Fatty Liver Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Fatty Liver, as the name suggests, is the excessive build-up of fat in the liver of about 5-10% of the liver’s weight. Most of the time, it’s not a serious concern, but in some cases, it is something to fret about, as it leads to liver damage. It starts with inflammation, causing the tissues to damage. The medical term for this first stage is steatohepatitis. In the second stage, scar tissue begins to form, which in turn damages the liver. Doctors call it fibrosis. In the third and final stage, the healthy tissues get replaced by extensive scar tissue. This is when cirrhosis of the liver occurs. It is a final blow to the liver, whereby liver functioning starts slowing down. Sooner or later, the liver function gets blocked entirely. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this cirrhosis transpires into liver cancer or liver failure in patients. Do you now get why fatty liver disease is a thing to panic about? Forms of Fatty Liver Disease Fatty liver disease has two primary forms: Alcohol-induced – As hinted, it is caused by heavy drinking. Non-alcoholic – Alternatively called NAFLD or Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, the cause is still unknown, but diabetes and obesity have been said to increase the risk of occurrence. Symptoms to Pay Attention The symptoms of fatty liver are often silent unless the disease progresses to liver cirrhosis. The signs to watch out for are: ■ Weight loss, appetite loss, and nausea ■ Extreme weakness, exhaustion, and mental confusion ■ Jaundice ■ Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side of the abdomen ■ Edema or swollen legs and abdomen If you ever feel any of the symptoms above, be prompt and book an appointment with a hepatologist for diagnostic services. The next section covers the Liver function tests, or a diagnosis that a doctor may order. Diagnosis Fatty liver silently creeps in, and for a layperson, it is challenging to spot the same. However, a doctor can easily determine the condition by noticing the elevation in liver enzymes from blood tests done for other ailments. To map the liver injury, a doctor often orders the tests mentioned below: ■ A liver biopsy to check the stage the liver disease has reached ■ Ultrasound or a CT Scan to examine the liver condition ■ FibroScan to determine the fat content in the liver Treatment for Fatty Liver Disease Unfortunately, there is no medication for treating fatty liver disease. Doctors primarily advise altering lifestyles to improve health conditions. Therefore, the treatment mostly comprises the following: ■ Reducing weight ■ Intake of thiazolidinediones or vitamin E ■ Avoiding alcohol consumption ■ Intake of medications to control cholesterol, diabetes, and triglycerides How to Prevent Fatty Liver Disease? If you have not been hit by fatty liver disease, you can do the following to maintain your overall health: ■ Get yourself involved in regular exercise ■ Maintain a healthy weight ■ Take prescribed medications ■ Put a check on alcohol consumption Reverse Your Fatty Liver Disease! Yes, you read it right. It can be either through a weight loss program or by avoiding alcohol. A Mediterranean diet, where one needs to consume lots of vegetables, fruits, and good fats, can lead to steady weight loss. So, if you are living with the ailment, don’t worry! Just make sure it never progresses into liver cirrhosis, and even if it does, go for immediate treatment to prevent liver failure or cancer.
