FATTY liver disease defines a collection of fat within the liver, as the name implies. Although a lack of symptoms usually characterizes the condition.
The buildup of fat in your liver is referred to as a fatty liver disease. Excess alcohol consumption and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are the two leading causes (NAFLD). The latter is a little more enigmatic, but it has been linked to markers of chronic disease.
It’s critical to pay attention to NAFLD warning signs if and when they appear.
This is because the condition can progress to the point where the liver begins to malfunction, fatal.
Unluckily, a lot of individuals who have a fatty liver show no symptoms.
“Because most people don’t have symptoms,” it continues, “the diagnosis is often suspected first when an unusual scan or blood test result happens.”
If one of these tests indicates that you may have a liver problem, your doctor will ask if you have any symptoms and examine you.
They’ll also inquire about your medical history and lifestyle and weigh you to determine your BMI, according to Dr. Gaurav Gupta, who is among the leading liver transplant specialists from Mumbai.
“It’s critical, to be honest about your lifestyle, as well as how much and how often you consume alcohol,” the healthy body advises.
This, as it states, will assist your doctor in correctly diagnosing the type of fatty liver disease you may have.
“If your general practitioner suspects you have liver damage, they may refer you to a hepatologist (a doctor who specializes in liver conditions).”
Am I at risk?
Experts are baffled as to why some people accumulate fat in their liver and others do not.
Similarly, there is a lack of knowledge of why some fatty livers exhibit inflammation that leads to liver scarring.
NAFLD, on the other hand, has been linked to several chronic disease precursors.
These, according to Dr. Gaurav Gupta, are:
- Obesity or being overweight
- Insulin resistance occurs when your cells do not respond to the hormone insulin by taking up sugar.
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) indicates type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
- Raised levels of fats, especially triglycerides, are inside the blood.
Dr. Gaurav Gupta explains, “These combined health problems appear to promote the deposit of fat in the liver.”
“Excess fat behaves as a poison to liver cells in some people, causing NASH and liver inflammation, which can lead to scar tissue buildup inside the liver.”
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a type of fatty liver condition that causes inflammation in the liver and can lead to liver failure and scarring (cirrhosis).
It’s important to note that while alcohol does not cause NAFLD, it can make it worse.
“It is, therefore, advisable to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption,” the NHS advice.
Both men and women are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units per week to keep health risks from alcohol to a minimum.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When does a doctor recommend a liver transplant?
A specialist may prescribe liver transplantation if a patient is diagnosed with chronic liver conditions like a liver tumor, Hepatitis B, cirrhosis, Hepatitis C, or if the liver cannot recover even after a thorough treatment.
What are the indications of a liver problem?
Individuals with acute liver conditions will remain weak, have water retention, jaundice, vomit blood or pass black stools, and encounter chronic abdominal infections.
What makes a suitable liver donor?
A healthy family member aged 18 to 55 years old with a BMI of less than 30 can be an ideal liver donor.
Is it safe to donate a liver or to have a liver transplant?
Yes, both liver donation and transplantation are highly safe procedures. The only organ in the body that can regenerate is the liver. As a result, both the donor and the recipient can expect their livers to regenerate in a few months. After a few weeks of donating liver, the donor will not need to take any medication, whereas the liver recipient will need to take anti-infection medications.
Is it true that all liver transplants are successful?
Over the last decade, Dr. Gaurav Gupta has performed nearly 500 liver transplant surgeries with excellent results. Most of them, at least. A liver transplant has a 90 percent one-year survival rate. As a result, it’s best to seek the advice of a skilled and experienced liver transplant surgeon.
