Disease Details
| Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease | |
|---|---|
| Disease Type | Gastroenterology |
| Description |
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the term for a range of conditions caused by a build-up of fat in the liver. It's usually seen in people who are overweight or obese. Stages The main stages 1. simple fatty liver (steatosis) – a largely harmless build-up of fat in the liver cells that may only be diagnosed during tests carried out for another reason 2. non-alcoholic steatohepatitis – a more serious, where the liver has become inflamed 3. fibrosis – where persistent inflammation causes scar tissue around the liver and nearby blood vessels, but the liver is still able to function normally 4. cirrhosis – the most severe stage, occurring after years of inflammation, where the liver shrinks and becomes scarred and lumpy; this damage is permanent and can lead to liver failure (where your liver stops working properly) and liver cancer It can take years for fibrosis or cirrhosis to develop. It's important to make lifestyle changes to prevent the disease from getting worse. |
| Symptoms |
• a dull or aching pain in the top right of the tummy (over the lower right side of the ribs) • fatigue (extreme tiredness) • unexplained weight loss • weakness |
| Treatments |
There's currently no specific medication, but making healthy lifestyle choices can help and treatment may be recommended for associated conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol) or complications. |
| Risk Factor |
You're at an increased risk if you: • are obese or overweight – particularly if you have a lot of fat around your waist (an "apple-like" body shape) • have type 2 diabetes • have high blood pressure • have high cholesterol • are over the age of 50 • smoke |
