The liver is the largest internal organ. It is vital for food digestion and the removal of poisons from the body. It acts as a filter and detoxes the blood. With the rise of obesity in the United States, liver disease in Katy, TX has also been on the rise. Dr. Kevin Marks of Premier Gastroenterology is a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist and can diagnose and treat fatty liver disease.
There are two types of fatty liver disease, NAFLD (Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) and alcoholic fatty liver disease. With NAFLD damage is not caused by alcohol. There are two types of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Simple fatty liver has no inflammation and no damage is caused to the liver. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) causes inflammation in the liver and damage to cells.
Who Is at Risk for Fatty Liver Disease in Katy, TX
If you drink alcoholic beverages in excess, you are in danger of developing alcoholic fatty liver disease. But when it comes to NAFLD it is not so clear what the actual causes are. Many things can factor in.
Obesity is a key factor, as are diabetes and prediabetes. If you are more than 50 and Hispanic, you are at higher risk. If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, this also increases your risk significantly. Having certain diseases and using some medications can also raise your risk, but the exact cause is not known.
Diagnosis
Since fatty liver disease may not have any symptoms, getting an early diagnosis requires that it be discovered through a blood test. If your liver function numbers are off, this may require additional tests. Some signs may be present when you get a physical exam, such as jaundice and an enlarged liver. Your doctor may also question your alcohol intake.
Treatment
No medication is available to treat fatty liver disease of either type. With NAFLD, your doctor may recommend weight loss. A good look will be taken at the medication that you are taking, and it may be recommended that you change some of them. For alcoholic fatty liver disease, the treatment is obvious, you need to stop drinking. The liver is a forgiving organ and if you stop before it has developed cirrhosis, which causes extensive damage and scarring, it can regenerate itself.
Developing a healthier lifestyle can increase your chance of keeping a healthy liver. Eating healthy foods, avoiding alcohol, getting plenty of exercise, and keeping up with your vaccinations are all helpful when it comes to avoiding a diseased liver.
If you are suffering from fatty liver disease in Katy, TX, give the office of Dr. Marks at Premier Gastroenterology a call to make an appointment today at (281) 392-0425.