According to the American Liver Foundation, nearly 20 percent of Americans have fatty liver, and of that number nearly 5 percent have nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). There are many different types of liver disease, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis. No matter the type of liver disease, the damage progresses in similar stages. The Mayo Clinic indicates that it is not uncommon for people with fatty liver disease to have no signs or symptoms initially. Once the liver is damaged, there are four stages of disease that occur if the liver remains untreated or does not respond to treatment.
Initial Stage
Inflammation occurs typically in the early stages of any form of liver disease. The American Liver Foundation describes inflammation causing tenderness and enlargement as a means for the body trying to fight infection. Continued and untreated inflammation may cause permanent liver damage. At this stage of liver disease, inflammation will respond to treatment and likely will resolve and prevent the next stage of liver disease.
Fibrosis
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse notes that symptoms of liver disease often remain unrecognized until the disease is advanced, typically during the second stage. Fibrosis refers to scarring that accumulates in the liver. Scar tissue eventually replaces the healthy liver tissue, which leads to prevention of blood flow to the liver. During fibrosis the liver stops functioning at full capacity. According to the American Liver Foundation, treatment during this stage may still offer a chance for the liver to heal as well as preventing further disease progression.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is the third and most detrimental stage of liver disease because there is no healing once this stage has begun. In addition to serious and irreversible scarring, a number of complications may ensue, including bruising and bleeding, jaundice or blocked blood vessels. Toxins may also build up causing mental impairments, such as loss of concentration and memory. The National Institute of Health recognizes that liver cirrhosis is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Treatment during this stage is focused on managing symptoms to protect and prolong what is left of healthy tissue.
Final Stage
Liver failure is the most severe stage of the disease. When liver failure occurs symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue and diarrhea, are present. These symptoms become worse as liver failure progresses. Liver failure indicates loss of all liver functioning and requires urgent medical care. The American Liver Foundation indicates that cirrhosis leading to liver failure is typically gradual but has been occurring possibly for years. This stage of liver disease leads to eventual death and there is no treatment to reverse damage caused by liver failure.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
- American Liver Foundation: The Progression of Liver Disease
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Alcohol Alert
- American Liver Foundation: Fatty Liver Disease
