Signs & Symptoms of a Fatty Liver

The liver is a major organ in the human body, with many processes vital to homeostasis. Among its many roles, the liver stores glucose for future release as energy; stores vitamins, iron and other minerals invaluable to metabolic processes; breaks down old blood cells; produces bile for digestion and breaks down blood toxins, medications and alcohol. It even kills germs that enter the circulatory system through the intestine. A fatty liver results when fats accumulate in the liver, either because the liver is unable to break them down, or due to an unnatural, increased level of fats in the blood. Common causes of a fatty liver include alcoholism, diabetes, obesity, starvation, certain types of drugs and poisoning.

Symptoms

People suffering from a fatty liver may have no symptoms; however other signs, depending on the cause of the fatty liver, should be evident. Obesity has obvious signs, as does alcoholism. The more fats build up in the liver the more symptoms directly associated with a fatty liver may occur. An example is spider angioma, which occurs with cirrhosis, or the hardening of the liver due to the buildup of scar tissue. The elevation in blood pressure moving through the cirrhotic liver bursts the superfluous blood vessels near the skin. This gives the alcoholic, and sufferers of cirrhosis, the fabled red nose and star bursts in the cheeks.

Diagnosis

While a fatty liver may not be dangerous to begin with, it can engender serious conditions, such as cirrhosis. Diagnosis is typically performed by noting elevated liver enzymes in the blood, or looking at the liver during routine examinations. The liver may be enlarged, and collected fats may be visible on ultrasound scans or via other imaging techniques. Again, a doctor will typically check the liver either as part of a routine checkup, or because the patient is exhibiting other conditions which may lead to a fatty liver.

Steatohepatitis

Steatohepatitis is inflammation of the liver due to fat accumulation. When induced by excessive alcoholic consumption, the term "alcoholic hepatitis" is often used. Inflammation of the liver can lead to serious conditions, such as cirrhosis. Studies have shown that obesity causes steatohepatitis, typically called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, although the resulting conditions can be just as serious.

Super Size Me

Morgan Spurlock ate only McDonald's products for 30 days. He recorded his experience in his 2004 documentary "Super Size Me" about the fast food industry and obesity in the United States. He reported fats accumulating in his liver as a result of his diet. The movie shows his doctor, who regularly examined Spurlock, expressing surprise at the rapidity of the fatty build-up. It appears that eating fast foods excessively can lead to a fatty liver and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis.

Treatment

Treatment typically involves arresting the behavior that is creating the accumulation of fats. An alcoholic should stop drinking, and seek treatment or counseling to find the root cause of alcoholism. An obese person should seek to diet appropriately, cutting out all sugars and fatty foods, especially fast foods.Alternative treatments may be available for diabetics. It's important to preserve the liver, as liver failure and cirrhosis can have sweeping repercussions on other body processes. Liver failure can be fatal.