Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a spectrum of conditions in which fat deposits accumulate within liver cells. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol. The spectrum of liver damage associated with the condition ranges from no liver injury to advanced liver scarring and cirrhosis. The American Gastroenterology Association reports an estimated 20 percent of American adults and 5 percent of children have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Many have no symptoms unless advanced liver scarring develops. A minority of people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease report symptoms, which are often nonspecific.
Fatigue
People with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease may experience fatigue. In a 2008 research article published in the medical journal "Gut," Dr. J.L. Newton and colleagues reported fatigue was significant among people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, causing decreased physical activity and daytime sleepiness. Notably, the degree of fatigue was not associated with the severity of liver disease.
Malaise
Malaise is a vague sense of being unwell. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this may be a presenting symptom of people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Because malaise is a symptom of a vast array of disorders, this symptom on its own provides little insight into the underlying cause. However, the fact that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is strongly associated with obesity and diabetes raises the index of suspicion for the condition in people with malaise who also have these contributing risk factors.
Abdominal Discomfort
The American Academy of Family Physicians advises abdominal discomfort or vague pain can be a symptom of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The discomfort may be located in the area of the liver, the upper right region of the abdomen. Alternatively, the discomfort may be more diffuse. The American Gastroenterological Association points out that children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease may complain of abdominal pain.
Unexplained Weight Loss
People with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease who develop cirrhosis may experience unexplained weight loss, advises the Mayo Clinic. The liver performs many functions that aid in the digestion and processing of nutrients from ingested food. Advanced liver disease may limit these functions, leading to weight loss.
Spider Angiomas and Jaundice
Spider angiomas are small skin lesions comprised of tiny blood vessels near the skin surface. Minute lines typically radiate from a red center. The Cleveland Clinic notes these lesions are common on the face and neck of people with advanced, chronic liver disease. Additionally, the skin may have an overall yellowish tint, which is termed jaundice. The discoloration results from an abnormal level of the chemical bilirubin. Elevated bilirubin levels are common with advanced liver disease caused by fatty infiltration of the liver.
References
- "Gut"; Fatigue in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is Significant and Associates with Inactivity and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness But Not with Liver Disease Severity or Insulin Resistance; J.L. Newton, et al; June 2008
- American College of Gastroenterology: Fatty Liver Disease
- Cleveland Clinic: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
- Mayo Clinic: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Symptoms
