Severe Fatty Liver Disease: Recognizing the Key Symptoms

Severe fatty liver disease, also known as advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), often progresses silently without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the condition worsens, several warning signs may appear. It's important to understand that the absence of symptoms does not rule out the presence of liver damage. Below are the most common symptoms associated with severe fatty liver disease.

1. Pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
One of the more noticeable symptoms of severe fatty liver disease is a feeling of pressure, discomfort, or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. This occurs because the liver becomes enlarged due to fat accumulation, stretching the liver capsule—a thin layer covering the liver that contains many nerve endings. When this membrane is stretched, it can cause sensations of fullness, heaviness, or localized pain.

2. Signs of liver dysfunction
As liver function declines, individuals may experience symptoms such as persistent fatigue, bloating, nausea, a bitter taste in the mouth, or an aversion to fatty foods. These are general indicators of liver stress and should not be ignored, especially if they occur alongside other risk factors like obesity or diabetes.

3. Advanced symptoms linked to cirrhosis
In more severe cases where fatty liver has progressed to cirrhosis, additional symptoms may develop. These include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), spider angiomas (small, spider-like blood vessels visible under the skin), palmar erythema (redness of the palms), and darkening of the skin tone. More serious complications such as leg swelling, fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), and bleeding from the upper digestive tract can also occur.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical advice and consider lifestyle changes to support liver health. Early detection and management are key to preventing further liver damage.