Do Not Ignore Swelling In These 4 Areas; Could Be A Sign Of Fatty Liver Disease

From detoxifying harmful substances, metabolising nutrients to producing bile for digestion, the liver performs several vital functions. It is the largest internal organ in the human body, which makes it susceptible to damage. When the liver is damaged, its ability to function properly is compromised, leading to the accumulation of toxins and waste products in the bloodstream, potentially causing severe health issues such as jaundice, liver failure, and other life-threatening conditions. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe, depending on the stage of liver damage. 

Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Ajay Kumar, Chairman, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endoscopy, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, lists down the most common symptoms of fatty liver disease and ways to prevent it. 

What Is A Fatty Liver Disease?

Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis, occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver. This fat buildup can be caused by various factors, including obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and insulin resistance. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the most common form, and if left untreated, it can progress to more severe stages, such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which may lead to inflammation, fibrosis, and potential cirrhosis. 

Dr Kumar said, “The incidence of chronic hepatitis B and C has decreased but NAFLD has emerged as an important cause of cirrhosis in India. One in every 3 Indians have fatty liver disease. India being a diabetic capital, worsens the problem further, as diabetic patients are at risk of developing advanced grades of fatty liver disease, namely liver cirrhosis.”

According to a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), cases of NAFLD have increased from 39.1 crore in 1990 to 88.2 crore in 2017, with the prevalence rate increasing from 8.2-10.9% during the same period. 

“The increasing trends were consistent across sexes. Case numbers were highest in East Asia, followed by South Asia, then North Africa and the Middle East,” the research paper added. 

Here are some symptoms associated with fatty liver:

• Fatigue with or without swelling of feet
• Abdominal fullness due to accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity(ascites)
• Generalised swelling of the whole body (anasarca)
• Anaemia

Complications Can Lead To Swelling

Liver disease at an early stage may not cause any harm and can remain asymptomatic. However, if the disease progresses, it can cause permanent damage. The final stage of liver disease is called cirrhosis, which refers to severe scarring of the liver. According to Mayo Clinic, liver damage caused by cirrhosis generally can't be undone and can begin to cause more visible signs. Swelling in certain parts of the body has become more common. These areas include:

• Legs
• Ankles
• Feet
• Abdomen

"The increased pressure in the portal vein can cause fluid to accumulate in the legs, called edema, and in the abdomen, called ascites. Edema and ascites also may happen if the liver can't make enough of certain blood proteins, such as albumin," says the health research body.

Things To Remember

Liver damage and diseases such as NAFLD can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, says Dr Kumar. He recommends:

• Doing regular exercise (aerobics and resistance) 
• Consuming a low fat, low sugar and fibre-rich diet

In addition, you must avoid drinking, smoking, and other harmful habits. Get vaccinated against hepatitis and avoid contact with other people's blood and body fluids, since some forms of hepatitis can spread from person to person.