Scribd
Upload
3 views2 pages

Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease, or hepatic steatosis, is a common condition characterized by fat buildup in the liver, primarily affecting middle-aged Americans, with obesity and type 2 diabetes as major risk factors. While it often presents no symptoms, when they do occur, they may include fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal pain; treatment focuses on lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. Although generally benign, it can progress to liver failure in some patients, and medical diagnosis and management are essential.

Uploaded by

baelrathlian
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
3 views2 pages

Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease, or hepatic steatosis, is a common condition characterized by fat buildup in the liver, primarily affecting middle-aged Americans, with obesity and type 2 diabetes as major risk factors. While it often presents no symptoms, when they do occur, they may include fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal pain; treatment focuses on lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. Although generally benign, it can progress to liver failure in some patients, and medical diagnosis and management are essential.

Uploaded by

baelrathlian
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

www.google.com/search?

q=Fatty+liver+disease

Fatty liver disease


Also called: hepatic steatosis
An increased buildup of fat in the liver.

Very common
More than 3 million US cases per year

Treatment can help, but this condition can't be cured

Requires a medical diagnosis

Lab tests or imaging always required

Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong

Fatty liver disease is very common in middle aged Americans, with the
incidence increasing with the obesity epidemic. Major risk factors include
obesity and type 2 diabetes, though it's also associated with excessive
alcohol consumption.
It usually causes no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they include
fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal pain.
Treatment involves reducing the risk factors such as obesity through a diet
and exercise program. It is generally a benign condition, but in a minority
of patients, it can progress to liver failure (cirrhosis).

Ages affected
3-5
6-13
14-18
19-40
41-60
60+

Symptoms

Requires a medical diagnosis


It usually causes no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they include
fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal pain.

This condition typically has no symptoms

Treatments

Treatment consists of self care


Treatment involves reducing the risk factors such as obesity through a diet
and exercise program. It is generally a benign condition, but in a minority
of patients, it can progress to liver failure (cirrhosis).

Self-care

September 11, 2017 Page 1 of 2


www.google.com/search?q=Fatty+liver+disease

Alcohol avoidance: Reducing exposure to alcohol which can exacerbate or


cause disease.
Physical exercise: Aerobic activity for 20-30 minutes 5 days a week improves
cardiovascular health. If injured, pursuing an activity that avoids the injured muscle
group or joint can help maintain physical function while recovering.
Weight loss: Can improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of
complications related to obesity.
Diabetes management: Improving control of blood sugar to reduce the risk of
developing complications related to diabetes.

Preventative
Hepatitis B vaccine: A vaccine that prevents hepatitis B, a virus that infects the
liver.
Hepatitis A vaccine: A vaccine that prevents hepatitis A, a virus that causes
inflammation of the liver.

Specialists
Hepatologist: Focuses on liver, gallbladder, and biliary tree disorders.
Gastroenterologist: Focuses on the digestive system and its disorders.
Nutritionist: Specializes in food and diet.
Primary care provider (PCP): Prevents, diagnoses, and treats diseases.

Consult a doctor for medical advice

Note: The information you see describes what usually happens with a medical condition, but
doesn't apply to everyone. This information isn't medical advice, so make sure to contact a
healthcare provider if you have a medical problem. If you think you may have a medical
emergency, call your doctor or a emergency number immediately.
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more

September 11, 2017 Page 2 of 2

You might also like