Your liver helps filter toxic waste products out of your body. Steatosis is a type of liver condition that occurs when excess amounts of fat accumulate inside your liver cells. The most common cause of fatty liver in the United States is alcohol abuse, though other health issues, such as malnutrition, may also cause a type of fatty liver disease called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Seek care from your medical provider if you develop any of the signs and symptoms of a fatty liver.
No Symptoms
During the initial stages of liver disease, you may not develop noticeable symptoms. Symptoms typically emerge during later states of disease when the liver sustains irreversible damage or accumulates scar tissue -- a type of liver disease called cirrhosis.
Abdominal Pain or Swelling
A fatty liver may cause abdominal pain, specifically in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen. You may also notice that your abdomen appear swollen or distended, or is tender to the touch. Consult your doctor if you develop sudden or severe abdominal pain, as this symptom of a fatty liver may also be a sign of another medical problem, such as appendicitis.
Jaundice
In certain cases, a fatty liver may result in jaundice. Jaundice is a sign of liver disease caused by the buildup of bilirubin, a pigment generated by the liver, in your bloodstream. If you develop jaundice, you may notice that your skin or the whites of your eyes appear unusually yellow in color. Seek prompt care from your physician if you develop jaundice, as this may be the only sign of liver disease you develop.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Flu-like symptoms may emerge if you have a fatty liver. You may feel abnormally fatigued or develop a fever. Pregnant women who develop fatty liver may also experience stomach-related symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting or a diminished appetite, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center warns. If your liver is unable to function normally because of the presence of excess fat, toxins may accumulate beneath the surface of your skin. These toxins may cause irritation, which may lead to excessive itching across your body. Contact your medical provider if you develop flu-like symptoms for any reason, as these fatty liver symptoms may also be indicative of an infection, such as the flu or a cold.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Liver Disease
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
- Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Fatty Liver
- The Ohio State University Medical Center: Common Characteristics of Liver Disease
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Cirrhosis
