An estimated 100 million people in the U.S. suffer from the
condition. Here are the warning signs.
Nonalcoholic fatty
liver disease (NAFLD) is an umbrella term referring to a range of liver
conditions affecting individuals who drink little to no alcohol.
NAFLD refers to an
excess of fat stored in liver cells. Experts aren’t sure exactly why some
people accumulate too much fat in the liver while others don’t, but NAFLD is
linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, high triglycerides and high cholesterol —
among a myriad of other diseases and conditions.
However, some people will develop NAFLD even if they don’t have any risk
factors.
In the United States,
NAFLD affects about one-quarter of the population, making it the most common
form of chronic liver disease in the nation. This translates to an estimated
100 million U.S. individuals with NAFLD.
Though NAFLD often
has no symptoms, when symptoms occur, they may include:
1. Fatigue
2. Weakness
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Nausea
6. Abdominal pain
7. Spider-like blood
vessels
8. Yellowing of the skin
and eyes (jaundice)
9. Itching
10. Fluid build-up and
swelling of the legs (edema) and abdomen (ascites)
11. Mental confusion
It’s important to
seek prompt medical attention if you suspect you may have NAFLD. As the
condition progresses, the liver may begin to swell and scar (cirrhosis),
leading to possible liver cancer or liver failure. While NAFLD has no
treatment, there are ways to interrupt the process of cirrhosis and slow its
progression.
According to
the Liver Foundation, there
are some ways to prevent the onset of NAFLD before it begins wreaking havoc.
These include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising
regularly, and only taking medications that you need along with following the
dosing recommendations.
If you suspect you
have NAFLD, don’t panic. While no cures currently exist, treatment of underlying
conditions contributing to fatty liver can allow people with the condition to
lead full and productive lives.
nice
ReplyDelete