The non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to a number of ailments brought on by an accumulation of fat in the liver. It is typically present in overweight or obese people.
Little to no fat should be present in a healthy liver. Up to one in three persons in the world are thought to have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in its early stages, which manifests as modest quantities of liver fat.
Early-stage NAFLD is typically not harmful, but if it worsens, it can result in serious liver damage, including cirrhosis. High levels of liver fat are also associated with an increased risk of conditions like diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes.
If NAFLD is detected and treated early on, it may be possible to stop it from getting worse and reduce the amount of fat in your liver.
What Are the Stages of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?
The four stages of NAFLD are-
Simple Fatty Liver: Excessive fat accumulation in liver cells without causing inflammation or liver damage.
Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): Fatty liver accompanied by inflammation and liver cell damage, which can progress to fibrosis (scarring) and cirrhosis (severe liver damage).
Fibrosis: Liver tissue becomes scarred, leading to a decline in liver function.
Cirrhosis: Severe liver damage with scarring, leading to liver failure and the need for a transplant.
It's important to note that the progression of NAFLD through these stages is not inevitable and can be slowed or reversed through lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and a healthy diet.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of NAFLD?
In the early stages of NAFLD, there typically aren't any symptoms. If tests aren't done for another reason, it's unlikely that you'll find out you have it.
In rare cases, persons with NASH or fibrosis (more severe disease stages) may encounter:
- A sharp stomachache in the upper right corner (over the lower right side of the ribs)
- Weariness (severe exhaustion) (extreme tiredness)
- Weakness due to unexpected weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Nausea
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Spider-like blood vessels on the skin
- Itching
- Confusion or trouble concentrating
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and belly
Many people with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) have few or no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:
It's important to see a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver, as it can progress to serious liver damage if left untreated. Early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can help slow or reverse the progression of the disease.
How to Diagnose NAFLD?
After other liver diseases like hepatitis are checked out and an abnormal liver function test result is obtained, NAFLD is frequently diagnosed. Blood tests, however, don't always detect NAFLD.
The problem might potentially be discovered via an ultrasound scan of your abdomen. In this type of scan, sound waves are used to provide an image of the interior of your body.
If you are diagnosed, more testing could be needed to determine your stage of NAFLD. This may need having a special blood test or a particular kind of ultrasound examination (Fibroscan). Some people may also need to have a tiny sample of their liver tissue (a biopsy) taken for laboratory testing.
Also Read – Fatty Liver Disease Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diet
How to Treat for NAFLD?
The main treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is lifestyle changes, including:
Weight loss: Losing weight can help reduce the amount of fat in the liver and improve liver function.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve overall health and reduce liver fat.
Healthy diet: Eating a diet low in sugar, unhealthy fats, and calories can help reduce liver fat and improve overall health.
Avoiding alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can worsen liver damage, so avoiding or limiting alcohol is important.
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to improve liver function and reduce inflammation. However, lifestyle changes are the first line of treatment and should be implemented in conjunction with any medication.
It's important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and medical history. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can help slow or reverse the progression of NAFLD and prevent serious liver damage.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
