Fatty liver, or an excess of fat buildup in the liver, can cause inflammation which can result in cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is the hardening of the liver and leads to liver failure. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, fatty liver disease affects 20 percent of adults and 5 percent of children.
Symptoms
Fatty liver disease does not result in any symptoms in the beginning. Most people do not know that they have fatty liver disease unless it shows up in medical tests. The American Liver Foundation reports that as the disease progresses people may experience weight loss, abdominal pain, fatigue, weakness and confusion.
Causes
Fatty liver disease can be caused by an overweight or obese condition, high triglycerides, diabetes or alcohol abuse. Some people develop fatty liver disease without having any of these factors. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, scientists are looking at other factors that may be linked to fatty liver disease, such as chemicals that damage liver cells and the production of toxic inflammatory proteins by the patient's liver cells or fat cells.
Testing
To determine if a person has fatty liver disease, blood tests will be done to test the function of the liver and the liver enzymes. A computerized tomography, or CT,scan, magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, and ultrasound are also ways to diagnose fatty liver disease. A liver biopsy is performed if the doctor suggests that a patient may have a more serious form of fatty liver disease. The liver biopsy tests a sample of the liver to determine if there is any scarring or inflammation.
Treatment
There is no medical treatment for fatty liver disease, explains the Mayo Clinic. Doctors work with patients to treat the causes and risk factors. Keeping diabetes under control, monitoring triglycerides and cholesterol, eating a healthy, balanced diet and getting daily exercise are things that the doctor will prescribe.
Prevention
The American Liver Foundation suggests that prevention of fatty liver disease is all about living a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced, low-fat diet and getting exercise can help a person lose weight. Lowering triglycerides through either diet or medication, controlling diabetes, going for regular checkups and limiting alcohol consumption can all aid in the prevention of fatty liver and help lessen the effects that the disease.
