Fatty Liver Disease
Dr Elke Wiseman
The liver is a large organ in the body that is important for digestion, processing food, creating and balancing nutrients and metabolising drugs. Fatty liver disease is extremely common and is present in about 1 in 3 Australians. Fatty liver disease does not usually cause any symptoms and it is normally detected on routine liver blood tests organised by your GP.
If abnormal liver blood tests are found, other causes of liver disease such as viral hepatitis, iron overload, medication side effects or excessive alcohol use need to be excluded as the underlying cause. To screen for these, your doctor may arrange further blood tests and imaging of the liver, usually with an abdominal ultrasound.
Fatty liver disease is more common in people who have high blood pressure, poor blood lipid profiles (high cholesterol and high triglycerides), insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes or who are overweight and undertake little or no exercise. However some people who are fit and slim may also develop fatty liver disease.
Unfortunately, there are no medications that treat fatty liver disease effectively, although there is a lot of research currently underway. Instead, managing fatty liver disease involves making lifestyle changes by following a healthy diet, avoiding sugar and adhering to a fatty liver diet plan, exercising regularly, and losing weight if necessary. It is necessary to limit or completely exclude alcohol intake as this worsens damage to the liver. These changes can improve and even reverse fatty liver disease. It is also important to avoid medications that may damage the liver. However there is some evidence that good coffee may help reduce damage to the liver.
Medications may also be required to manage conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, which may exacerbate fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease diabetes management is a crucial aspect of treatment as the two conditions are interlinked.
To properly manage this condition, it is essential to consult with fatty liver disease specialists who can offer advice on the best course of treatment. A fatty liver specialist can help patients with this condition to understand the root causes of the disease.
People with fatty liver disease are at increased risk of heart disease, strokes, kidney disease and even cancers and treatments that improve fatty liver disease will also reduce the risk of these complications. Many patients with fatty liver disease never develop long-term complications in the liver although in some people, there may be associated inflammation of the liver (steatohepatitis) and ongoing inflammation can result in scarring or fibrosis. As more and more scarring occurs in the liver, cirrhosis may develop and in some people this may cause liver decompensation or failure. A simple FibroScan test is useful for monitoring the degree of scarring and fat infiltration within the liver of a patient with fatty liver disease.
Fatty liver disease is very common in Australia and most people can improve both their liver and overall health through simple and ongoing lifestyle measures. The management of fatty liver disease requires a multidisciplinary approach that involves lifestyle changes, medical management, and regular monitoring by fatty liver specialists to help prevent the development of long-term complications. With effective treatment and lifestyle changes, most individuals with fatty liver disease can improve their liver and overall health significantly. To find out more about the diagnosis and management of fatty liver disease, speak to your local doctor or review with one of our Sydney Gastrointestinal Specialists.
FAQs
What is fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease is a condition characterised by the accumulation of fat in the liver, which can lead to inflammation, scarring, and eventually liver dysfunction. There are many ways to prevent fatty liver disease. Australia has many specialists that you can see who will likely put you on a fatty liver diet plan among other approaches.
What are the symptoms of fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease is a condition characterised by the accumulation of fat in the liver, and it can be present for a long time without causing any noticeable symptoms. This condition is often detected through routine liver blood tests. Fatty liver disease and diabetes are commonly linked, and individuals with both conditions are at an increased risk of developing complications.
Who is at risk for developing fatty liver disease?
Regular physical exercise is crucial for individuals at risk of developing fatty liver disease. This condition is more prevalent in people with high blood pressure, poor blood lipid profiles, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and those who are overweight or physically inactive. However, it is important to note that even fit and slim individuals may develop fatty liver disease. Engaging in specific routines and exercise for fatty liver disease can help to manage this condition effectively and improve overall health.
How is fatty liver disease diagnosed?
Fatty liver disease is often detected through abnormal liver blood tests. Further tests and imaging, such as abdominal ultrasound, may be required to exclude other causes of liver disease.
Can fatty liver disease be treated with medication?
Currently, there are no medications that effectively treat fatty liver disease, although research is ongoing. Management focuses on lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight loss if necessary.
How does alcohol affect fatty liver disease?
Alcohol intake can worsen liver damage and should be limited or completely avoided in individuals with fatty liver disease.
Can fatty liver disease be reversed?
Yes, lifestyle changes can improve and even reverse fatty liver disease in many cases. To help reverse fatty liver disease, physical exercise, diet and shedding excess weight is usually the first step. Basically lifestyle changes targeted for fatty liver, diabetes and other diseases that affect the liver are necessary.
What complications can arise from fatty liver disease?
Individuals with fatty liver disease are at increased risk of heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, and even cancers – this is why it is imperative to get checked by your gastroenterologist to see if you have signs of a fatty liver. Australia is no stranger to fatty liver disease with 1 in 3 Australians being diagnosed every year.
What is a FibroScan test?
A FibroScan test is a non-invasive method to monitor the degree of scarring and fat infiltration in the liver of a patient with fatty liver disease. By using FibroScan, fatty liver disease can be monitored to keep track of how it is progressing.
How can I find out more about fatty liver disease?
To learn more about the diagnosis and management of fatty liver disease, speak to your local doctor or consult with a gastrointestinal specialist.
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