Worrying signs that your fatty liver is getting worse

 

In its early stages, fatty liver disease rarely exhibits any symptoms and frequently presents as harmless. All of it starts with a buildup of fat in the liver that isn't broken down properly due to obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and other conditions. 

There is little inflammation or damage to the liver in the early stages of fatty liver disease, and many people may not reach the advanced stages, when the risk of liver cirrhosis and cancer rises. Due to its lack of symptoms, many people with fatty liver don't know they have it until it's too late. 

However, as the disease progresses, there may be a variety of symptoms, including skin yellowing, dull pain in the lower right side of the ribs, abdominal and leg swelling, and weight loss. Additionally, read: "Eight fruits that can reverse fatty liver disease". Changes in diet and lifestyle are increasing the risk of developing fatty liver.

An inactive way of life and an overabundance of handling combined with an unhealthy eating regimen are a portion of the significant reasons for this condition. 

Most of the time, it is found in patients who are asymptomatic, but in a few cases, symptoms like upper abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, decreased appetite, and even jaundice can occur. Dr D-A H-E L-A says that while the condition may initially appear to be benign, few people eventually develop cirrhosis and even liver cancer, both of which can result in death. 

The four stages of fatty liver disease and the appropriate time to start worrying are explained in detail by Dr Pratik T-I B D-E W-A L, Consultant Gastroenterologist at W O C K H-A R D T Hospitals, Mira Road

Initial Stage

No Red Flags The progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (N-A F L D) is influenced by four stages. Stenosis, or simple fatty liver, is the first stage. This happens when the liver cells begin to develop fat, but without aggravation or scarring at this stage. At this point, there are no warning signs, and a lot of people don't even know they have fatty livers. 

Second Stage

 Of fatty liver, non-alcoholic S T-E A-T O hepatitis (N-A S H), is not always present.

THE THIRD STAGE

INFLAMMATION Non-alcoholic S T-E A-T O hepatitis (N-A S H) is the second stage of N-A F L D. As the liver repairs damaged tissue, there is a buildup of fat in the cells of the liver and inflammation. The liver may become scarred, resulting in fibrosis, in the third stage if the amount of damaged tissue is greater. FIBROSIS

The third phase of N-A F L D is fibrosis. It is evident when there is scar tissue in the blood vessels surrounding the liver and in the liver itself. As a result, treating inflammation may even reverse some damage or stop further progression. However, if it is not addressed promptly, it may result in cirrhosis.

FINAL STAGE CIRRHOSIS

 CIRRHOSIS is the fourth stage of N-A F L D. At this point, the liver will stop working at all. There may be yellowing of the skin and a dull ache in the lower right side of the ribs. Liver damage can cause ascites, which is an abnormal swelling, leg swelling, bleeding from vomiting, or altered consciousness. You will need to be in the hospital and may need a liver transplant.

The warning signs of fatty liver that no one should ignore are discussed by Dr Shankar Z-A N W-A R, a consultant gastroenterologist at W O C K H-A R D T Hospital, Mumbai Central.

As the saying goes, "prevention is better than cure", early diagnosis and treatment can lead to a complete reversal of the disease. As the dictum goes, "prevention is better than cure", early diagnosis and treatment can lead to a complete reversal of the disease.

Early diagnosis is now possible thanks to the availability of numerous detection tools like ultrasound, F-I B R O scan, and blood tests. We can treat fatty liver with regular exercise, changes to diet and lifestyle, and medications, says Dr D-A H-A L-E