Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (or in short NAFLD), as the name indicates, is a liver condition in which excessive fat deposits in the liver. Its incidence is on the rise world wide due to a number of reasons. Since it has health implications, it is considered an important medical condition.
What is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a condition in which fat starts accumulating in the liver.
People drinking too much alcohol can also get similar fat build-up in the liver. But NAFLD is not related to drinking too much alcohol.
Are there any types of NAFLD?
There are 2 types of NAFLD:
1- Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) – In NAFL, the liver has fat buildup, but is not inflamed.
2- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) – In NASH, the liver has fat buildup and is inflamed.
Which of the two types is important?
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has health implications, so NASH need treatment and follow ups.see.
What does lead to the development of NAFLD?
What causes NAFLD is not known but it is known it is more frequently found in people who:
– Are overweight
– Have diabetes
– Have high cholesterol
– Take certain medicines
What are the symptoms of NAFLD?
Most people with NAFLD have no symptoms. It may be discovered accidentally on routine blood tests showing a rise in certain liver enzymes.
Will I need more tests?
Yes. If your doctor suspects that you have NASH, you will likely have:
– More blood tests
– Imaging tests of the liver, such as an ultrasound, CT, or MRI scan.
– Some people may need a liver biopsy. It is the only test that can tell for sure if you have NASH. Your doctor might do this test if they are not sure if you have NASH or to see how much inflammation there is in the liver. If your blood tests and imaging tests are normal, you will not need a liver biopsy.
How is NASH treated?
NASH is not typically treated directly. But the condition can get better when other medical conditions that often happen with NASH get treated. For example, losing weight, and controlling high blood sugar and cholesterol can help improve NASH.
With that in mind, your doctor can:
– Help you lose weight if you are overweight – If your doctor recommends losing weight, they can help you make a plan to do this safely. It’s important not to lose weight too quickly. Do not lose more than 3.5 pounds (1.6 kilograms) a week.
– Treat your high blood sugar, if you have diabetes.
– Treat your high cholesterol.
Making these changes has benefits besides helping with NASH. These changes can also reduce your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. That’s important because people with NASH are often also at risk for heart disease and stroke.
If you take a medicine that could be causing NASH, your doctor will stop or change that medicine.
Moderation of alcohol consumption, or better stopping it altogether will also help.
If you have a severe form of NASH but do not also have diabetes or heart disease, your doctor might suggest that you take vitamin E. A few studies suggest that vitamin E can reduce some of the liver damage that occurs as part of NASH. But there are also studies that suggest that high doses of vitamin E increase the risk of death. So do not take vitamin E unless your doctor recommends it.
Does NASH get worse over time?
NASH might get worse over time. Sometimes, it leads to serious scarring of the liver, called ‘cirrhosis’. Cirrhosis can cause different symptoms, such as swelling in the legs, trouble breathing, or feeling tired. If you get cirrhosis, your doctor will talk with you about different possible treatments.
Do I need to follow up with my doctor?
Yes. People who have NASH need to see their doctor for regular check-ups. Your doctor will do follow-up tests regularly. These usually include blood tests.