Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (patient information)
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease |
Where to find medical care for Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease? |
---|
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease On the Web |
Directions to Hospitals Treating Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease |
Risk calculators and risk factors for Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease |
For WikiDoc page on this topic, click here.
Overview
It is normal for the liver to contain some fat but when in Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] it is due to the deposition of extra fat in liver cells that is not caused by alcohol.when there is more than 5 -10 percent of the liver’s weight is fat, then it is called a fatty liver (steatosis).It is estimated that in united states approximately 80 to 100 million people are affected with NAFLD.NAFLD most commonly affects people in the age group of 2-19 and 40-50 years.
What are the symptoms of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
- Weakness
- Liver enlargement
- Swelling of the abdomen
- Breast enlargement
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Enlargement of spleen
What causes Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
- Obesity
- Insulin resistance
- Metabolic syndrome
- Hormonal imbalances
- Oxidative stress - A imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants
- Endotoxemia - The presence of endotoxins in the blood which may cause hemorrhages, necrosis of the kidneys, and shock.
- Mitochondrial abnormalities
Who is at highest risk?
- People who are over weight(Obese)
- Patients with insulin resistance
- Patients with metabolic syndrome
Diagnosis
- Ultrasound(USG).
- Computer tomography (CT).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Liver Biopsy.
- Fibroscan.
When to seek urgent medical care?
- When patient skin and sclera changes to yellow colour.
- When patient experinence abdomen swelling.
- Pain in the right upper quadrent.
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease