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.

Six Ways to Fight Hemorrhoids

The following are the six best ways to fight hemorrhoids:

1.       Eat Fibrous Food- Hemorrhoids occur when a person complains of infrequent bowel movement. One of the most natural ways to regularize bowel movements is to include 25 to 30 grams of fiber in every day's diet and supplements. According to an expert doctor, a fibrous diet is a universal recommendation by doctors and gastroenterologists to those suffering from hemorrhoids. Though it may increase gas, however, it's a little compensation to solve the big problem. Foods that include fiber include legumes, whole grains, vegetables like green peas, broccoli, etc. and fruits like pears, apples, and bananas.

2.       Drink Plenty Water- In addition to eating a fibrous diet, it is crucial to keep the body hydrated by drinking adequate water. It helps in preventing constipation and having healthy bowel movements. Drinking six to eight glasses of water every day not only helps the smooth functioning of digestive system but also benefits the entire body.

3.       Exercise Everyday- According to a recommendation by an expert doctor, exercise regularises colon and hence, if practiced everyday exercise prevents hemorrhoids. Such patients need to stay active and reduce time spent in putting pressure on veins in the lower rectum. Also, one should keep away from heavy lifting or other strenuous activities as these are the potential causes of causing hemorrhoids.

4.       Choose Laxatives Carefully- Experts suggest that not all laxatives are good to consume when you are suffering from hemorrhoids because some laxatives stimulate intestinal contraction to move the stool along. However, it causes pressure in hemorrhoids and can worsen the situation. It is advised to take prescribed osmotic laxatives because these substances increase the amount of water in the gut and reduce constipation. Stay away from laxatives that simulate normal physiological activities.

5.       Don't Fight the Urge- when you feel the pressure, you have to go, and it is one of the simplest ways to cure hemorrhoids. An expert doctor once quoted, "Ignoring Mother Nature has its risks and hemorrhoids are one of them." 

6.       Avoid Straining- A person will suffer painful and bleeding hemorrhoids if he/she puts pressure on the veins in the rectum. It usually happens when people find it difficult for the stools to pass. One should also avoid straining because it indirectly strains the bowels and causes pain in hemorrhoids.  A person is straining if he/she is lifting heaving objects, has a chronic cough or if she is pregnant.

Hemorrhoids Treatment in San Antonio

If you are suffering from hemorrhoids and looking to connect with an expert doctor who can relieve your pain, then connect with the experienced doctors of Gonzaba Urgent Care. For more details book an appointment now!

FAQs on Liposuction

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is an aesthetic treatment which aims at the removal of fat cells to alter the shape of the body. This approach eliminates the unwanted fat pockets from specific part(s) of the body, but, is neither a weight loss method nor a treatment for obesity. The amount of fat cells that can be removed through this treatment is limited. It is imperative for the candidate to follow healthy lifestyle after the procedure; else otherwise it may cause the remaining fat cells to grow bigger.

Which body parts can be treated with liposuction?

·         Buttocks

·         Hips

·         Chest

·         Abdomen

·         Back

·         Hips

·         Inner knees

·         Love Handles

·         Upper arms

·         Thighs (outer thighs and inner thighs)

·         Neckline

·         The area under the chin

What is the need of liposuction?

Liposuction is an aesthetic procedure and is not a medical necessity. Doctors suggest this treatment only when adoption of a healthy lifestyle is not able to achieve desired results. This treatment is necessarily carried out in a specific area of the body where fat cells are abundant and growing.

What precautions are required before the liposuction procedure?

·         Women should stop taking the contraceptive pill.

·         The candidate should stop taking regular aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs at least two weeks before the procedure.

·         If the patient is anemic, then he/she may be suggested iron supplements.

What are the types of liposuction technique?

·         Tumescent Liposuction- It involves pumping of saline solution with local anesthesia (lidocaine) and vessel-constrictor (epinephrine) below the skin area which is to be suctioned. Through suction tubes, the fat is sucked out, and tight skin is left behind. It is considered as the most popular form of liposuction.

·         Dry Liposuction- It is an old method of liposuction which is not used nowadays. This procedure did not use any fluid before sucking out the fat, and due to this, there was a high risk of bruising and bleeding.

·         Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction (UAL)- The cannula used in this procedure is energized with ultrasound which makes it easier for the fat to melt down. The vibrations produced by ultrasound waves break the walls of fat cells and makes it easier to suction out the emulsified fat. This method is most suitable for areas like back, male breasts and the areas which have been treated with liposuction before.

·         Power-assisted Liposuction (PAS)- In this method the cannula operated under a mechanical system which moves back and forth rapidly, thus, allowing the fat to be pulled more easily.

·         Laser-assisted Lipolysis (LAL)- It uses tumescent fluid for removing fat and is one of the least invasive methods of liposuction.

Liposuction San Antonio

For liposuction in San Antonio specials connect with Dr. Suresh Koneru. He is the former president of San Antonio International Society of Plastic Surgeons and holds over 18 years of experience. For more queries, book an appointment now!