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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is among the leading causes of liver failure in recent times. Unlike an alcoholic fatty liver disease, this fat accumulation is not due to excessive alcohol consumption. NAFLD is commonly seen in overweight or obese people, where the extra lipids get deposited on the liver linings. Between 6.7% and 55.1% of adults in India have been found to have NAFLD. About one-third of all adults with NAFLD show no symptoms. In this blog, we will discuss non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in detail, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Synopsis
- What are Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?
- What are the Symptoms of a Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases (NAFLD)?
- What are the Symptoms of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)?
- What are the Risk factors of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?
- What are the Complications of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease(NAFLD)?
- Diagnosis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease(NAFLD)?
- NAFLD Treatment
- Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Conclusion
What are Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?
An accumulation of extra fat in the liver is known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) are the two forms of NAFLD.
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver: Known as non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), this kind of NAFLD is characterised by liver fat but little to no inflammation or liver damage.
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Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a kind of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) characterised by liver inflammation, damage, and fat accumulation in the liver. Fibrosis, or scarring, of the liver, can result from NASH-related inflammation and liver injury. NASH may result in cirrhosis, a condition that leaves the liver permanently damaged and scarred.
What are the Symptoms of a Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease shows no initial symptoms. Certain symptoms may appear as the disease progresses, such as:
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Malaise, or not feeling well
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The upper right abdominal region is in pain or discomfort.
What are the Symptoms of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)?
If fat continues to build up, the following NASH symptoms may appear:
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Itching
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Stomach oedema
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Yellowing of the skin and eyes
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Simple bleeding and bruises
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Spider-like veins that are visible just beneath the skin
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Garbled speech and disorientation
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Alterations in behaviour
If any of these symptoms persist, book an appointment with our expert Gastroenterology Doctor in Mukundapur.
What are the Risk factors of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?
Your chance of developing NAFLD can be raised by several illnesses and conditions, such as:
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Genetics.
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Fatty liver disease in the family line.
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Insufficient production of growth hormones in the body results in a growth hormone deficit.
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Elevated cholesterol.
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Elevated blood triglyceride levels.
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Insulin resistance.
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Metabolic syndromes.
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Obesity, particularly when the bulk of the fat is around the waist.
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PCOS in women.
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Diabetes type 2.
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Sedentary lifestyle.
What are the Complications of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease(NAFLD)?
If left untreated or if no lifestyle modifications are made to manage the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, it can progress to severe consequences such as,
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Cirrhosis, or severe liver scarring, is the primary consequence of NAFLD and NASH. Liver injury, such as that brought on by NASH, results in cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can also result in ascites or the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.
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Varices, or swollen veins in the oesophagus, have the potential to burst and haemorrhage.
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Hepatic encephalopathy causes confusion, drowsiness, and slurred speech.
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Hypersplenism, or an overactive spleen, can result in insufficient blood platelets.
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Carcinoma of the liver.
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End-stage liver failure indicates that the liver is no longer functional.
Diagnosis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease(NAFLD)?
The diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease includes blood tests, imaging tests, and a liver biopsy to confirm the actual cause of liver damage.
NAFLD Treatment
The initial step in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease treatment is typically weight loss. You may do this by exercising, eating a balanced diet, and managing your portion sizes. Weight loss might be beneficial for several health conditions that contribute to NAFLD. Surgery or medication for weight loss may also be helpful for some people.
One recent advancement in the treatment of NAFLD is a new drug for the treatment of NASH patients with mild to severe liver scarring. Resmetirom (Rezdiffra) helps in the reduction of the amount of fat that accumulates in the liver. However, if your condition has progressed to cirrhosis, pharmacotherapy might not be the correct treatment option for you. A Liver Transplant is recommended for individuals with NASH-related cirrhosis.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
You may take action to control nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with the support of your medical team. Such as:
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Reduce your weight: To lose weight gradually if you're overweight or obese, cut back on your daily caloric intake and up your physical activity.
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Select a nutritious diet: Consume a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to maintain good health.
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Get moving and increase your activity level: You should indulge in a physical activity of 150 minutes or more per week.
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Control your blood sugar: To control your diabetes, heed the recommendations of your healthcare team. Observe your blood sugar levels and take your medications as directed by your healthcare provider.
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Reduce your blood pressure and cholesterol: If your blood pressure and cholesterol are high, raise them.
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Keep your liver safe: Steer clear of items that could be detrimental to the health of your liver.
Conclusion
Following the suggested lifestyle modifications may be sufficient to maintain optimal liver health for an extended period if you have been diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. When the condition is still in its early stages, liver damage could be reversible. Liver scarring may occur even if you do not have any symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Your doctor can assist you in determining if you require any further tests if you think you might be at risk of having this illness. The good news is that other health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome, may be controlled or even reversed with the same lifestyle decisions that can help treat NAFLD. Our Gastroenterology Hospital in Mukundapur offers thorough evaluations and treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
FAQ's
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a condition where nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) worsens and causes inflammation of the liver. If NASH progresses, cirrhosis (liver scarring) may occur. A person's risk of developing NASH and cirrhosis from NAFLD can be decreased by receiving an early diagnosis and adhering to medical recommendations.
Numerous research investigations have documented that a diet high in lipids, including saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, and animal protein, can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is complex and may have a hereditary component that contributes to its development in certain individuals. Some genetic differences, known as polymorphisms, either increase the creation of fat or prevent it from leaving the liver, which causes buildup. Patients with these genetic variants change more quickly, according to studies where the genetic origins have been identified; however, additional factors, such as diabetes or obesity, are typically present as well.
A buildup of fat in the liver may result from some medications. These are referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease's secondary causes. Also, using medications such as statins does not always result in cirrhosis, but they can worsen liver damage. If the drug's advantages outweigh its drawbacks and withdrawal is not an option, the fatty liver has to be closely watched and examined for fibrosis, or scar tissue
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