Fatty liver can be fatal; 5 Ways to Manage Complications | Health

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) cases are on the rise with rising cases of obesity and other chronic diseases like diabetes global. It includes a range of liver conditions that affect people who drink little or no alcohol. Excessive accumulation of fat in liver cells can lead to NAFLD – and while it has virtually no symptoms, in later stages people may experience fatigue, pain or discomfort in the abdomen, swelling stomach, red palms, enlarged spleen, yellowing of the eyes and skin. (Also read: 8 fruits you must eat to reverse fatty liver disease)

Viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are the three most common types of liver disease in the country. A and E are relatively harmless, food-borne forms of viral hepatitis, while B, C and D are blood-borne and can cause liver failure and cancer. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) estimates that India has a 4-5% and 1-2% prevalence of hepatitis B and C respectively.

WAYS TO MANAGE A CHRONIC CASE OF NAFLD

“Chronic and life-threatening cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) require medical attention and management to prevent further progression and complications. Treatment options depend on the severity of the disease and associated complications,” says Dr. Vijay Kumar. Rai, Senior Consultant, Gastroenterology, Lybrate.

Here are some of the treatment options for chronic and life-threatening cases of NAFLD suggested by Dr. Rai.

1. Weight loss: Weight loss is one of the most effective ways to manage NAFLD, especially in cases where obesity is a significant risk factor. Weight loss can help reduce the amount of fat in the liver, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of developing other health complications associated with NAFLD.

2. Lifestyle changes: In addition to weight loss, lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and regular exercise can help manage NAFLD. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce the risk of developing NAFLD. Regular exercise can also help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and improve overall liver function.

3. Medicines: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage NAFLD. For example, drugs such as pioglitazone and vitamin E have been shown to improve liver function in patients with NAFLD. However, these medications are only recommended for patients with advanced NAFLD and should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

4. Management of associated pathologies: NAFLD is often associated with other health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. Managing these conditions with medications, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of developing complications associated with NAFLD.

5. Liver transplant: In cases where NAFLD has progressed to end-stage liver disease, liver transplantation may be necessary. Liver transplantation is a surgical procedure in which a damaged liver is replaced with a healthy liver from a donor. It is a complex and expensive procedure that requires a lifetime of medication and monitoring to prevent rejection and complications.

“It is important to note that early diagnosis and management are essential to prevent the progression of NAFLD and associated complications. Regular screening and monitoring of liver function and associated health issues can help detect and manage NAFLD at an early stage, reducing the need for more invasive and expensive treatments,” says Dr. Rai.

“Chronic and life-threatening cases of NAFLD require medical attention and management to prevent further progression and complications. Treatment options depend on the severity of the disease and associated complications. Weight loss, medications, transplantation liver disease, lifestyle modifications and management of associated conditions Health issues are among the available treatment options, and early diagnosis and management are essential to prevent the progression of NAFLD and associated complications,” adds Dr Rai.