This condition is characterized by the presence of excess fat in the liver. Among the healthy individual, there is little or no fat present in the liver although a small amount of it does not cause major problems. This condition occurs with the accumulation of fats called triglycerides that is present in food high in fat and sugar. The accumulation of fat in the liver can result in the inflammation causing scarring and in some cases, it can progress to become a life-threatening condition called cirrhosis.
Causes
It is not well understood why the accumulation of fat in the liver occurs among some people while others don’t develop it. The non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is linked to obesity, high blood sugar, high level of fats particularly triglycerides in the blood and insulin resistance. These combined health problems are believed to encourage the development of the disease. Some of the risk factors associated with the development of this disease include high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, sleep apnea, underactive thyroid, underactive pituitary gland and type 2 diabetes.
Stages of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Most of the affected individuals will only develop the first stage and only a few people will continue to experience liver damage when the condition is not effectively managed.
Simple fatty liver (steatosis) is a harmless accumulation of fat in the liver cells.
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is a more serious form when the liver becomes inflamed.
Fibrosis is the persistent inflammation resulting in the scar tissue although the liver is still able to function.
Cirrhosis is the severe stage of the disease that occurs after several years of inflammation causing permanent damage which can result in liver failure and liver cancer.
Symptoms
The symptoms of this condition are not evident in the initial stages. Generally, it is identified when the individual is diagnosed with another condition. In the advanced stage of the disease, affected individuals may experience fatigue, unexplained weight loss, weakness and a dull or aching pain in the lower right side of the ribs. In the case of cirrhosis, it can present severe symptoms such as itchy skin, yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, enlarged spleen, enlarged blood vessels just beneath the skin’s surface, swelling in the legs, feet and the tummy.
Diagnosis
The nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can be diagnosed with the liver function test that can present an abnormal result. An ultrasound scan of the abdomen can also detect the condition. If a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is diagnosed, further tests may be necessary to determine the stage of the condition. This can include a fibroscan, additional blood test and a biopsy that involves a procedure to remove the affected liver tissue to be examined in a laboratory.
Treatment
The treatment is focused on preventing the condition from deteriorating. There is no specific medication available for the disease but choosing healthy lifestyle can help. The treatment may be necessary for the associated conditions such as diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure.
References
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fatty-liver-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx
http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/nafld/
