. It can be prevented and treated using medications and lifestyle changes. Let’s explore the causes of fatty liver, symptoms, How to get rid of it, and whether it is dangerous.
What is Fatty Liver?
A healthy liver contains a small amount of fat. Fat accumulation becomes a problem when it exceeds 5% of the liver’s weight. There are two main types:
- Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD):
Fat accumulation in the liver can result from varying alcohol consumption, whether in small or large quantities. This disease can develop rapidly after a period of alcohol consumption. - Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):
Some people experience fat accumulation in the liver without alcohol consumption, often without causing inflammation or liver damage, remaining non-serious.
The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in adults can reach up to 20%.
Fat accumulation in the liver can occur during pregnancy, but in very rare cases, posing a risk to the life of the mother and the fetus, potentially leading to liver failure. The exact cause of fat accumulation during pregnancy is not clear, and hormones may play a role in its occurrence. Mothers may need intensive care for a short period, but in most cases, the liver returns to normal function within a few weeks.
Symptoms of Fatty Liver
Fat accumulation in the liver does not always cause symptoms, but when present, they may include:
- Abdominal pain or a feeling of fullness in the upper right side of the abdomen.
- Severe fatigue or weakness.
Patients often notice symptoms as fatty liver progresses to liver fibrosis. Additional symptoms include:
- Nausea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
- Abdominal swelling (ascites).
- Swelling in your legs or feet.
- Bleeding in the esophagus, stomach, or rectum.
Causes of Fatty Liver
The causes of fatty liver are multiple. However, risk factors for developing fatty liver include heart and vascular diseases or alcohol consumption. Risk factors include:
- Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption.
- Insulin resistance.
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and elevated triglyceride levels.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Weight gain and obesity.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormones).
- Hypopituitarism (low pituitary hormones).
- Hypogonadism (low sex hormones).
- Side effects of certain medications such as amiodarone (Cordarone®), diltiazem (Cardizem®), tamoxifen (Nolvadex®), or steroids.
Complications of Fatty Liver
Without treatment, It can progress to liver fibrosis, leading to liver failure and liver or extrahepatic cancers, in addition to the risk of developing heart diseases.
Diagnosis of Fatty Liver
- Medical history, including questions about health, alcohol consumption, and medications.
- Physical examination to check for signs of inflammation or signs of liver fibrosis.
- Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to search for signs of inflammation and fibrosis.
- Liver biopsy to determine the extent of fatty liver disease.
Treatment of Fatty Liver
There is no specific treatment or medication. However, the focus can be on lifestyle changes to prevent the progression of fatty liver disease. This includes:
- Avoiding alcohol.
- Weight loss.
- Taking medications to treat diabetes, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
- Taking antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin E and selenium.
- Taking probiotics: New research shows the role of bacteria in the development
- Probiotics play a role in addressing and treating an imbalanced diet.
Best Doctor for Fatty Liver Treatment
Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie is the best doctor for fatty liver treatment. He is a consultant 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 is currently a lecturer in general internal medicine, liver, and gastrointestinal diseases 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 articles published in prestigious medical journals.
Book your appointment now if you would like to consult with Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie regarding the treatment of fatty liver and other acute and chronic liver diseases.