Last updated: January 01, 2023, 6:45 PM IST
A new study has found evidence that COVID-19 infection causes increased liver stiffness and can lead to long-term liver damage.
People who drink too much alcohol are highly susceptible to contracting the disease in their lifetime.
Fatty liver is a medical condition related to the accumulation of fat in a person’s liver that can impair its function over time. Medical experts have identified two types of fatty liver disease, one where a person has only fat but no damage to the liver, it is called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In another case, the accumulated fats show signs of inflammation and cell damage, which is known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). People who drink too much alcohol are highly susceptible to contracting the disease in their lifetime. Now, in a recent interaction with Hindustan Times, a medical expert has highlighted the four stages at which one should start worrying about fatty liver disease.
Worrying signs about fatty liver disease
Consultant Gastroenterologist, Dr Pratik Tibdewal, who works at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai, said the disease occurs in four stages.
First stage: The expert refers to this stage as ‘not a red flag’ because it refers to the time when fats begin to build up in the liver without any cell damage or inflammation. Most people don’t even realize they are carrying the disease at this stage.
Second podium
This stage indicates the time when the accumulated fat becomes inflamed and results in damage to liver tissues. If the condition becomes severe, it can lead to liver scarring and fibrosis.
Third stage
At this stage, the scarring of the liver becomes visible and the inflammation also affects the blood vessels. One should immediately seek help to reduce the scars to prevent further progression and damage.
Fourth stage
The expert suggests that the fourth stage is called cirrhosis, where the problem becomes deadly if the function of the liver stops completely. The signs and symptoms include pale skin, right lower rib pain, swelling, bleeding, and more. In severe cases, liver transplantation is also recommended for patients at this stage.
What are the risk factors for developing fatty liver disease?
While the exact cause of fatty liver disease has not yet been pinpointed, a report from Hopkins Medicine suggests that obesity is a common factor leading to the disease. The problem also occurs in people with high blood pressure, diabetes and high fat content.
Read all the Latest Lifestyle News here