Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
February 21st 2012 12:36
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a very common disorder that is characterized by unusually high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver. It is important for a person who has non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to establish healthy diets and stay active to help prevent the condition from worsening. When fat is present in the liver but does not impair the organ's functioning, the condition is called steatosis. Most people who have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease experience steatosis. Rarely, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease leads to cirrhosis, or permanent scarring and hardening of liver tissue. Cirrhosis can cause a number of severe symptoms, including constant abdominal pains, jaundice, digestive disorders, and muscle weakness. When a physician suspects fatty liver disease, he or she usually performs a physical examination, asks about lifestyle changes, and collects blood samples for lab tests. Blood is screened for high triglycerides, cholesterol, and liver enzymes. Ultrasounds and other diagnostic images may be taken of the liver to look for signs of inflammation and scarring. If abnormalities are discovered, a liver biopsy may be necessary to confirm the condition and gauge its severity.
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