Fatty liver – hepatic steatosis

Hepatic steatosis, also known as fatty liver, is a condition in which excess fat builds up in liver cells. This accumulation can be caused by several factors, including excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, diabetes and certain medications. It is important to diagnose and treat it correctly, as in some cases it can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis of the liver or liver failure.

Symptoms of hepatic steatosis can vary and may include:

• Fatigue or weakness.
• Abdominal discomfort or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.
  heaviness in the right side of the abdomen
• Bloating.
• Loss of appetite.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyeballs).

Diagnosis of hepatic steatosis usually involves a combination of a medical history, physical examination, blood tests to assess liver function, and sometimes medical imaging such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or nuclear magnetic resonance (MRI) to assess the extent of fat accumulation in the liver.

Treatment may involve lifestyle changes such as weight loss and regular exercise, controlling blood glucose levels for people with diabetes, limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding medications that can damage the liver. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to treat complications or to slow the progression of the disease.

It is important that people with hepatic steatosis work closely with their doctor to manage the condition and reduce the risk of long-term complications.