Fatty Liver Diseases- Types, Causes & Symptoms

What is Fatty Liver Disease?

The excess build up of fat in the liver leads to fatty liver disease. It is also known as hepatic steatosis. It's considered normal to have some fat in the liver. However, too much of it is a health concern. The liver processes everything we drink or eat, and it filters blood for any harmful substances. This normal functioning gets interrupted when there is too much fat in the liver. When this fat weighs five to ten percent more than the weight of the liver alone, it accounts to fatty liver. This condition is reversible and can often be cured with lifestyle modifications. In many cases, a person suffering from the fatty liver disease may not necessarily suffer its symptoms. Also, usually the disease doesn't cause any permanent damage unless it progresses.

According to a study, this condition affects approx. 10 to 20 percent of Americans without inflammation or cirrhosis. According to the American Liver Foundation, majority cases of fatty liver are diagnosed in people who are aged between 40 and 60. If the underlying cause of fatty liver is not recognized or treated on time, then it may become harmful to the liver.

What are the Types of Fatty Liver Disease?

There are two types of fatty liver disease which are classified as alcohol and non-alcohol related. Alcohol is considered as a direct toxin to the liver, and it can potentially cause inflammation. Non-alcoholic related steatohepatitis (NASH) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) are different illnesses.

What Causes Fatty Liver Disease?

Some of the causes of this liver disease include:

·         Diet- A person consuming excess calories in the diet is at risk of having this liver disorder. The excess calorie intake ruins liver's ability to metabolize fat which eventually results in accumulation of fat in the liver.

·         Diseases- A person may suffer from fatty liver disease because he/she is already suffering from obesity, type2 diabetes, celiac disease, Wilson's disease and high triglyceride levels in the blood.

·         Medications- Medications which include amiodarone oral (Cordarone, Pacerone), tamoxifen (Soltamox), amiodarone injection (Nestorone), and methotrexate(Rheumatrex Dose Pack, Trexall) are said to cause NAFLD.

What are the Signs of Fatty Liver Disease?

·         Increased bruising

·         Jaundice

·         Edema and ascites due to the reduction in protein production by the liver

·         Associated mental confusion

Fatty Liver Disease in San Antonio

If you are looking for an experienced expert to consult on fatty liver disease in San Antonio, then Digestive and Liver Disease Center ofSan Antonio PLLC is the place for you. They use most advanced diagnostic methods and latest technologies to cure diseases related to digestive tract and liver.