Early Signs and Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease in its initial stages often presents with mild symptoms such as fatigue, discomfort in the upper right abdomen, bloating, or a dull ache. However, these signs can be subtle and easily overlooked. As a result, early detection often occurs during routine medical checkups when abnormalities such as an enlarged liver or irregularities in liver function tests are identified. These irregularities may include slight increases in liver enzymes like alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, or gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT).

In many cases, the condition is discovered incidentally during abdominal ultrasounds, CT scans, or other imaging tests performed for unrelated health concerns. Even though symptoms may not be apparent, early fatty liver disease can already cause mild liver damage and visible changes in liver imaging. It is crucial to identify and address the underlying causes at this stage, such as obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, or elevated blood sugar levels.

Taking proactive steps to manage these risk factors through lifestyle changes and medical guidance can prevent the progression to more severe conditions like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, or even cirrhosis. If left untreated, fatty liver disease can significantly impact a person's quality of life and become much more difficult to treat over time. Therefore, early diagnosis and intervention are essential for long-term liver health.