Our Services / Fatty Liver

What is fatty liver?

Your liver assists with digestion, removes toxins, and stores the energy your body needs to function.

Fatty liver disease is the buildup of fat deposits in your liver. The fat buildup can be caused by heavy alcohol use (alcoholic fatty liver disease) or because of underlying liver damage (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease).

Alcoholic fatty liver disease

When you consume alcohol, your liver breaks it down to help remove it from your body. However, this process can release harmful substances that damage your liver cells and cause inflammation.

Heavy alcohol use can cause early-stage liver disease and increase your risk of developing conditions like cirrhosis, the hardening and scarring of the liver tissue.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

The cause of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease isn’t well understood. It does appear that you’re more likely to develop fatty liver due to things like:

• Obesity
• Hepatitis C
• Type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure

Taking corticosteroids and other medications can also increase your risk of developing fatty liver disease.

How is fatty liver disease diagnosed?

Fatty liver disease doesn’t usually cause symptoms. Dr. Bahamonde can determine if you need a diagnostic evaluation for fatty liver by reviewing your medical history and alcohol use.

You should also schedule an evaluation if you have jaundice, a yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes. Jaundice is an indication that your liver isn’t functioning properly.

To identify fatty liver disease, Dr. Bahamonde can order blood tests to see if your liver is functioning correctly. She can also order an ultrasound or other diagnostic imaging test to measure the size of your liver.

These tests and procedures can also show if your liver is inflamed or suspicious tissue is present.

In some cases, Dr. Bahamonde will need to do a biopsy, taking a sample of liver tissue during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. She sends the sample to a medical lab for further testing.

How is fatty liver treated?

If you have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Dr. Bahamonde can work with you on dietary and lifestyle changes to help you lose weight. She also works with you to control your high blood pressure or other existing health conditions to prevent further liver damage.

When you are being treated for alcoholic fatty liver disease, you must stop drinking immediately. Dr. Bahamonde can provide you with resources to help you quit using alcohol for good.

If your liver is already damaged, she can prescribe medications to prevent additional damage. Dr. Bahamonde also helps you improve your nutrition and general health to preserve your liver function.

To find out if you need diagnostic testing for fatty liver disease, book an appointment online today or call Center For Digestive Healing. You can also schedule a visit via telemedicine.

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