The liver is an important organ that performs significant jobs
for the body. The liver is involved in food breakdown, in storing
energy and nutrients, producing proteins such as blood clotting
factors, making bile (used to digest food), and breaking down
certain drugs and alcohol and other toxins that may enter the
body.
We have become accustomed to hearing about the effects of
unhealthy eating habits and being overweight on your heart. We have
heard that many people, even young children, are developing
diabetes. Poor eating habits and being overweight can also harm the
liver.
What is fatty liver?
A liver normally contains a
certain amount of fat, but if fat represents over 5-10% of the
weight of the liver, that person is said to have "fatty liver" or
steatosis. Fatty liver can exist without causing symptoms or
getting worse in some people. In others, fatty liver can lead to
additional health problems.
How does a person develop fatty liver?
Many people
who are diagnosed with fatty liver are overweight and considered to
be middle-aged. While some people (including children) without any
associated conditions may get fatty liver, certain situations may
contribute to fatty liver development. These may include:
- Eating too many calories
- Having other health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes,
insulin resistance, or high triglycerides
- Abusing alcohol
- Malnutrition
- Losing weight very quickly
Fatty liver with inflammation that is NOT a result of alcohol
consumption is called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Inflammation of the liver can cause the organ to become damaged. A
majority of the people who are diagnosed with NASH are between the
ages of 40 and 60. More women than men are diagnosed with NASH.
What are the symptoms of fatty liver?
Fatty liver by
itself does not cause symptoms. It is often diagnosed when
something is seen to be abnormal in other types of tests, such as
blood tests. Perhaps a doctor may find that a liver appears
enlarged during a physical examination.
If NASH progresses to an advanced state, or cirrhosis occurs,
symptoms may result. Cirrhosis is a progressive disease in which
healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, eventually
preventing the liver from functioning properly. Symptoms associated
with advanced NASH may include:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Mental confusion
Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure and death.
How is NASH diagnosed?
Certain tests may be used to
rule out other liver diseases when such diseases or NASH are
suspected. These tests may include blood tests for liver enzyme
levels, ultrasounds, computed tomography (a CT scan), or magnetic
resonance imaging (an MRI). However, NASH itself is diagnosed by
liver biopsy. A very small piece of the liver is removed through a
needle and examined further at a laboratory.