Warning Signs You Should See a Gastroenterologist in Kolkata
Keeping your digestive system in an optimal condition is easier said than done. The rigors of fast-paced modern lives and scarce opportunities for meal prep create and compound issues. If you are facing any recurring abdominal pain, ignoring it can backfire badly. Getting a check-up done without delay is essential to prevent major health conditions. Your endless search for the best gastroenterologist near me needs a tangible solution. Getting help from licensed gastro specialists should be the top priority. Reputed Gastroenterologist Clinic in Kolkata LivGastro provides a comprehensive selection of specialized treatments for a whole host of ailments. We are here to help, with our team of highly qualified doctors under the capable guidance of Dr. Vijay Rai. Rely on us for effective treatments for fatty liver, peptic ulcer, bile duct stone, diarrhea, IBD, pancreatitis, and other conditions. Get in touch to seek a consultation. So, how often should you see a gastroenterologist? What are the telltale signs that should not be ignored? Read on to gain a clear idea. Reputed Gastroenterologist Clinic in Kolkata How do you know when you must see the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata? Read on to explore some of the most convincing signs and symptoms below. ■ Persistent heartburn and acid reflux—Severe heartburn creates one of the most uncomfortable feelings within one’s throat and chest. The root cause of it can be GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Acid reflux is another condition that many individuals tend to suffer from. This can be a result of underlying issues such as Barrett’s esophagus or osteophagitis. If you are facing any of these symptoms, seeing a gastroenterologist is quite necessary. ■ Abdominal Pain That Can’t Be Explained— Having stomach aches once in a long while is normal. But if the pain lasts for a long time or is very bad, you should not ignore it. It could be a sign of you having ulcers, gallbladder disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or even inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Visit a top gastroenterologist in Kolkata right away if you also feel sick frequently, are vomiting, have a fever, or are losing weight. ■ Sudden Bowel Pattern Changes—Sudden and recurring diarrhea and constipation are signs of digestive issues. Any radical changes in your bowel movement patterns are a definite cause for concern. These are indicators for conditions like ulcerative colitis, IBS, Crohn’s disease, or colorectal cancer. If these issues continue, it is time to see a top gastroenterologist in Kolkata. Our clinic has state-of-the-art diagnostic treatment equipment for assessing all gastro-related issues. ■ Swallowing Problems—If you are having trouble swallowing, you might be suffering from dysphagia. It is caused by factors such as esophageal strictures, acid reflux, or esophageal cancer. Difficulty in swallowing may be accompanied by signs such as frequent choking, swallowing pain, or the feeling that food is stuck in your throat. If you are facing all this, do not delay in searching for the best gastroenterologist near me. Doing so can potentially hinder more serious issues in the future. ■ Blood in your Stool – Seeing blood in your stool is always a bad sign that you should never ignore. It could mean you have hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or diverticulosis. These can also signify serious issues such as colorectal cancer or gut bleeding. A gastroenterologist can do tests, like a colonoscopy, to figure out what is wrong. They then take treatment decisions based on the severity and nature of the condition. ■ Unexpected Weight Loss—Are you losing weight fast and are clueless as to why? It might be due to an issue with your stomach health. Individuals experiencing unexpected weight loss might be suffering from Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease, pancreas-related issues, or cancer. Guesswork is not good enough, and you should see the best gastroenterology doctor in Kolkata. They can precisely point out what you are going through. ■ Excessive Bloating and Gas—Bloating and gas are normal from time to time, but bloating that lasts for a long time or is too much may be a sign of a more serious problem. Long-term bloating can be caused by SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), IBS, or food intolerances like lactose or gluten intolerance. Talking to a gastroenterologist can help you figure out what’s causing the problem. They can suggest the right kind of medical or dietary solutions. ■ Jaundice—Bad liver or gallbladder health can cause jaundice by making too much bilirubin build up in the body. Jaundice can be caused by hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, gallstones, or pancreatic cancer. If your skin or eyes turn yellow, your urine is dark, or your stools are pale, you should see a doctor right away. ■ Feeling Sick or Vomiting Frequently—If you feel sick a lot and can’t explain it, it could mean you have a digestive problem like gastritis, ulcers, gallbladder disease, or an obstruction in your intestines. Talk to a top gastroenterologist in Kolkata if the symptoms last longer than a few days or come with pain, dehydration, or weight. Seeking medical advice from a gastroenterologist can help you find and treat possible conditions early on if you experience any of the above symptoms. Getting a consultation at the right time can make your life better and keep you from having serious problems. Put your digestive health first, and if you need to, don’t be afraid to get professional help. Get treated by the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata We can meet your expectations if you are seeking out the best gastroenterologist near me. Our experienced team of specialists will carry out pathology tests and send you digital reports within 24 hours. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and advanced treatment methods to fix your gastro-related issues precisely. Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment.