Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a general term used to define a group of conditions that affect the liver. These conditions usually affect people who drink no or little alcohol. It leads to fat build-up in the liver.
It is a highly common disease that is usually present in obese people.
In most cases, the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease does not cause any signs or symptoms. For those who experience the effects of NAFLD, common signs and symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
NAFLD can further develop and cause scarring. The advanced stage of NAFLD is identified by the following symptoms:
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Enlargement of blood vessels
- Enlarged spleen
- Redness in the palms
- Jaundice
There are no known reasons why non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases occur. However, the accumulation of fat in the liver is attributed to the following factors:
- Obesity and being overweight
- Insulin resistance
- High blood sugar levels that are indicative of prediabetes and diabetes
- High levels of fat (triglycerides)
NAFLD can occur in any individual but usually affects a group of people who have the following:
- High cholesterol
- High levels of triglycerides
- Metabolic syndrome
- Obesity
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Sleep apnea
- Type 2 diabetes
- Thyroid disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease does not cause any problematic symptoms and hence is not diagnosed in the early stages most of the time. This condition can also be detected during your routine checkup.
Tests that are done to identify NAFLD include:
- Ultrasound of the liver
- Complete blood count test
- Liver enzyme test
- Liver function test
- Tests for Hepatitis infection
- Celiac disease screening
- Blood sugar test
- Lipid profile to check levels of cholesterol and triglycerides
- Abdominal ultrasound
- CT scan
- Fibro scan
- Liver biopsy
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is treated with a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications. Your healthcare provider will guide you to lose weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising routinely. If weight loss is not possible through natural measures, you may be checked for eligibility for weight loss or bariatric surgery.
