02/02/2026
FATTY LIVER
Fatty liver disease (FLD), also known as hepatic steatosis or steatotic liver disease (SLD), is a condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat (triglycerides) within liver cells.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Fatty liver often has no early symptoms, but when it progresses, watch for fatigue, dull pain/fullness in the upper right abdomen, weakness, and weight loss, with more severe signs like jaundice (yellowing skin/eyes), itchy skin, abdominal swelling (ascites), and leg swelling indicating advanced liver damage (cirrhosis). It's commonly discovered during tests for other issues, but the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) (formerly NAFLD) can lead to serious complications like cirrhosis or liver cancer.
√Early/Mild Symptoms (when present):
•Fatigue & Weakness: Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy.
•Abdominal Discomfort: A dull ache, fullness, or pain in the upper right belly.
•Loss of Appetite.
•Nausea.
•Unexplained Weight Loss.
√Advanced Symptoms (indicating MASH/Cirrhosis):
•Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
•Itchy Skin: Persistent itching, sometimes with red spots.
•Abdominal Swelling (Ascites): Fluid buildup causing a swollen belly.
•Swelling in Legs/Ankles (Edema): Fluid retention in extremities.
•Spider Angiomas: Spider-like blood vessels under the skin.
•Easy Bruising/Bleeding.
•Dark Urine, Pale Stools.
•Confusion/Trouble Concentrating: (hepatic encephalopathy).
TYPES
There are two main types of fatty liver disease: Alcohol-Related Fatty Liver Disease (ALD), caused by heavy drinking, and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) (formerly NAFLD), linked to metabolic issues like obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Both can progress from simple fat accumulation (steatosis) to more serious inflammation and scarring, known as MASLD (MASH/NASH) or ALD with inflammation, potentially leading to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
1. Alcohol-Related Fatty Liver Disease (ALD)
Cause: Excessive alcohol consumption.
Progression: Can lead to alcoholic steatohepatitis (inflammation) and cirrhosis (scarring).
2. Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
Cause: Not related to alcohol, but linked to metabolic factors like being overweight, diabetes, high triglycerides, and high blood pressure.
Subtypes:
Simple Fatty Liver (MASL): Fat in the liver without significant inflammation or damage.
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH): (Formerly NASH) Fat, inflammation, and liver cell damage, which can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure.
Key takeaway
The primary distinction is alcohol use (ALD) versus metabolic factors (MASLD).
Both conditions have stages, with inflammation (MASH/NASH) being a more severe form than simple fatty liver (MASL/NAFL).
STAGES
The stages include:
1.Simple Fatty Liver (Steatosis)
2.NASH (Inflammation)
3. Fibrosis (Scarring)
4.Cirrhosis (Severe Scarring/Failure)
CAUSES
Fatty liver disease is primarily caused by metabolic issues (non-alcoholic) or excessive alcohol consumption, leading to fat accumulation in liver cells.
Key causes include
Obesity (especially abdominal fat), type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol/triglycerides, and metabolic syndrome.
Other factors include rapid weight loss, certain medications, and genetic factors.
Primary Causes of Fatty Liver Metabolic Syndrome & Obesity:
The leading cause, often linked to high visceral fat, which causes insulin resistance.Type 2 Diabetes/Insulin Resistance: When cells don't respond to insulin, the liver processes fat less efficiently.
Alcohol Abuse: Long-term, heavy alcohol use directly causes fat buildup and damage to liver cells.
High Blood Lipids: High levels of triglycerides and "bad" cholesterol (\(LDL\)) contribute to fat storage in the liver.
Rapid Weight Loss: Rapid weight reduction or malnutrition can trigger fat buildup.
Secondary and Other Contributing Factors Medical Conditions: Polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), and obstructive sleep apnea.
Medications: Certain drugs, including those for cancer, steroids, and heart conditions, may cause fatty liver.
Genetic Factors: Specific genetic mutations can increase susceptibility to liver disease.
COMPLICATIONS
Fatty liver disease (FLD) complications progress from inflammation (MASH/NASH) to scarring (fibrosis), potentially leading to severe liver damage like cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), and can also cause issues like ascites (fluid buildup), esophageal varices (bleeding veins), confusion (hepatic encephalopathy), and increased risks for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Early stages might be silent, but progression involves liver damage, requiring lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight loss) to prevent severe outcomes.
Liver-Specific Complications
•Hepatitis (MASH/NASH): Inflammation and damage to liver cells.
•Fibrosis: Formation of scar tissue, stiffening the liver.
•Cirrhosis: Extensive scarring, often irreversible, severely impairing liver function.
•Liver Cancer (HCC): Increased risk, sometimes even before cirrhosis.
•Liver Failure: The liver stops functioning.
•Hepatic Encephalopathy: Confusion, sleepiness, slurred speech due to toxin buildup.
•Ascites: Fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
Esophageal Varices: Swollen veins in the esophagus that can bleed.
Other Health Complications
•Cardiovascular Disease: Higher risk of heart problems and stroke.
•Kidney Disease: Increased risk of kidney issues.
•Metabolic Issues: Worsening Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, high cholesterol.
HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT aur,calc,calc-f,chel,germ-met,kali-bic,kali-sul,lac-d,Lyco,lyss,mang,mang-act,Merc,phlor,Phos,pic-ac,vanad