Is Fatty Liver Disease Dangerous?
Introduction
Indeed, fatty liver disease has the potential to be harmful and cause major health issues. An accumulation of fat in the liver that might harm the organ is known as fatty liver disease.
A person with fatty liver disease may be at risk for liver scarring and cancer, which makes it potentially harmful. A person’s life expectancy may consequently decline as a result. Some lifestyle adjustments, nevertheless, might help lower these risks.
It might not show any signs in the early stages. Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are the two primary forms of fatty liver disease.
This article examines the possible hazards, severity, complications, and other aspects of fatty liver disease’s impact on an individual’s health.
Fatty liver disease: what is it?
Your liver can gain too much weight, just like your body can.
There is a tiny quantity of fat in a healthy liver. Steatosis, also known as fatty liver disease, is the result of excessive fat buildup that reaches 5% to 10% of the weight of the liver.
Alcohol-related fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are the two main forms of fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease is brought on by excessive alcohol use.
While the alcohol-related fatty liver disease affects up to 2.5% of the general population, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is extremely common, affecting 25% of the world’s population.
NAFLD stands for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, is not brought on by excessive alcohol usage. Instead, metabolic syndrome is linked to it. It is exacerbated by diseases including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol.
Sedentary lifestyles and diets heavy in processed carbs and sugar can raise the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in both adults and children.
Fatty liver disease can generally be classified as mild, moderate, or severe.
- Steatosis, often known as simple fatty liver, is an abnormal but mostly innocuous accumulation of fat. This is typically what people mean when they talk about NAFLD.
- NASH, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: This includes excess body fat as well as indications of inflammation and damage to the liver cells. Insulin resistance is associated with NASH. It is regarded by many specialists as the hepatic component of metabolic syndrome. In the US, 1.5% to 6.5% of persons suffer from NASH.
- Fibrosis: The liver tissue has thickened or scarred.
- Cirrhosis: The liver ceases to function when large amounts of scar tissue supplant good tissue. This is liver disease’s advanced, severe stage.
Can someone die from fatty liver disease?
No. It does not affect the majority of persons with fatty liver disease. By altering your lifestyle, such as abstaining from alcohol or losing weight, you can stop the early stages of fatty liver disease and even reverse it.
Fatty liver disease does, however, get worse over time for certain patients. Liver failure or liver cancer eventually results from untreated cirrhosis.
To what extent is fatty liver disease harmful?
Fatty liver disease may not harm a person in some situations.
Nonetheless, alcoholic steatohepatitis or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may occur in certain individuals with the illness. This happens when the accumulation of fat in the liver causes inflammation and liver cell scarring.
Liver failure and decreased liver function may result from this. Additionally, it may increase a person’s chance of liver cancer.
What is the most severe stage of fatty liver?
The most severe type of NAFLD is called NASH. In addition to liver cell inflammation and varying degrees of cirrhosis, a person with NASH produces liver fat.
When the liver is damaged, it might develop cirrhosis, a condition in which healthy liver tissue gradually gives way to scar tissue. As the illness worsens, a person may eventually need a liver transplant due to liver failure and declining liver function.
Approximately 30% of individuals with NAFLD will eventually experience liver inflammation, scarring, and NASH. Twenty percent more people with NASH will get end-stage cirrhosis, which can result in failure and cancer.
Cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis are severe phases of alcohol-related liver disease.
Hazards
- Liver damage: Cirrhosis, an end-stage liver disease, can develop due to inflammation and scarring caused by fatty liver disease. Having cirrhosis can be deadly.
- Heart disease and stroke: The risk of heart attack and stroke is increased by fatty liver disease.
- Cancer: The chance of getting cancer, particularly colorectal and breast cancer, can be raised by fatty liver disease.
- Diabetes: The risk of diabetes may be elevated by fatty liver disease.
- Risk factors include diabetes, a high-fat diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity.
