Fatty liver, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver. Fatty liver can be caused by alcohol consumption. We can call it alcoholic fatty liver. There is fatty liver that is not due to alcoholism. It could be non- alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Fatty liver is becoming more common in India due to unhealthy lifestyles like high fat diet, lack of exercise and obesity.
Many people with fatty liver disease do not experience any symptoms. Symptoms of fatty liver disease can include fatigue, abdominal pain, general malaise, abdominal swelling, jaundice, and itching. It used to be thought that alcohol consumption was the only major cause of fatty liver. But today, fatty liver is more common in obese people who do not drink alcohol. Other risk factors include diabetes and high levels of triglycerides in the blood.
Early detection and treatment.
Although there is no specific treatment for fatty liver disease, there are steps that can be taken to reverse the condition. Since obesity is the primary cause of the disease, weight loss is the most important step. The first step in treating fatty liver is diagnosis. Doctors usually recommend a combination of blood tests, imaging tests, and a liver biopsy to diagnose fatty liver.
Blood tests are used to check liver enzyme levels and rule out other liver diseases. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, elastography (fibro scan), CT scan, and MRI are used to detect the presence of fat in the liver. Liver biopsy, now rarely performed as a diagnostic procedure,
How to Treat Alcoholic Fatty Liver.
For people with fatty liver disease as a result of alcoholism, the most effective treatment is to stop drinking. Even moderate alcohol consumption can lead to the development of fatty liver disease, and excessive alcohol consumption can cause irreversible liver damage. It is important to seek medical advice before stopping excessive alcohol consumption, as alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be severe and life- threatening.
Consuming large amounts of alcohol, even for a few days, can cause fat to accumulate and cause alcoholic fatty liver. According to study estimates, 90 percent of people who drink more than 4 pegs of alcohol per day develop alcoholic fatty liver disease. A person who drinks two bottles of beer a day has the same risk.
Once a person is diagnosed with alcoholic fatty liver, it can be reversed by long-term reduction of alcohol consumption. If you stop drinking for a certain period of time, your liver will begin to burn excess fat. But if you want to continue drinking after that, it should be in a very limited amount under medical supervision.
Why is lifestyle management important?
Once the diagnosis is made, the primary goal of treatment is to reduce the amount of fatty liver and prevent further damage to the liver. The first step in treating fatty liver involves lifestyle changes. Adopting a healthy diet, losing weight, and exercising regularly are essential. A healthy diet should include foods that are low in fat, sugar, and salt. Foods rich in fiber such as fruits and vegetables should be included in the diet. Losing weight is also important because excess body fat can lead to an increase in fatty liver. Regular exercise can help reduce liver fat and improve liver function.
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to treat fatty liver. But in cases of severe fatty liver, lifestyle changes and surgery are recommended when medications are ineffective. The most common surgery used to treat fatty liver is bariatric surgery, which is weight loss surgery. This reduces the size of the stomach and limits the amount of food that can be eaten. It can help patients lose weight and reduce fatty liver.
Fatty liver is a common condition in India, but it can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent liver damage and improve function. Lifestyle changes are the most effective treatment. You can control fatty liver by adopting a healthy lifestyle.