Fatty Liver (NAFLD/AFLD) Treatment in Delhi
Fatty Liver (NAFLD/AFLD)
Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis, occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), which is not linked to alcohol use, and Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD), which is caused by heavy drinking. NAFLD is often associated with obesity, diabetes, and poor lifestyle habits, while AFLD results from excessive alcohol intake over time. In its early stages, fatty liver usually shows no symptoms, but it can progress to inflammation, liver damage, or even cirrhosis if left untreated. Treatment mainly focuses on weight loss, healthy eating, regular exercise, and reducing alcohol consumption. Early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can significantly improve liver health and prevent further complications.
What is Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver. The liver normally contains some fat, but when fat makes up more than 5%–10% of the liver’s weight, it is considered a fatty liver.
1. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):
This is the most common form of fatty liver disease, not related to alcohol consumption. It is often seen in individuals who are overweight, diabetic, or have metabolic syndrome.
2. Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD):
Caused by excessive alcohol consumption, AFLD is an early stage of alcohol-related liver damage and can progress to more serious conditions like alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis if not managed.
Causes of Fatty Liver Disease
NAFLD Causes:
- Obesity
- Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Metabolic syndrome
- Rapid weight loss or malnutrition
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids, tamoxifen)
AFLD Causes:
- Chronic heavy alcohol consumption
- Nutritional deficiencies (especially Vitamin A, B1, B6)
- Genetic factors
- Gender (women are at higher risk due to slower alcohol metabolism)
Symptoms of Fatty Liver
Fatty liver is often called a “silent” disease because many people experience no symptoms in the early stages. However, as the condition progresses, symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) – in advanced stages
- Swelling in the abdomen and legs (in severe cases)
Diagnosis
Fatty liver is typically diagnosed through a combination of:
- Medical History & Physical Exam
- Blood Tests: Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST)
- Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI
- FibroScan: Measures liver stiffness and fat content
- Liver Biopsy: The most accurate method, used in advanced cases to assess liver damage
Treatment & Management
There is currently no specific medication approved to treat NAFLD, but lifestyle changes are highly effective.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Weight Loss: Losing 7–10% of body weight can significantly reduce liver fat.
- Healthy Diet: Focus on a Mediterranean-style diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
- Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
- Control Blood Sugar: Especially important for diabetics.
- Limit Alcohol: Essential for both NAFLD and crucial for AFLD recovery.
Medical Treatment (if needed):
- Vitamin E (in certain non-diabetic NAFLD cases)
- Insulin sensitizers (e.g., pioglitazone)
- Statins (for cholesterol control, under guidance)
- Liver transplant in severe cirrhosis cases
Conclusion
Fatty liver disease is a growing health concern globally due to increasing rates of obesity and diabetes. Whether alcohol-induced or not, early lifestyle intervention plays a vital role in reversing liver damage. With awareness, timely diagnosis, and consistent lifestyle changes, the progression of fatty liver can often be halted or reversed.
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