A few categories of fatty liver disorders are listed below:
- Fatty Liver Disease Caused by Alcohol:
Alcoholic fatty liver disease is very likely to develop in people who drink too much. The liver may produce toxic compounds and damage liver cells as a result of breaking down too much alcohol. Cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis can arise from alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Disease of the Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver:
People who drink very little alcohol can develop nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In America, one in ten children and one in three adults frequently suffer from this illness. However, the precise cause of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has not been determined by studies. Indeed, diseases like diabetes and obesity may make the illness more likely.
- Cirrhosis:
One of the most dangerous aspects of fatty liver disease is cirrhosis. When healthy liver tissue replaces the scarred liver tissue, this syndrome develops. Liver failure may result from it.
Among the signs of cirrhosis are:
- Bleeding or bruises
- Foot swelling
- Itchy, bloated skin
- Jaundice
- If someone has this illness, they should get medical attention right away.
Reasons for fatty liver
The largest internal organ in the body, the liver aids in the digestion of food and the elimination of pollutants. After passing via the liver, the blood from the digestive system travels throughout the body.
The buildup of excessive amounts of fat in our body’s liver cells is the cause of fatty liver disease. Fat accumulation in the liver is the cause of this illness. A very tiny quantity of liver fat is rather normal, but excessive fat poses a health risk that must be addressed right away.
An excess of fat can lead to inflammation of the liver, which can harm the liver and leave scars. In extreme circumstances, it also results in liver failure.
Although the exact causes of fatty liver disease are unknown, heredity might be a significant contributing factor. Here are a few illnesses that can raise your risk of acquiring fatty liver disease:
- Being overweight or obese
- Diabetes type 2
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Resistance to insulin
- Blood pressure that is high or low
- An individual’s risk of fatty liver disease is also increased by high blood fat levels.
Which variables increase the risk of developing fatty liver disease?
Large alcohol consumption can lead to the development of AFLD. Anyone, even those without known risk factors, can develop NAFLD.
Factors that may raise the risk of NAFLD include:
- Having excess weight obesity
- Having insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
- eating a diet heavy in meat, carbs, and soft beverages while losing weight too quickly
- high triglycerides or high cholesterol
NAFLD is also more likely to develop in those with metabolic syndrome. A collection of characteristics and illnesses associated with being overweight or obese is known as metabolic syndrome. A person may have metabolic syndrome if any three of the following characteristics are present:
- elevated blood pressure
- a sizeable waist
- Low blood levels of HDL cholesterol, elevated blood triglycerides, elevated blood glucose levels, or a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
Rapid weight loss, hepatitis C, using certain drugs, and glucocorticoid use are among the relatively few health conditions that might lead to fatty liver disease.
Fatty Liver Disease Symptoms: Fatty liver disease can occasionally go unnoticed. The reason for this is that a person may not exhibit any symptoms. On the other hand, a fatty liver might cause the liver to grow, which could lead to pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen.
Among those symptoms are:
- Loss of weight
- Appetite loss
- Fatigue
- Loss of weight
- Feeling queasy
- Skin Itching
- Eyes and skin yellow
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Leg swelling
- Male breast enlargement
- Clusters of blood vessels that resemble webs
- nose bleeding
- Pain in the abdomen
What potential side effects may fatty liver disease cause?
About 30 percent of individuals with NAFLD may progress to NASH. Because NASH is linked to inflammation of the liver cells and the formation of scar tissue, it is more severe.
Among the potential issues are:
- Production of scar tissue that may result in end-stage cirrhosis, liver function loss, and the necessity for a liver transplant
- carcinoma of the liver
A person can get advice from their physician on how to lower their chance of developing complications from fatty liver disease.
How Can Fatty Liver Be Treated?
Fatty liver disease cannot be treated with medication; nevertheless, some persons can reverse the disease depending on its stage.
Reducing alcohol intake can help people with alcoholic fatty liver disease reverse their condition. This won’t reverse cirrhosis, though.
