Gastroenterology, by video or in person
Fatty Liver Disease
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Fatty Liver Disease
- Usually no symptoms, found on an ultrasound or a liver blood test
- Tiredness
- A dull ache or discomfort in the upper right side of the tummy
- Signs of advanced liver disease in late stages: yellow eyes, a swollen tummy, swollen legs
Fatty liver means fat has built up in the liver. It is very often found by chance on an abdominal ultrasound or with slightly raised liver tests. The most common type is linked to being overweight, a large waist, type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and is now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Drinking too much alcohol causes a similar picture. In most people it causes no harm on its own, but in some it leads to inflammation and scarring (fibrosis), which over years can progress to cirrhosis. The key question after a fatty liver finding is whether there is scarring, which simple blood test scores or a special scan can answer. Fatty liver can improve, and often reverse, with weight loss.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Usually no symptoms, found on an ultrasound or a liver blood test
- Tiredness
- A dull ache or discomfort in the upper right side of the tummy
- Signs of advanced liver disease in late stages: yellow eyes, a swollen tummy, swollen legs
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if you vomit blood or pass black, tarry stools, become yellow and drowsy or confused, or your tummy swells quickly. See a doctor if a scan or blood test shows fatty liver, so your risk of scarring can be checked and your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol tested. A gastroenterologist can read your results and decide whether you need a scan of liver stiffness.
Treatment options
- Losing weight gradually if you are overweight, which can reduce liver fat and scarring
- Being active most days
- Cutting down sugary drinks, refined starch and fried food
- Cutting down or stopping alcohol
- Treating diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
- A check for liver scarring with a blood test score or a liver stiffness scan
- Avoiding herbal remedies and supplements not advised by a doctor
Common Questions
Is fatty liver serious?
For most people it is a warning sign rather than a disease that harms them, but it can lead to scarring in some. Checking for scarring and treating the causes matters more than the scan finding itself.
Is there a medicine or herbal cleanse for fatty liver?
Weight loss and treating diabetes and cholesterol are the main treatments. Liver cleanses and herbal remedies do not remove liver fat, and some herbs can damage the liver.
Can a gastroenterologist review my scan by video?
Yes. A specialist can go through your ultrasound and blood test results on a call, assess your risk and plan the next tests.
Need Help?
A stomach, bowel and liver specialist on a video call, who reads your results and says whether you need a scope or a scan.
See a gastroenterologist by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified gastroenterology specialist near you.
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