The fatty liverknown as hepatic steatosis, is a disease that usually advances silently, without presenting evident signs in its early stages. However, ignoring the symptoms of fatty liver can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis, liver failure and even liver cancer.
Fatty liver disease affects approximately 25% of the world’s population, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Although it is usually associated with people with obesity or Type 2 diabetesany individual can develop this disorder.
“The liver is one of the most important organs of the body, in charge of vital functions such as nutrient processing, detoxification of harmful substances and bile production. When an excess of fat accumulates in liver cells, more than 5% to 10% of the liver weight, there is talk of fatty liver,” explains Gabriel Solís, internist.
There are two main types:
- Non -alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD): related to metabolic factors and not to alcohol consumption.
- Alcoholic fatty liver: Direct consequence of chronic abuse of alcoholic beverages.
Both forms can progress towards chronic liver inflammation (steatohepatitis) and derive in permanent liver damage.
Silent symptoms of fatty liver
One of the main dangers of the fatty liver is that it can remain asymptomatic for years. However, some slight and little specific symptoms can be alert signals:
1. Persistent fatigue
Feeling constantly tired, even having rested properly, it can be an early sign of fatty liver. The decrease in liver capacity to detoxify the body could explain this feeling of exhaustion.
2. ABDOMINAL PAIN or discomfort
A deaf pain or a pressure sensation in the upper right of the abdomen may indicate inflammation or enlarged liver, says Carlos Cabrera, gastroenterologist.
3. Loss of appetite or weight changes
The inexplicable reduction of appetite, accompanied by involuntary weight loss, can be associated with a compromised liver.
4. Swelling or fluid retention
The accumulation of fluids in the abdomen (ascites) or in the limbs can be a sign of more advanced liver problems.
5. Skin changes
The appearance of jaundice (yellowish coloration of the skin and eyes), persistent itching or the presence of dark spots on the neck and armpits could indicate liver damage.
6. Cognitive alterations
In more advanced phases, toxins not properly eliminated can affect the brain, causing confusion, difficulty of concentration and memory problems.
Risk factors
Various factors increase the probability of developing fatty liver:
- Overweight and obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Insulin resistance
- High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides
- Metabolic syndrome
- Excessive alcohol consumption (in cases of alcoholic fatty liver)
There are also genetic factors that predispose some people to this condition, even without the presence of the risks mentioned.
Given the silent character of the fatty liver, early detection is key to preventing complications. Generally, the diagnosis is made through blood analysis, image studies such as abdominal ultrasound, and in more advanced cases, liver biopsies.
There is no specific treatment for fatty liver; However, modifying lifestyle is essential. Gradual weight loss, a balanced diet rich in healthy fruits, vegetables and fats, along with regular physical activity, have proven effective to reverse the disease in their early stages.