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NASH and NAFLD

About NASH and NAFLD

Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

NASH and NAFLD are caused by excess fat accumulation in the liver. NAFLD is defined as a fat concentration of greater than 5- 10% of the weight of the liver. NASH is the presence of inflammation accompanying the fat. These conditions resemble alcoholic liver disease, but they occur in those who drink little or no alcohol.

Why it is Problematic

Fat in the liver can cause liver inflammation, which may then lead to permanent liver damage such as cirrhosis.

Causes and Risk Factors

NASH and NAFLD have no clearly defined causes, but some contributing risk factors have been identified, such as obesity, being overweight, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, diabetes, pre-diabetes, malnutrition,and hepatitis.

Symptoms

NAFLD and NASH sometimes have no symptoms. As the condition progresses it may cause vague symptoms that do not directly indicate a liver problem. These symptoms include:

Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
Nausea
Weakness
Fatigue
Jaundice
Fluid retention (edema)
Spider angiomas
Pain in the abdomen (upper right quadrant)
Confusion
Patchy skin discoloration found on the neck or underarm
Dark urine
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes)
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Weakness
Fever
Vomiting
Pale stool
Abdominal discomfort

Diagnosis

An ultrasound and blood can diagnose fatty liver disease caused by NASH and NAFLD. A liver biopsycan determine the stage of steatosis in NASH.

Treatment

Treatment for fatty liver disease will include a change in lifestyle patterns by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Prevention

Maintaining a healthy weight, eating properly, exercising, and avoiding alcohol can help in the prevention of NASH and NAFLD.

Incidence

It is estimated that between 20% and 25% of the U.S. population has NASH or NAFLD, making it the most common liver disease in the U.S.

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