Fatty Liver Disease Types

About Fatty Liver Disease Types

Why it is Problematic

Causes and Risk Factors

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment and Prevention

Incidence

 

About Fatty Liver Disease Types

Fatty liver disease is an excess of fat accumulated in the liver. Fatty liver is defined by underlying causes such as alcohol consumption (which can lead to alcoholic fatty liver) and obesity (which can lead to NASH/NAFLD).

 

Why it is problematic

Because fatty liver can cause inflammation in the liver, it creates the potential for the development of a more serious condition. Fatty liver is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the U.S.

 

Causes and Risk Factors

Fatty liver does not have a clearly defined cause, although alcoholism, diabetes, hypercholestremia,  and obesity are among the contributing risk factors. Knowing about a patient's alcohol consumption and lifestyle choices aids a physician in assessing the cause of fatty liver. Alcoholic fatty liver and NASH/NAFLD are types of fatty liver disease.

 

Symptoms

 

Diagnosis

Ultrasound diagnostic imaging tests and blood tests may be used to assist in the diagnosis of fatty liver. A biopsy is the only way to confirm the presence of the disease.

 

Treatment and Prevention

The treatment of fatty liver disease depend on the root cause of the disease. Individual lifestyle choices and underlying conditions are considered in the treatment process of fatty liver.

For more information about nutrition and diet, please visit our  Healthy Liver Diet page.

 

Incidence

The incidence of fatty liver disease is very high in the U.S. It is estimated that 1 in 4 Americans have fatty liver disease.