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One of the common ailments is fatty liver disease, more commonly referred to as hepatic steatosis, where extra fat accumulates in the organ. This is mostly associated with obesity and diabetes; it is also a product of adverse lifestyle decisions. This condition, unless treated, will bring about serious health complications; hence, early recognition of the signs or symptoms will often lead to effective management and treatment. In this blog, we will discuss eight signs of having a fatty liver and how you can deal with it.
8 signs that you might have fatty liver
1. Chronic Fatigue
One of the oldest and most common symptoms of fatty liver disease is extreme fatigue. If you wake up in the morning feeling like you have just gone to bed after a restful night of sleep, this may be a sign that your liver is not processing and purging the toxins from your body. Your liver plays a vital role in energy metabolism; hence, if it is not functioning properly, you could be experiencing a little more fatigue than normal.
2. Abdominal Pain
If you notice that you suffer from upper right abdominal pain or dull pain in this area, you might have a fatty liver. The liver is located in this part of the body, and a swollen liver, the result of inflammation, may cause you some irritation. Though it's not always a specific symptom of a fatty liver, it can be a sign that your liver wants care.
3. Unintentional weight gain
Obesity is primarily associated with fatty liver disease. It can, however, be both a cause and effect of weight gain. If you are gaining weight and there has been no significant change in your diet or level of activity, it could be an effect of fat accumulation in your liver. Research has shown that weight gain exacerbates liver issues, leading to a vicious cycle.
4. Dark urine
Dark-colored urine can indicate liver problems. The liver helps sieve blood toxins, and when the liver is ineffective, the main toxins begin to build up. If you notice that your urine is significantly darker than usual, it could indicate that your liver is not fulfilling its function of separating impurities and cleaning waste.
5. Jaundice
Jaundice is characterized by a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes due to the body's failure to process bilirubin, a by-product derived from the breakdown of red blood cells. Although often attributed to hepatitis and other liver illnesses, jaundice may actually be one of the signs of fatty liver disease, particularly in individuals with a more advanced form of the disease.
6. Swelling—iin the belly or legs
Fluid retention from fatty liver disease typically manifests as swelling in the belly or legs. Edema, also known as edema, may result from the accumulation of excess fluid in body tissues. If you are experiencing unexplainable swelling or puffiness in both areas, consider the possibility of liver issues as an underlying cause.
7. Elevated Liver Enzymes
If you've had a routine blood test and your liver enzyme levels are higher than normal, it could be a sign that your liver is inflamed or damaged. Fatty liver disease commonly manifests elevated liver enzymes, which are markers of liver stress. Although the number of conditions that may manifest with increased liver enzymes is usually large, they are very common in fatty livers.
8. Lack of appetite or nausea
Nausea or a poor appetite may indicate problems with the liver. That is because the liver functions in digestion, so if it isn't working correctly, you may feel less hungry and experience digestive upset. You may start to feel nauseated or disinterested in food, indicating that your liver is not digesting the nutrients properly.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs
An early medical consultation can help prevent the progression of fatty liver disease and promote overall liver health if you identify any of these symptoms. Your healthcare provider may suggest some lifestyle changes, such as having a healthier diet and increasing physical activity, to manage the condition.
Management and Treatment at Continental Hospitals
Continental hospitals can treat fatty liver disease. Our medical team has an association with reputed hepatologists and dieticians who design individualistic treatment packages according to individual needs. We focus on disease management in our approach to treating fatty liver disease.
Lifestyle Modification: We suggest the inculcation of a healthy lifestyle in terms of diet and exercise, we suggest inculcating a healthy lifestyle. Inclusion of a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and regular physical activity can help the liver stay healthy for a longer period of time.
Medical Management: We also treat medical conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol, which could have led to a fatty liver.
Periodic Follow-Up: Through periodic follow-up, our team keeps in regular touch, monitoring your response, and may change treatment plans if necessary. This is important in verifying that we are not missing any issues coming up, so we can act accordingly and promptly.
Advanced Specialized Care: We may refer patients with more complex medical conditions to advanced specialized care. Our patients have access to liver specialist consultations and advanced medical technologies.
Conclusion
The significance of early detection in managing and enhancing liver health necessitates seeking medical attention from a healthcare provider if you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms. That is why at Continental Hospitals, we commit to providing nothing but the best care and treatment so you can recover your liver health.
Take control of your liver health today. Contact Continental Hospitals to schedule a consultation with our gastroenterologists.
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