The liver is one of the largest organs of the body that functions to process what we consume into nutrients that the body can use. The liver also eliminates the harmful materials from the blood. The fatty liver condition occurs as the result of excessive fat accumulation. It is estimated that when the liver’s weight consists of more than 5 to 10% fat, it is considered to be fatty liver (steatosis). This progressive condition can develop when an individual consumes more fat than their body can handle. When the simple fat accumulates in the liver, it can result in the scarring of the liver.
Symptoms
Most of the people with the fatty liver disease do not present any symptoms. However, a small number of individuals can experience abdominal discomfort by the liver, feeling of unwell and fatigue. In the case of scarring of the liver, the symptoms can include enlarged blood vessels under the skin’s surface, abdominal swelling, red palms, enlarged spleen and jaundice.
Causes
Normally, the fat that is consumed is metabolized by the liver. When an individual consumes excess fat than the body requires, this is usually stored in the fatty tissue. Some of the other causes of fat accumulation include the liver’s inability to convert the fat into a material that can be eliminated by the body or the transfer of it from other parts of the body to the liver. One of the common causes of fatty liver disease is considered to be obesity. Other causes of fatty liver disease can include rapid weight loss, intestinal bypass surgery, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, high levels of lipid in the blood and diabetes mellitus. In addition, individuals can develop this condition as the result of genetic factors, consumption of alcohol and corticosteroids.
Diagnosis
As fatty liver disease does not present any symptoms, this condition is usually detected when tests are done for other medical reasons. Some of the tests that are done to determine the severity of the condition include complete blood count, fasting blood sugar, tests for chronic viral hepatitis, celiac disease screening test, liver enzyme and liver function tests. In addition, imaging procedures may be necessary such as ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance elastography. In some cases, the liver biopsy may be required.
Treatment
There is no specific medication to treat the fatty liver disease. The treatment options include lifestyle modification such as including physical activity, reducing the dietary fat and weight loss. Vaccinations against hepatitis can protect the liver from further liver damage. Some individuals may be required to have a weight-loss surgery if they need to reduce a lot of weight. In the case of cirrhosis, liver transplantation remains optional.
References
http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/nafld/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/home/ovc-20211638