Giving off alcohol can be very tough for some people, but talking to doctors can offer safe support and assistance.
The following lifestyle modifications may aid in the treatment of fatty liver diseases:
Lifestyle changes include:
- Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet
- Selecting tiny servings
- Regularly exercising
- Cutting back on alcohol intake
- Foods heavy in sugar, refined carbs, or saturated fats should be avoided if one wants to treat fatty liver disease.
Treating fatty liver disease will undoubtedly be aided by minimal drinking, staying active, and keeping a healthy weight.
Fatty Liver Disease Diet:
If you have fatty liver disease, your doctor may advise you to change your diet to manage the illness and reduce the likelihood of complications.
- Consume a diet high in whole grains, legumes, veggies, and plant-based foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
- Refined carbs including white bread, white rice, refined grain products, and sweets should be consumed in moderation.
- Reducing calories can help you lose weight and keep it off, which may lower your risk of developing fatty liver disease.
How about medication therapy?
Regretfully, fatty liver disease does not yet have any FDA-approved drugs. As of right now, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases has confirmed that vitamin E, an antioxidant, and pioglitazone, a medication used to treat diabetes, are the two best treatment options for biopsy-proven NASH.
These treatments won’t work for everyone, though, and some people are worried about their safety and potential negative consequences. Since these therapies are not suitable for everyone, it is best to consult your physician if you have NASH to find out if they are right for you. Additional medications are being developed, some of which have encouraging preliminary research findings.
- If my symptoms aren’t severe, is having a fatty liver truly a major deal? How can I stop the progression of the disease?
- According to Dr. Halegoua-DeMarzio, “A lot of people, including some doctors, believe that having a fatty liver is something you have to live with, but it’s not.” Ignorance can result in major problems like liver transplantation or cancer.
“The good news is that small lifestyle adjustments can have a big impact,” she explains. The best medicine may be dietary modifications. Sometimes eliminating processed meals makes a huge difference. Additionally, doctors advise quitting alcohol and decreasing roughly 10% of body weight.
“Alcohol exacerbates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), even though alcohol-induced fatty liver disease is entirely different from NAFLD. “Many patients attempt to eliminate fat from their diet, but that is incorrect,” says Dr. Halegoua-DeMarzio. Sweets and carbs are usually the source of the excess fat in the liver.
Good fats are fantastic. More than three cups of coffee a day may help slow the disease, according to some studies, and vitamin E-rich meals may also assist, though the evidence is still inconclusive.
Can fatty liver disease be treated to halt its progression?
There are currently no approved drugs to treat NASH or NAFLD. Usually, doctors advise patients to lose weight gradually by changing their diet and exercising.
Reduced fat surrounding the liver can result from a 3–5% reduction in body weight. Liver inflammation and scarring can be lessened by losing 7–10% of body weight.
Additionally, one ought to do the following:
- Control diabetes when necessary.
- lower elevated cholesterol levels
- Avoid booze.
- To cure consequences like cirrhosis, a doctor could suggest extra treatments. Complications may be treated with:
Drugs, minor operations, liver replacement surgery Lifestyle changes are the most effective treatments for fatty liver.
The good news is that lifestyle modifications, rather than medicine, are now the most effective treatment for fatty liver disease. The bad news is that many people find it difficult to attain and sustain these. What we know helps is as follows:
Reduce your weight. It may be possible to improve abnormal liver tests and reduce liver fat by losing about 5% of your body weight. Losing seven to ten percent of body weight appears to reduce inflammation and damage to liver cells, and it may even partially repair the damage caused by fibrosis.
If you aren’t losing weight and your health is deteriorating, you might wish to discuss with your doctor the possibility of weight loss surgery.
It seems that aerobic activity also reduces liver fat, and at high levels, it may also reduce inflammation without causing weight loss.
Eat healthily. According to certain research, the Mediterranean diet may also reduce liver fat. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive or canola oil in place of butter, avoiding red meat, and consuming more fish and lean poultry are all highlighted in this diet plan.
