Fatty Liver Disease: All You Need to Know

Posted by Center For Occupational & Environmental Medicine (COEM) on February 21st, 2020

What is Fatty Liver Disease?

Fatty liver disease, otherwise known as hepatic steatosis, is the condition in which fat accumulates in the liver. Having fat in your liver is normal, however, having too much fat in your liver can cause liver inflammation and scarring.

Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of fatty liver disease.

Fatty Liver Disease: How Serious Is It?

There are two types of fatty liver disease, which include:

1. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

This includes simple fatty liver and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The latter is more severe as it involves inflammation and liver cell damage, which may lead to:

• Liver scarring
• Liver cancer
• Swollen veins in your esophagus
• Fluid buildup in your abdomen
• Confusion and drowsiness

2. Alcoholic fatty liver disease

Alcoholic hepatic steatosis can be further aggravated if you keep drinking alcohol, and it may lead to:

• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Enlarged liver
• Alcoholic cirrhosis
• Enlarged spleen
• High blood pressure in the liver
• Bleeding in your body
• Liver failure

What Are the Early Signs of Fatty Liver Disease?

Early signs of fatty liver disease include:

• Swelling of the legs
• Fatigue
• Dark patches under your arms or on your neck
• Nausea
• Increased liver size
• Jaundice
• Trouble concentrating
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Weakness

What Causes Fatty Liver Disease?

Fatty liver disease develops when your body does not metabolize fat efficiently or produces too much fat. It can also be caused by other factors:

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