Liver disease: Doctor discusses causes and symptoms
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Spotting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) early can be crucial in order to stop it from getting worse and help stomp the fat out of your liver. From severe liver damage to diabetes, this condition can trigger serious health problems. Here are the warning signs signalling that your liver has suffered “severe damage”.
This liver condition has four main stages, according to the NHS.
The first stage is usually really hard to pick up and many might not even realise the onset of fatty liver.
However, the first stage doesn’t usually cause any harm.
The problem occurs when NAFLD progresses as it can lead to serious liver damage, including cirrhosis.
The symptoms linked to fatty liver disease often don’t show until later on in the condition, the Cleveland Clinic explains.
But there are some possible symptoms which include:
- Abdominal pain or a feeling of fullness in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Nausea, loss of appetite or weight loss
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
- Swollen abdomen and legs
- Extreme tiredness or mental confusion
- Weakness.
Symptoms are mainly linked to the later stages, including cirrhosis, as the early stages are usually only picked up during a test done for another reason.
Cirrhosis describes the most severe stage of the condition that develops after years.
During this stage, the liver shrinks and gets scarred and lumpy.
Damage like this is permanent and can lead to liver failure, or even liver cancer.
When you reach this stage, your symptoms can be quite “severe”, the NHS explains.
For example, skin symptoms, such as yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes as well as itchy skin, can be common.
Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet or tummy can also occur.
The NHS explains it’s important to see your doctor or call 111 if you experience these symptoms.
To prevent this stage, you can take up lifestyle changes beneficial for your liver.
A healthy liver should contain little or no fat, so losing weight if you’re overweight can help.
Another cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle is following a healthy diet packed with fruits and vegetables.
Things to cut down on include fat, sugar and salt.
Drinking water instead of sweet beverages and exercising regularly can also pose as an aid.
Even though NAFLD isn’t triggered by alcohol, drinking can make it worse so ditching or limiting alcohol presents a smart choice, the NHS concludes.
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