The Dangers of Untreated Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease is a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver. This can cause inflammation and scarring of the liver, which can lead to serious health problems, including cirrhosis or permanent liver damage. Treatment for fatty liver disease typically involves lifestyle changes such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise. In some cases, medications or surgery may also be needed.
What is fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease is a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver. This can cause inflammation and scarring of the liver, which can lead to serious health problems, including cirrhosis or permanent liver damage. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise. In some cases, medications or surgery may also be needed.
If you think you may have fatty liver disease, talk to your doctor about treatment options. Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise, are often the first line of treatment. In some cases, medications or surgery may also be needed.
Symptoms of fatty liver disease
Symptoms can vary from person to person but may include:
- feeling tired and weak
- nausea and vomiting
- loss of appetite
- abdominal pain
- yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- swelling of the legs and abdomen
Causes of fatty liver disease
It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- excessive alcohol consumption
- obesity or being overweight
- diabetes
- high cholesterol
- poor diet
- lack of exercise
- certain medications or medical conditions
Treatment for fatty liver disease
The first step in treatment is usually making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise. In some cases, medications or surgery may also be needed.
If you have fatty liver disease, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible. Left untreated, fatty liver disease can lead to serious health problems, including cirrhosis or permanent liver damage. Treatment options vary depending on the individual but often include lifestyle changes and medications. If necessary, surgery may also be an option.
Lifestyle changes
Making lifestyle changes is often the first step in treating fatty liver disease. These changes can help to reverse the progression of the disease and improve your overall health. Lifestyle changes may include:
- losing weight
- eating a healthy diet
- getting regular exercise
- avoiding alcohol
Medications
In some cases, medications may be needed to treat fatty liver disease. Medications used for treatment include:
- statins to lower cholesterol
- vitamins E and A to reduce inflammation
- diabetes medications to control blood sugar levels
Surgery
In severe cases of fatty liver disease, surgery may be necessary. The two most common types of surgery for fatty liver disease are known as hepatectomy and liver transplant. Hepatectomy is the removal of a portion of the liver, while liver transplant is the replacement of the entire liver with a healthy donor liver.
Fatty liver disease is a serious condition that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. If you think you may have fatty liver disease, talk to your doctor about treatment options. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise. In some cases, medications or surgery may also be needed.
