According to the American Liver Society, fatty liver syndrome is affecting 10 to 20 percent of Americans. This condition arises when the liver starts accumulating fat. Untreated liver syndrome can have fatal effects, and the treatment is based on the causes.
What is Fatty Liver Syndrome?
Fat accumulation in liver is not a normal condition. Triglyceride’s are a form of fat that is produced by one of the liver functions, these triglyceride’s are important in producing new cells and hormones such as testosterone, adrenal and estrogen. In fatty liver syndrome patients, the liver cells will accumulate large droplets of triglyceride’s and if the fat deposits exceed the body’s requirement, liver enzymes will increase leading to inflammation of the liver.
Types of Fatty Liver Syndrome
The fatty liver syndrome includes different liver conditions based on there severity
Fatty Liver — This is the most common condition in which liver cells get accumulated with fat. This condition is asymptomatic and generally not associated with any other liver abnormalities. Usually, this condition is completely reversible.
Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) — Most common form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, it is affecting 2 to 5 percent of the Americans. NASH patients have liver inflammation due to its fat accumulation, untreated NASH can lead to cirrhosis. If treated properly this condition is reversible.
Cirrhosis — If the inflammation is left untreated for years, it leads to cirrhosis. In this stage the liver gets scar tissues and severe inflammation. A liver with cirrhosis will encounter progressive and irreversible damage.
Causes of Fatty Liver Syndrome
- The most common cause for getting fatty liver syndrome is alcohol intake.
- This condition can also be aggravated by obesity, malnutrition, Hepatitis C virus, diabetes mellitus, Wilson’s disease, endocrine disorders or hyperlipidemia and Reye’s syndrome.
- Chemical poisoning and drug overdoses can also lead to fatty liver. Carbon tetrachloride is one such chemical that can injure your liver.
