🚨 Did you know that fatty liver disease affects millions and often goes unnoticed? 🤔 Discover the risk factors, symptoms, and how simple lifestyle changes can help protect your liver health! 💪✨ #FattyLiver #HealthAwareness #LiverHealth

What is Fatty Liver Disease?

Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver. It can be classified into two main types:

1. Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
2. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): Not related to alcohol; often linked to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. MASLD used to be called “nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.” When the liver has fat buildup and is inflamed, the condition is called “metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis,” or “MASH.”

What causes MASLD and MASH?

Doctors do not know exactly. They do know it happens more often in some people, such as those who have:

• Excess body weight
• Diabetes, which causes blood sugar levels to get too high
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure

What are the symptoms of MASH?

Most people with MASH (when there is liver inflammation) have no symptoms. Some people feel tired or unwell, or have discomfort in the upper belly.

Your doctor might suspect you have MASH based on the results of your routine blood tests.

Will I need more tests?

Yes. If your doctor suspects you have MASH, you will likely have:

• More blood tests
• An imaging test of the liver – This might be an ultrasound or MRI scan. These create pictures of the inside of the body.
• Some people need a liver biopsy. Your doctor might do this test if they are not sure if you have MASH or to see how inflamed your liver is.

Your doctor may use this score to help with the decision making: Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) Index for Liver Fibrosis

If your blood tests and imaging tests are normal, you will likely not need a liver biopsy.

Does MASH get worse over time?

It might. Sometimes, people with MASH get “cirrhosis.” This is serious scarring of the liver. It can cause different symptoms, such as swelling in the legs, trouble breathing, or feeling tired.

People who have MASH need to see their doctor for regular check-ups. Your doctor will do follow-up tests regularly. These usually include blood tests.

How is MASH treated?

Some people with MASH and liver scarring might need a medicine that treats MASH directly. But most of the time, MASH is not treated directly. That’s because it can improve when related medical conditions are treated. For example, losing weight and controlling high blood sugar and cholesterol can help improve MASH.

What can I do on my own?

You can:

• Take all your medicines as instructed.
• Avoid alcohol – Alcohol can make liver problems worse.
• Eat a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. (Eat Well)
• Get regular physical activity – Even gentle activity, like walking, is good for your health. (Exercise Well)
• Go to all your doctor’s appointments.

When should I call the doctor?

Call your doctor if you have symptoms of cirrhosis. These can include:

• Blood in your bowel movements or vomit
• Symptoms of infection, such as fever over 38°C or chills
• Belly pain
• Swollen legs or ankles
• Trouble breathing
• Extreme tiredness
• Confusion
• Yellowing of the skin or whites of your eyes, called “jaundice”

Conclusion

Fatty liver disease may be silent but it’s not something to ignore! By understanding the risks and making proactive lifestyle changes, you can protect your liver health.

Reference: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-features-and-diagnosis-of-metabolic-dysfunction-associated-steatotic-liver-disease-nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease-in-adults?search=fatty%20liver&sectionRank=2&usage_type=default&anchor=H11&source=machineLearning&selectedTitle=1~150&display_rank=1#H3562501893