Fatty liver disease comes in two main forms. non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD for its acronym in English and NAFLD for its acronym in Spanish) is the term for a variety of conditions caused by accumulation of fat in the liver. You can also get alcohol-related liver disease (ARFLD), which is liver damage caused by drinking too much alcohol.
The American Liver Foundation says that if more than five to 10 percent of the weight of the liver is fat, then it is called fatty liver.
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Having high levels of fat in the liver is associated with an increased risk of other health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.
If caught and managed early, NAFLD can be prevented from getting worse and the amount of fat in the liver can be reduced.
Most people will only develop the first stage, very often without realizing it.
In a small number of cases, it can progress to liver damage if not detected and managed.
the site of Johns Hopkins Medicine (JHM) notes that fatty liver disease is “sometimes called silent liver disease” because can occur without causing any symptoms.
It suggests that most people with NAFLD live with fat in their liver without developing liver damage, although some develop NASH or cirrhosis.
NASH is the form of NAFLD in which you he has liver inflammation and liver damage, as well as fat in the liver.
If liver damage from NASH causes permanent scarring and hardening of the liver, this is called cirrhosis.
JHM says that if you have NASH, you may have symptoms, although «they could take years to develop.»
The health site suggests that various symptoms of NASH they can appear on your skin.
This may include yellowing of the skin, visible spider-shaped blood vessels in the skin, and prolonged itching.
You may also experience severe tiredness, weakness and weight loss.
He adds: “NASH that progresses to cirrhosis may cause symptoms such as fluid retention, internal bleeding, muscle atrophy and confusion. People with cirrhosis may eventually develop liver failure and need a liver transplant.»
People with liver disease who develop dark black tarry stools or dark urine should seek «urgent medical attention»according to him British Liver Trust.
Other serious symptoms include vomiting blood, easy bruising, itchy skin, and swelling of the lower abdomen.
NAFLD tends to develop in people who are overweight or obese or have diabetes, high cholesterol, or high triglycerides.
However, some people get fatty liver disease without having any pre-existing conditions.
People are more likely to develop NAFLD as a result of various factors. For example, if you are insulin resistant, as people can be when they have polycystic ovary syndrome.
Things like Losing weight, eating healthy, and exercising regularly can help. NAFLD is not caused by alcohol, but drinking can make it worse. Therefore, it is possible that You may need to eliminate it from your diet or reduce your intake.
There is currently no medication that can treat NAFLD, but several medications may be helpful in managing the problems associated with the condition.
If you develop severe cirrhosis, stage four fatty liver disease, and your liver stops working properly, you may need to be put on the waiting list for a Liver transplant.