Fatty liver symptoms are often missed at the early stages, as this condition is usually silent. However, as fat accumulation continues in the liver, symptoms may result in signalling potential liver damage.
Common symptoms of fatty liver include persistent weakness (fatigue), dull pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen, unexplained weight loss, anorexia (loss of appetite), nausea, confusion or difficulty concentrating (in advanced stages), and skin or eyes yellowing (jaundice).
In most cases, fatty liver symptoms are discovered during imaging studies or routine blood tests. The condition progresses from simple fatty liver (steatosis) to severe forms, such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which leads to cirrhosis, fibrosis, or liver failure if left untreated.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare practitioner for proper management and diagnosis. Making lifestyle changes can enhance liver health.
Fatty liver symptoms tend to develop insidiously, so they are difficult to detect until late. Fatty liver is now one of the quickest-increasing health issues in the world. Situated on the top-right region of the abdomen, the liver is responsible for detoxification, digestion, and nutrient processing. It removes toxins from the blood and assists in food breakdown to release energy and vital nutrients.
The problem starts when fat begins to accumulate in the liver. Alarmingly, 1 in every 3 Indians suffer from fatty liver—largely because of lack of exercise and unhealthy eating habits. If left untreated, it not only increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes but also causes inflammation of the liver, fibrosis, or even cirrhosis.
Knowledge of the symptoms of fatty liver and its early action can avoid such severe consequences. In the subsequent article below, we will analyse its causes, risk factors, and prevention in detail.
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Fatty liver disease starts silently in the early stages. As fat accumulation continues in the liver, a few symptoms begin to surface. Recognising these signs early is the key to preventing further liver damage.
Here is a table to well understand the symptoms of fatty liver in detail:
Symptoms | Description |
Fatigue | Constant energy loss |
Abdominal pain | Discomfort in the upper-right stomach area |
Weight loss | Losing weight without effort |
Appetite loss | No/reduced desire to eat |
Swelling (ascites/edema) | Fluid retention in the abdomen or legs |
Jaundice | Yellow eyes or skin |
Mental confusion | Trouble remembering/focusing |
A number of factors can improve the risk of developing fatty liver (steatosis) disease, either non-alcoholic (NAFLD) or alcoholic (AFLD). The following is a simplified list of the most prevalent causes:
Controlling these risk factors is critical for maintaining liver health.
In most instances, fatty liver may not be directly harmful, but if not treated, it tends to gradually develop into severe and potentially life-threatening liver diseases. Identifying possible complications is essential for timely intervention and prevention.
As fatty liver tends to develop insidiously without apparent symptoms, regular checkups and liver tests must be conducted. Early detection and lifestyle modification can arrest the progression of the disease and avoid severe complications in the long term.
Fatty liver disease is often diagnosed during routine checkups when elevated liver enzymes are detected in blood tests. To confirm the diagnosis, doctors may recommend imaging tests such as a CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI, which help visualise fat buildup in the liver.
In some cases, a FibroScan is used to identify liver stiffness and fat content. If more detail is required, a liver biopsy may be performed to examine liver tissue and avoid inflammation or fibrosis. Regular screenings are essential, especially for those with risk factors like obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
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Fatty liver symptoms in females can be subtle and often go unnoticed in the early stages.
Common signs include:
Some of the fatty liver symptoms in males are:
Fatty liver disease unfolds in four distinct stages, each with increased severity.
The early stages can be quite sneaky, often showing no symptoms at all, which is why regular screenings are so important. They help catch any issues early on, allowing for better management before things take a turn for the worse.
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The table below illustrates the different symptoms of each grades of fatty liver disease:
Fatty Liver Grade 1 Symptoms | Fatty Liver Grade 2 Symptoms | Fatty Liver Grade 3 Symptoms | Fatty Liver Grade 4 Symptoms |
Mild abdominal discomfort | Noticeable tiredness or fatigue | Persistent fatigue | Severe jaundice |
Fatigue and low energy levels | Discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen | Abdominal pain or tenderness | Swelling in the abdomen, ankles, or legs |
Mild indigestion (bloating) | Mild swelling | Nausea or loss of appetite | Memory issues (hepatic encephalopathy) |
Slight elevation in liver enzymes | Elevation in ALT (Alanine Transaminase) and AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) enzymes | Jaundice | Bruising |
Asymptomatic, discovered during regular checkups | Possible weight gain or difficulty losing weight | Enlarged liver | Visible spider-like blood vessels on the skin |
Hence, to conclude, it is essential to make lifestyle changes and detect the early symptoms of fatty liver, as it often starts silently and worsens over time. Following simple methods can make a drastic difference in preventing serious liver damage.
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