Have some coffee, perhaps? According to certain research, individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who consumed coffee (about two cups per day) were less likely to develop fibrosis.
If you have a fatty liver, you will benefit greatly from these lifestyle adjustments, even if they can be challenging to implement at first. And keep in mind that cardiovascular disease continues to be the biggest danger for those with fatty livers. Some of these lifestyle modifications will assist in maintaining the health of your heart in addition to improving or curing your fatty liver.
According to Dr. Halegoua-DeMarzio, fatty liver disease appears to be lessened by a number of treatments, including several medications for diabetes. Nevertheless, there aren’t any FDA-approved therapies at the moment.
Numerous businesses are developing various strategies to either treat or stop the evolution of fatty liver sickness. Participation in clinical trials is how the therapies are made available. It can be an option for patients who have not responded to other treatments, but as with all clinical trials, it is important to understand that the treatment is experimental and may not work, may have side effects, and you may be randomly assigned to a group that does not receive the test treatment at all.
Can someone die suddenly from fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease is quite unlikely to result in sudden death for the majority of persons.
There is a range of severity for fatty liver disease, from simple fatty liver to cirrhosis, which is the most severe kind. Although liver failure and death are the results of untreated cirrhosis, cirrhosis is not usually seen as a “sudden” death.
Overall, some data suggests fatty liver disease patients may have potential causes for abrupt mortality. To find out if this is accurate and what the risks are, more research on the subject is necessary.
However, fatty liver is not a sufficient cause of death on its own, according to several specialists. Since diabetes may be the leading cause of death, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is usually an indication of an underlying condition.
Fatty liver disease can be brought on by or made worse by the following medications:
- Prednisone and hydrocortisone are examples of corticosteroids.
- Premarin and Ortho-Est are examples of synthetic estrogens.
- Heart arrhythmias are treated with amiodarone.
- Breast cancer is treated with tamoxifen.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is treated with methotrexate.
- Antipsychotics and antidepressants: could result in weight increase, which could exacerbate fatty liver disease.
- Acetaminophen: The liver can be harmed by taking too much at once or over an extended period.
- NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, include naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin.
Maintaining the health of your liver
It’s critical to maintain your liver’s health and stay away from anything that could harm it if you have been diagnosed with fatty liver disease. Here are some crucial actions you ought to take.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. It’s still debatable how much alcohol is too much, but it’s generally best to stay away from it entirely.
- Verify that none of the drugs, herbs, or supplements you take are harmful to your liver by using this Liver ox. Even acetaminophen, the generic form of Tylenol and several cold remedies, can be dangerous if taken excessively for an extended period, particularly if you have liver problems or consume a lot of alcohol.
- Vaccinate yourself against the hepatitis A and B liver viruses.
- Manage any further medical disorders that may also be affecting your liver, and consult your physician to see if you have any other underlying, curable illnesses that could be causing your fatty liver.
- If you already have cirrhosis, get screening tests for liver cancer regularly.
Options for fatty liver disease treatment
Fatty liver disease does not currently have a specific medicine. Eating a nutrient-dense diet, exercising, and abstaining from alcohol are usually effective ways to manage or even reverse the condition in its early stages.
Nonetheless, your physician might recommend drugs to treat any illnesses that aggravate fatty liver disease, including:
- Diabetes, elevated triglycerides, and high cholesterol
- Your liver is in distress if a blood test reveals elevated liver enzyme levels.
To verify a diagnosis, your physician could prescribe:
- A CT or ultrasound scan to obtain a picture of your liver.
- A tissue sample (liver biopsy) to determine the extent of the disease’s progression.
- A Fibro Scan, a specialist ultrasound, to assess the liver’s amount of fat and scar tissue.
The only cure for fatty liver disease is a liver transplant if it has progressed to the point of cirrhosis. This treatment is not certain, though, as there are fewer qualified donors than there are persons in need of liver transplants.
