How do you know if you have fatty liver disease, which is known as hepatic steatosis? It is normal for some fat to build in the liver, but having excess fat is dangerous and that results in fatty liver disease. You need your liver to process nutrients from what you eat and drink and it also filters out anything harmful from your blood. When there is too much fat, it can lead to inflammation of the liver which eventually leads to scarring, hence, cirrhosis or liver failure.
Fatty liver disease is usually caused by drinking too much alcohol. However, having a poor diet, diabetes, and obesity can lead to a fatty liver as well which is known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
In the earlier stages of fatty liver disease, there are no symptoms at all. However, as the disease progresses, you will end up with symptoms. Let’s now look at the 12 symptoms of fatty liver disease.
Yellowing Whites Of Eyes And Skin
The buildup of bilirubin also results in yellowing skin and whites of eyes since the bile pigments are deposited in the blood. It is normal for newborns to have this as this is referred to as jaundice. Jaundice results from newborns having immature livers beginning to work on their own. But for older infants and anyone older, jaundice is a serious concern and it results from the liver not working properly.
Hypertriglyceridemia
High triglycerides are one of the most common signs of fatty liver disease. Normally, these lipids are stored in fat cells and used for energy. When there is too much fat in the blood, it is not metabolized properly; the body stores the excess in the liver, which leads to fatty liver disease. Plasma triglycerides greater than 200 mg/dL fall in the high range, while a reading greater than 500 mg/dL is very high. As the causes of this disease are still unknown; however, some doctors believe that hypertriglyceridemia may be a risk factor rather than a symptom of the fatty liver disease.
Pain On the Upper Right Quadrant
Your liver is located on the upper right quadrant of your body. If this area is painful then it means your liver is inflamed and is causing pain. The liver cells themselves are not what is pained but it is the tissues around the liver which you are feeling around. If you still have your gallbladder, have that checked as well.
Spider Veins
Spider veins are web-like clusters of veins and can be blue or purple in color. Spider veins can result from many conditions and fatty liver disease is one of them. This may be the first symptom to appear before other symptoms are exhibited by fatty liver disease so keep an eye on it. Have your enzymes tested and go for an ultrasound for your liver.
Nose Bleeds
When the liver is not functioning properly, the clotting factor of the blood is not working as well. You may end up with nose bleeds as a result of progressing fatty liver disease. Other conditions such as high blood pressure can cause it. However, if your air in your home is too dry, then put up the humidifier.
Weakness
When your fatty liver disease progresses, you will have weakness all over your body. Your muscles will be weak and add that to the fatigue. This is largely due to the fact that you are not able to absorb many nutrients at this point because your liver is not functioning properly.
Abdominal Pain
In addition to pain in the upper right quadrant, you will also have abdominal pain. Or sometimes you will just have abdominal pain. This pain can result from an enlarged spleen and intestinal issues. Sometimes it can be caused by a pulled muscle.
Red Palms
Estradiol is a form of estrogen produced by the sex organs and adrenal glands. It is metabolized in the liver, and when the liver malfunctions, estradiol levels become abnormal. This elevation can progress into palmar erythema, a condition that causes the palms to redden.
Itchy Skin
Itchy skin is known as pruritis and this results from a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. When the bile in your liver is not flowing properly, then your bilirubin begins to build up which can cause a lot of itching. This type of itching is not like the annoying itch that comes out of nowhere that can be scratched. It is non-stop extreme itching where you have to pour calamine lotion on yourself.
Ascites
You may end up with fluid retention which is known as edema especially in your abdomen and legs. Fatty liver disease in a progressed state can cause the fluid to build-up, as well as other conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, or thyroid problems.
Fatigue
Your liver is not functioning properly so your energy levels will be lower. And when that happens, you will be quite fatigued. This is not the type of tiredness that you feel after not having a good night’s sleep. You will struggle to move from the bed or from the sofa and when you get fatigued like this, you know you have a serious underlying condition.
Weight Loss
Weight loss can result from not having much of an appetite due to feeling malaise as well as the body not functioning properly. Your appetite will be not as hearty at this point and at the same time, you won’t absorb the nutrients properly which leads to weight loss.
Conclusion
It’s important to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect you may have NAFLD.
If you just found out you have the fatty liver disease during your last checkup but are asymptomatic, there are steps you can take to reverse it since it is not too late. If you drink, then cut back on your drinking. If your diet is poor, restrict your caloric intake if you are overweight, and start eating more proteins, vegetables, and fruits and cut back on the sugar.
Get some exercise and improve your lifestyle. If your stress levels are high which can also lead to weight gain due to high cortisol levels, then find ways such as meditation and yoga to release the stress. You don’t have to end up with the complications that can result from fatty liver disease.
