Fatty Liver Disease in Lubbock, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease (FLD or steatohepatitis) is a condition characterized by a buildup of fat in the cells of the liver. Steatohepatitis manifests in two primary forms: non-alcoholic FLD and alcoholic FLD. This can create hepatitis (liver inflammation), which can, in turn, evolve into scarring and irreversible damage. If the severity of the disease gets worse, or if it is left untreated, fatty liver disease can progress to hepatic cirrhosis and eventually liver failure.
It is key to notice the signs your body is sending you and connect with a GI specialist at Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates . Our expert doctors proudly offer personalized treatment for fatty liver disease in Lubbock, TX.
What are the symptoms of fatty liver disease?
Hepatic steatosis can develop in the body without triggering any noticeable symptoms. Some of the symptoms of FLD that you may experience, however, can include:
- Abdominal enlargement and puffiness in the legs
- Red palms
- Feeling full in the center or top right side of the abdomen
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Tiredness
- Discomfort in the upper right abdomen
- Oversized blood vessels just below the skin’s surface
- Oversized breasts in men
- Oversized liver
What are the causes of FLD?
There are several types of FLD among Lubbock, TX patients, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis being the two most common forms. The reasons for the non-alcoholic conditions are not well-known, but they are linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, hyperglycemia, and enhanced levels of lipid in the blood. AFLD is brought on by consuming an extreme amount of alcohol.
How is fatty liver disease addressed?
The treatment your GI physician recommends for fatty liver disease will depend on which form the disease takes and how scarred the liver has become. Often, the liver is still functional enough to keep operating as normal. Nevertheless, if treatment is warranted, your GI specialist at Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates may advise the following:
- Weight loss
- Hepatitis A and B vaccinations
- Avoiding alcohol (if the cause of your symptoms is AFLD)
- Liver transplant
What is the difference between NAFLD and alcoholic steatohepatitis?
Both non-alcoholic FLD and alcoholic FLD have the potential to progress to cirrhosis and even liver failure if left untreated. The principal difference between the two is that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is frequently associated with overweight individuals and people with diabetes. Alcoholic FLD is exclusively associated with overconsumption of alcohol.
Find effective care for fatty liver disease
If you're dealing with hepatic steatosis and live in Lubbock, TX, rest assured that you have options for treatment. Our network of gastroenterologists aims to provide patient-centered therapy that maintains the highest clinical principles. If you think or have been diagnosed with fatty liver disease, schedule a consultation with our gastrointestinal specialists and entrust your health to Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates .
Fatty Liver Disease FAQs
Are there any foods you should avoid eating if you have fatty liver disease?
If you have fatty liver disease, you might be searching for ways to improve your liver health and general wellness. Some of the foods and beverages you may want to remove from your diet are:
- Foods high in salt
- Sugary foods and drinks (such as candy, cake and cookies, juices, sodas, and more)
- Alcohol
- White flour (white bread, white pasta) and white rice
- Red meat (hamburgers, steak, and more)
- Fried food
What foods are ideal to eat if you have fatty liver disease?
Individuals with fatty liver disease often consider eating the “Mediterranean diet.” This diet consists of whole grains (barley, quinoa, oats, brown rice, etc.), vegetables and fruits, a variety of nuts, lean meats (chicken, fish, turkey, etc.), and healthy fats (such as avocados). Your GI provider at Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates can help you determine if a change in diet is ideal for your needs.
Is fatty liver disease a preventable condition?
Taking steps to maintain your overall health may help prevent the development of fatty liver disease. Losing weight if considered overweight, following an exercise routine, eating a wholesome diet, and limiting alcohol consumption can lessen the chances of having this condition.
What are some questions to ask your physician if you are diagnosed with fatty liver disease?
If you receive a diagnosis of fatty liver disease, it’s only natural to have several questions, concerns, or even fears. A few questions to discuss with your GI provider might include:
- What damage has occurred to my liver?
- Is any liver damage reversible?
- Are any of my medications possibly impacting my fatty liver disease?
- Should I lose weight to improve the health of my liver?
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