- Lifestyle changes, include eating a balanced diet, exercising frequently, and decreasing weight.
- Using drugs to reduce blood pressure, diabetes, triglycerides, or cholesterol
- Restricting the use of OTC medications.
- Fatty liver disease can be prevented from worsening if it is identified and treated early.
Summary
Although fatty liver disease usually has no symptoms, it can become serious if it develops into cirrhosis or other consequences.
Treatment options include controlling high cholesterol and diabetes, making dietary adjustments, keeping a healthy weight, and getting enough exercise.
If someone is worried about fatty liver disease, it is best to get in touch with a physician. The physician can offer guidance on appropriate therapies and strategies to lower the chance of problems.
FAQs
What is the average lifespan for a person with fatty liver disease?
A person may be able to lead a healthy life if they take action to treat fatty liver disease. However, the disorder may shorten a person’s life expectancy in severe situations that result in problems.
To start treatment as soon as possible, it is crucial to get in touch with a doctor as soon as there are concerns regarding fatty liver disease.
How can liver fat be eliminated?
Fatty liver disease prevention and reversal
Safely reduce weight.
Reduce your triglycerides by taking medicine, eating less, or both.
Avoid booze.
If you have diabetes, manage it.
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Get more exercise.
See a physician who specializes in liver care for routine examinations.
Is it possible to reverse grade 3 fatty liver?
Is it possible to cure grade 3 fatty liver? A small percentage of weight loss can help lower the liver’s fat content and aid in the liver’s recovery from inflammation-related damage. In the later phases, however, the damage is usually irreparable.
Can fatty liver be completely cured?
Exercise and weight loss are the primary treatments for fatty liver. Patients can reduce their liver fat, inflammation, and even scarring by losing weight. The objective is to exercise more than 200 minutes a week and reduce 7 to 10% of body weight annually. Fortunately, NAFL and NASH can be reversed.
Which drugs should I stay away from if I have fatty liver?
Prescription medications:
Statins.
Antibiotics such as erythromycin or amoxicillin-clavulanate.
Medications for arthritis, such as methotrexate or azathioprine.
Antifungal medications.
Niacin.
Steroids.
For gout, allopurinol is used.
Antiviral medications for HIV.
Can someone with fatty liver eat eggs?
Eggs are a significant source of dietary choline, which was significantly inversely associated with NAFLD risk in this community-based population, even though egg intake was not directly linked to NAFLD risk.
In seven days, how can I cleanse my liver?
Healthy Diet: Eat a diet high in nutrients that help cleanse the liver, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods and sugary snacks. Keep Yourself Hydrated: To boost liver function and aid in the body’s detoxification, drink lots of water throughout the day.
What are the initial indications of liver disease?
Early symptoms include constant fatigue and a general feeling of being ill.
Appetite loss.
Weight loss and muscular atrophy.
Vomiting and feeling nauseous.
Discomfort or tenderness in the liver region.
Spider angiomas are tiny blood capillaries on the skin above the waist that resemble spiders.
Blotchy red palms.
Disrupted sleep habits.
What is liver failure in stage one?
The disease’s progression is defined by four phases of liver failure: The first stage is inflammation. At this point, patients might not exhibit any symptoms, but some may experience abdominal pain on the right side. An indication of liver inflammation may be elevated liver enzymes.
Reference
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- Should I be worried about fatty liver disease? | Jefferson Health. (n.d.). https://www.jeffersonhealth.org/your-health/living-well/should-i-be-worried-about-fatty-liver-disease
- Fletcher, J. (2023, July 24). Is fatty liver disease dangerous? What to know. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-fatty-liver-dangerous#treatments
- Pedersen, T. (2023, January 5). Can fatty liver disease cause sudden death? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/sudden-death-from-fatty-liver-disease#treatment-options
- Armand, W., MD. (2020, April 14). Fatty liver disease: What it is and what to do about it. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/fatty-liver-disease-what-it-is-and-what-to-do-about-it-2019011015746