When fat deposits in the liver not because of alcohol consumption, leading to ailments in this organ, then the condition is known as Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Consumption of over 20 g/day does not cause this disease. Its origin is closely related to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
As both these conditions are risk factors in obese people, knowledge about the fatty liver disease symptoms proves handy in early diagnosis and commencement of treatment.
Fatty Liver Disease Symptoms:
- Asymptomatic (technical name for no apparent signs) in most of the cases
- Fatigue
- Malaise
- Discomfort in the abdomen especially in the upper section
- Mild jaundice though noticed rarely
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Insulin resistance
- Disturbed liver enzymes
- Possibility of gall stone problems
- Fibrosis – Development of excess connective tissues in the liver
- Usage of certain drugs like Amiodarone, Methotrexate, Tetracycline, Antiviral drugs, Tamoxifen, Aspirin and Corticosteroids
Unfortunately, the cause of the disease and its progression from one stage to another is not known yet. Though the liver can develop fat and function normally for a while, over the period of time complications intensify leading to its massive swelling. Indian men are at increased risks of developing this condition.
Diagnosis of Fatty Liver Disease Symptoms:
Ultrasound technique can show the accumulation of fat in the liver. Here, sound waves are directed towards an organ and the reflected waves are captured to obtain a picture of the organ.
The extent of fat in liver and severity caused by inflammation can be precisely known through a biopsy. It involves examination of the liver tissue under the microscope. Possibilities of other complications are also revealed by this effective and widely accepted diagnostic technique.
Fibrotest and steatotest are a couple of not so widely adopted techniques of diagnosis. Blood tests reveal the count of red blood cells, glucose levels, albumin protein levels and the state of the kidneys. Though liver plays a vital role in the production of essential proteins, kidneys separate these proteins from the waste products of the body before excretion.
