Fatty Liver Disease

Up to 46% percent of Americans may have fatty liver disease, which can lead to permanent liver damage when left untreated. At Mirage Health in Chandler and Mesa, Arizona, board-certified gastroenterologist Rajiv Sharma, MD, and the team diagnose and treat fatty liver disease to help you avoid serious complications. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation by calling the office or using the online booking feature today. 

What is fatty liver disease?

Fatty liver disease, also called steatotic liver disease, is a condition that causes fat buildup in your liver. While a healthy liver contains a small amount of fat, fat that makes up more than 5% of a liver’s weight can cause damage over time. Treatment with the Mirage Health experts can help you avoid symptoms and serious complications. 

What are the different types of fatty liver disease?

Examples of fatty liver disease include:

• Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD)
• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
• Metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
• MASLD and increased alcohol intake (MetALD)

A fatty liver may develop because of certain medications, alcohol, or diseases, though there’s not always a clear cause.

Fatty livers can eventually cause inflammation, scar tissue (cirrhosis), liver cancer, and even liver failure. 

Which symptoms can fatty liver disease cause?

Fatty liver disease may contribute to the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Itchy skin or other skin changes
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Unexplained weight loss
• Swelling in your belly, legs, hands, or feet
• Yellowed skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice)

However, you might not notice any symptoms in the early stages of liver disease. A fatty liver might not cause symptoms until it progresses to a more severe stage of liver disease (cirrhosis).

What are the risk factors for fatty liver disease?

Fatty liver disease risk factors include:

• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Type 2 diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc.)
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Overweight and obesity
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Some medications
• Low sex hormones
• Hypopituitarism (low pituitary gland hormones)
• Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormones)
• Growth hormone deficiency
• Being over 50
• Family history of liver disease

Untreated fatty liver disease may increase your risk of developing heart disease. 

How is fatty liver disease diagnosed?

The Mirage Health team diagnoses fatty liver disease by reviewing your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and medications. They also complete a physical exam, blood testing, and imaging procedures. If needed, you may have a liver biopsy. 

How is fatty liver disease treated?

Your personalized fatty liver disease treatment plan depends on its type and severity. It may include:

• Medically supervised weight loss
• Diet changes
• Exercise
• Chronic disease management
• Controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol 
• Avoiding alcohol
• Medication management
• Hepatitis A and B vaccinations 

If a fatty liver causes more serious liver damage, you might need surgery or a liver transplant. Follow up with the Mirage Health team regularly to monitor your liver health and the effectiveness of your treatment plan.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth fatty liver disease evaluation at Mirage Health by calling the office or booking online today.