What Diseases Can Fatty Liver Cause?

Fatty liver is a medical condition that, if left untreated or unmanaged, can lead to more severe health issues such as fatty liver disease. In some cases, it can even progress to cirrhosis of the liver. The development of fatty liver can be divided into several key stages:

1. Simple Fatty Liver: This is the earliest stage, characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver cells. It is often detected through imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scans, which show the presence of fat in the liver tissue without significant damage.

2. Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) or Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: As the condition progresses, inflammation and liver cell damage may occur. Blood tests may reveal elevated liver enzymes, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), indicating liver injury. This stage is more serious and can lead to long-term complications.

3. Fatty Liver Cirrhosis: If fatty liver disease continues to worsen, it can result in scarring of the liver tissue, known as cirrhosis. In the early, compensated stage of cirrhosis, symptoms may be minimal or absent. However, in the decompensated stage, serious complications such as portal hypertension, fluid buildup in the abdomen, and liver failure may occur.

There are two main types of fatty liver disease: alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Alcoholic fatty liver is directly linked to excessive and long-term alcohol consumption, while non-alcoholic fatty liver is not related to alcohol intake. Instead, it is often associated with metabolic factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, and abnormal lipid levels.

Early detection and lifestyle changes are crucial in preventing the progression of fatty liver disease and reducing the risk of more severe liver conditions.