Fatty Liver
Eatty liver of hepatic steatosis defines excessive fat accumulation in the liver which accounts for more than 5-10% of liver's weight. Fatty liver condition can be controlled by making certain changes in lifestyle. Fatty liver even shows no symptoms in most of the cases, and it also does not damage the liver until reaches the advanced stage.
Causes
Alcoholism and heavy drinking are the most common causes of fatty liver. However, some other causes are:
1) Obesity,
2) Hyperlipidemia (increased fat levels in the blood),.
3) Diabetes,
4) Genetic inheritance,
5) Rapid weight loss, and
6) Side effects of aspirin, steroids, tamoxifen, and tetracycline.
Symptoms
Fatty Liver may cause fatigue or vague abdominal discomfort. When fat accumulates in large amount, it may result in liver inflammation, which produces the following symptoms:
1) Loss of appetite,
2) Weight loss,
3) Abdominal pain,
4) Weakness,
5) Fatigue, and
6) Confusion.
If not treated, fatty liver advances to liver cirrhosis and may even result in liver failure.
Diagnosis
1) Physical Examination: Inflamed liver can be diagnosed by abdominal examination.
2) Blood Tests: Presence of large amount of some enzymes indicates fatty liver.
3) Ultrasound: In this test, a picture of the liver is obtained by using sound waves. An MRI or CT-scan can also be performed to obtain additional liver images.
4) Biopsy: The affected area is anaesthetised and a needle is passed through the skin to take out a small piece of liver, which is then miceroscopically examined to detect fat deposits, inflammation, and damaged liver cells
Treatment
Fatty liver cannot be treated using medicines or by any surgery. Instead, risk factors can be reduced by the following recommendations:
1) Avoiding alcohol,
2) Reducing consumption of dietary cholesterol, sugar, and saturated fatty acids, and
3) Losing weight.
Fatty liver due to obesity or unhealthy eating habits can be controlled by increasing physical exercise and by avoiding certain food. Fatty liver disease can be controlled by avoiding fatty foods and foods high in sugar, and by also increasing the consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The red meats should be replaced with lean animal proteins like chicken and fish.
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