Fatty Liver Disease in Hattiesburg, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat is fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease (FLD, also called hepatic steatosis) is a condition in which fat forms in the liver cells. There are two primary types of fatty liver disease: NAFLD, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and alcoholic fatty liver disease. This might result in hepatitis (liver inflammation), which could, in turn, advance to scarring and irrecoverable damage. If the intensity of the condition advances, or if it is left untreated, fatty liver disease can evolve into liver cirrhosis and eventually liver failure.
It is crucial to take note of the signals your body is sending you and connect with a GI physician at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC. Our skilled providers offer personalized treatment for fatty liver disease in Hattiesburg, MS.
What are the signs of fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease can often manifest itself in the body with no apparent symptoms. A few of the symptoms that could appear, however, may include:
- Feeling full in the middle or upper right side of the abdomen
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Enlarged breasts in men
- Swelling in the abdomen and/or the legs
- Exhaustion
- Oversized blood vessels just beneath the skin's surface
- Red palms
- Dizziness
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Oversized liver
What are the causes of fatty liver disease?
There are several types of fatty liver disease (FLD) among Hattiesburg, MS patients, with non-alcoholic and alcoholic FLD being the primary two. The causes of the non-alcoholic conditions are not well-known, but they have been connected to obesity, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and increasing levels of triglycerides in the blood. Alcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by consuming an extreme amount of alcohol.
How is fatty liver disease addressed?
Treatments vary depending on the type of hepatic steatosis being treated and how damaged the liver is. Often, the liver is not in a critical state and is still able to function as normal. If treatment is needed, your gastrointestinal physician at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC could recommend the following:
- Liver transplant
- Minimizing alcohol use (if alcoholic fatty liver disease is present)
- Weight loss
- Hepatitis A and B vaccinations
What is the difference between NAFLD and alcoholic steatohepatitis?
Both non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic fatty liver (alcoholic steatohepatitis) could develop into cirrhosis and sometimes liver failure. The main variation between the two is that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is frequently associated with overweight individuals and those with diabetes. Alcoholic steatohepatitis is specifically connected to large volumes of alcohol consumption.
Find effective therapy for fatty liver disease
For individuals living with fatty liver disease in Hattiesburg, MS, know that there are treatments available. Our GI doctors aim to offer patient-centric therapy that maintains the highest clinical standards. If you think you have FLD or you have been diagnosed with this serious condition, schedule an appointment with our gastrointestinal experts and entrust your treatment to Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC.
Fatty Liver Disease FAQs
What types of foods should be avoided if you have fatty liver disease?
If you have received a fatty liver disease diagnosis, you may take steps to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Some of the food and beverage items you may want to remove from your diet if you have fatty liver disease include:
- Alcohol
- Sugary foods and drinks (including candy, desserts, soda, juices, etc.)
- Fried foods
- Red meat (such as hamburgers and steak)
- White flour (white bread, white rice, and white pasta)
- Foods with high amounts of sodium
What foods are ideal to eat if you have fatty liver disease?
Those with fatty liver disease often consider eating the “Mediterranean diet.” This dietary approach involves many fruits and veggies, whole grains, various nuts, lean meats, and healthy fats (avocados). Your doctor at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC can help you decide if a revised diet plan is ideal for your health.
Is it possible to prevent fatty liver disease?
We suggest that patients focus on nurturing their overall health, which, in turn, may help prevent the onset of fatty liver disease. Losing weight if overweight, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, following a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol intake can help reduce the risk of this liver condition.
What are some questions to ask your physician if you are diagnosed with fatty liver disease?
If you have just been diagnosed with fatty liver disease, you likely have several questions and concerns about your health. Common questions to ask your gastroenterologist include:
- How damaged is my liver?
- Can damage to my liver be reversed?
- Can losing weight improve my liver health?
- Is my medication possibly contributing to fatty liver disease?
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