Even though a simple form of the fatty liver does not cause any problem, without proper care or preventative steps, you may develop nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. NAFLD shares risk factors with other prevalent metabolic diseases, particularly those related to diet and lifestyle. Thus, like these diseases, tackling NAFLD will symptoms of alcohol related liver disease require a multifaceted approach targeting children, parents, teachers, politicians, stakeholders, doctors, patients, and all of society in general (fig 1). Many social and policy measures have been studied and evaluated for the prevention of non-communicable diseases related to NAFLD, but not for NAFLD specifically.

Doctors can treat the health problems caused by cirrhosis with medicines, operations, and other medical procedures. If the cirrhosis leads to liver failure, you may need a liver transplant. There are no medical treatments yet for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly may help prevent liver damage from starting or reverse it in the early stages. At present, there is no proven medication to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): Complications

In the United States, NAFLD is one of the most common causes of liver disease, affecting an estimated 24% of adults. In addition, a 2023 overview of research suggests that NAFLD has an estimated prevalence rate of roughly 11.5% to 46% among the global population. People with cirrhosis can develop liver failure and may need a liver transplant. NHS approved education and behaviour change app for people with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, obesity.

Any form of persistent hepatitis, including steatohepatitis, may eventually cause scar tissue (fibrosis) to form within the liver. When fibrosis first develops often there are many liver cells that continue to function quite well. They also recommend opting for plant-based protein rather than animal-based protein. People with cirrhosis of the liver have a life expectancy of between two and 12 years. If you have early-stage cirrhosis, treatment and lifestyle changes can help you live longer.

Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): Symptoms

So, most people with NAFLD do not develop serious liver disease. However, because NAFLD has become very common in recent years (probably because obesity has become much more common), NAFLD has become a common cause of cirrhosis. Blood tests can look for signs of fibrosis (scarring) of the liver. GPs might use a calculator called FIB-4 to estimate how likely there is to be liver scarring. Another blood test, called the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF®) test, can be useful as well for this.

• Normal LSM for pediatric patients ranges from 3.4 to 5.1 kPa.
• In other words, people with NAFLD should avoid alcohol as much as possible, preferably altogether.
• And, only a minority of people with NASH will progress to develop cirrhosis.
• For example, blood tests to detect various infections (such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C) and other causes of liver damage.
• A healthcare professional will assess a person’s symptoms and order additional testing to make a diagnosis.

It’s therefore advisable to cut down or stop drinking alcohol. See a GP urgently or call 111 if you have any of these symptoms https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and have a liver condition. If you already have diabetes, NAFLD increases your chance of developing heart problems.