Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) in Lubbock, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is non-alcoholic steatohepatitis?
There are two types of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, commonly called NAFLD. The first involves an excess of fat in the liver that doesn't cause any real symptoms and has no coexisting inflammation. This type is typically found and diagnosed when additional tests are being performed. If this disease is having an impact on your health, your provider will review the steps you can take to avoid damaging your liver further. This particular type of NAFLD is also often considered benign, however, it does have the potential to progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
The other type is more serious than NAFLD and is called NASH. NASH is also characterized by a buildup of fat in your liver accompanied by inflammation. NASH is generally discovered in larger individuals, who have diabetes, high blood sugar, and/or high cholesterol. Unless properly treated, NASH can harm liver function and cause other health problems.
NASH is often diagnosed by the GI providers at your nearest Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates location or hepatologists who partner with other medical specialists to provide comprehensive care. For more information about NASH treatments in Lubbock, TX, connect with our team today.
What are the symptoms of NASH?
Many patients who have non-alcoholic steatohepatitis manage day-to-day without having symptoms. NASH can sometimes cause scarring of the liver, which is known as cirrhosis. If NASH symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Constant fatigue
- Pain or aching in the upper right part of your abdomen
- Unintentional loss of weight
If you have been diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and begin to have trouble breathing, your legs are starting to swell, or are unusually tired, contact your GI provider right away. The talented team at a Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates near you can help.
Who is at risk for developing NASH?
It is not yet known what causes NASH to develop. Although it can affect younger individuals, NASH is typically seen in adults. Additional risk factors for NASH include:
- High blood pressure
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Post-menopausal phase of life
- High cholesterol
- Adult-onset diabetes (type 2 diabetes)
- High blood sugar levels
- Hispanic or Asian descent (although it can impact anyone)
- Obesity
How is NASH treated?
Without treatment, NASH can cause more health problems, like cirrhosis, liver cancer, and ultimately, liver failure. Once it is diagnosed, managing your weight, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol can help not only your liver, but your body.
After you've been diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, you will need to regularly visit your Lubbock, TX gastroenterologist/hepatologist to monitor your liver. Treatments for NASH could be comprised of a combination of eating healthy, limiting your sugar and sodium intake, and getting regular exercise. Additionally, we'll need to address any previous conditions that are known to increase the risk and/or severity of NASH.
Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis FAQs
What are the primary differences between NAFLD and NASH?
NAFLD and NASH are forms of fatty liver disease. NAFLD is characterized by the buildup of fat in the liver, however, no damage has occurred. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is a form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease that is also characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, but inflammation, damage, and even scarring have developed.
How do you identify the signs of NASH if there are no symptoms?
Though there may be no outward symptoms of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, you might experience fatigue or pain in the upper right abdominal area (where the liver is located). Typically, the initial indication of a liver disease like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is when cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) occurs. Cirrhosis may cause certain symptoms you can observe, such as:
- Yellowish appearance to the skin and eyes
- Swelling in the abdominal area
- Itching
In the absence of care, what health complications can occur with NASH?
Without treatment, NASH may result in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver. Liver fibrosis occurs when inflammation and scarring impact the liver. This scar tissue can overcome healthy tissue (cirrhosis), which may cause liver function to slow or cease altogether. Without care, fibrosis and cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer and, ultimately, liver failure.
Is it possible to reverse the effects of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis?
Those who are in the beginning stages of NASH and have not endured advanced liver damage may be able to successfully reverse the effects with lifestyle modifications, such as proper nutrition, regular exercise, and weight loss. However, if chronic or more severe damage has developed, the effects of NASH might be irreversible. Our Lubbock, TX digestive health team can provide further details about this disease.
Protect your liver health
Finding the medical attention you need to preserve your liver health and reduce the results of NASH can increase your quality of life. At Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates , our GI providers are passionate about placing your overall wellness first, and we take a patient-centric approach to provide individualized service. If you have recently been diagnosed with this condition or are searching for a specialist who can offer treatment for NASH in Lubbock, TX contact one of our locations to request a consultation with a gastroenterology provider.
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