Fat infiltration of the liver occurs when fat accumulates in the liver, as described in MayoClinic.com. The liver is the second largest organ in the body; its functions include food and fluid processing, as well as detoxification and removal of harmful wastes and substances. Most of the time, fat accumulation in the liver causes scarring, swelling and inflammation. In severe cases, a fatty liver can progress into steatohepatitis and then liver failure.
Weight Loss
Weight loss is one of the possible symptoms of fatty infiltration of the liver, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Weight loss starts to occur when the liver cannot process food properly. The liver plays a major role in converting food into energy that the body uses. It also aids in absorption of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. If these functions are disrupted, the body will start to lose weight and become undernourished. More weight loss will eventually occur if the disease progresses to liver cirrhosis and scarring, which is life-threatening, permanent and irreversible.
Abdominal Pain
Pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen is one of the symptoms of fatty infiltration of the liver, notes MayoClinic.com. Right upper quadrant abdominal pain occurs due to the enlargement, swelling and stretching of the liver. This type of abdominal pain is located on the right side of the body just below the rib cage. The pain felt is usually dull and tolerable. Abdominal pain can occur several times a day or a few times only, depending on the severity of fat accumulation. The occurrence of pain is also very predictable is often aggravated by factors like physical activity and food.
Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the symptoms of fatty infiltration of the liver, according to the American Liver Foundation. Fatigue can happen at any stage of this disease. Fat infiltration causes the liver to swell and become inflamed. Inflammation is the body's defense mechanism to heal the liver and fight off any invading microorganism or infectious agent. During this time, all the liver's stored energy is used up and becomes depleted, making the body feel weak. Fatigue or body malaise will subside once the liver is completely healed.
