Fatty liver means that the liver has unwanted or extra fat. Liver cells usually contain some fat. Still, increased fat levels can lead to some alarming situations in which internal medicine specialists in Abu Dhabi can help treat this medical issue. It is very important to know the cause, fatty liver symptoms, and fatty liver treatments.

Understanding Fatty liver

The medical term for fatty liver is hepatic steatosis. The liver is the second largest organ in humans and is responsible for processing nutrients from the foods and drinks you eat and removing toxins from your body. If more than 5 - 10% of the liver is fat, it is considered fatty. Fatty liver disease can be categorized into alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), based on the main cause.

Symptoms of Fatty liver

In some cases, there is no significant symptom of fatty liver. Many people may not know that they have an illness.

• Fatigue and weakness
• Light pain in the stomach, right or middle
• Increased liver enzyme levels.
• Elevated insulin and triglyceride levels

Common risk factors for fatty liver

Excessive alcohol consumption can result in excess fat in the liver. When this condition causes inflammation or scar tissue, it is usually alcoholic steatohepatitis. If an individual consumes only a small amount of alcohol, the risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease include:

• Diabetes (type 2)
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism)

When non-alcoholic steatohepatitis progresses and causes inflammation or damage to liver tissue, it is called NASH or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

How do you recognize the signs of fatty liver disease?

Patients affected by excess fat in the liver are unlikely to have early signs. However, it may suggest that signs and symptoms have developed a potential liver injury.

These signs and symptoms are often included:

• Swollen ankles and abdominal swelling
• A change in bowel habits
• Dark urine
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Upset stomach
• Fatigue

Internal medicine in Abu Dhabi

Good health is important to reduce your risk for fatty liver disease. At Adam and Eve Specialized Medical Center in Abu Dhabi, an internal medicine doctor can help you manage risk factors and look for signs and symptoms that you may overlook. If you want to learn more about lowering your risk for fatty liver disease, consult our doctor today.