Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Treatment in Pune, India

Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

Non-alcoholic related steatohepatitis (NASH) is now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

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Treatment Overview

Non-alcoholic related steatohepatitis (NASH) is now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Globally, the average prevalence of NASH ranges from 1.5% to 6.45%. It is the advanced stage of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a disorder characterized by the over deposition of fat in the liver, increased liver size, and loss of liver function. NAFLD is generally mild and asymptomatic. Even if a person does not drink, NAFLD can sometimes cause liver dysfunction similar to that caused by alcohol abuse if it advances to NASH.

Although minor liver damage can be repaired by the body, severe or long-term effects eventually result in the alteration of liver tissue with scar tissue (a process known as fibrosis). That can result in cirrhosis, a potentially fatal illness where the liver cannot function normally due to irreversible damage.

A common cause of chronic liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma is nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In contrast to NAFL, NASH carries the highest risk of developing into liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Numerous studies have demonstrated a correlation between the advancement of fibrosis and decreased survival rate. Making a distinction between the two enables earlier lifestyle modifications, medical interventions, cancer screening, and generally better treatment outcomes.

People with such serious liver diseases like NASH may have new hope because of modern diagnostic methods and treatment solutions like liver transplant.

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Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Treatment Overview

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What is Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

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What is Non- Alcoholic Steatohepatitis?

An accumulation of fat in the liver results in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is characterized by inflammation and damage of liver tissue along with loss of liver function. It is classified as part of the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease group of disorders. Someone might tell you that you have a "fatty liver." A large number of people have hepatic fat accumulation, but typically have no symptoms and no issues. However, fat can also lead to inflammation and harm liver cells in certain individuals when the condition progresses to NASH. The liver doesn't function as it should because of the damage.

NASH may worsen and result in hepatic scarring, ultimately leading to cirrhosis. However, the illness doesn't always worsen. NASH is comparable to the type of liver disease brought on by heavy, prolonged drinking. However, NASH happens to those who do not abuse alcohol.

Symptoms of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

People generally do not get symptoms in earlier stages. However, the most common symptoms associated to it are:

  • Pain in upper right abdomen (site of liver)
  • Weakness
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss

Advanced stages may start to resemble cirrhosis symptoms. You might observe:

Symptoms of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Symptoms
  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Abnormal bleeding or bruising
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swelling due to water retention in legs, feet or ankles
  • Itching
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Ascites (abnormal fluid retention in the abdomen0
  • Spider Like blood vessels
  • Abnormally red palms
  • Pale fingernails
  • Clubbing of the fingers (loss of the shape of finger tips)
  • Delayed or absence of periods unrelated to menopause
  • Loss of sex drive in men
  • Testicular shrinkage or breast enlargement (gynecomastia) in men
  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech
  • Drowsiness or slurred speech

Causes of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Following are the common causes or risk factors behind NASH:

  • Excessive body weight
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • High blood cholesterol levels
  • High blood pressure
  • High blood sugar
  • Diabetes
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Hypopituitarism
  • Old age
  • Postmenopause complications
  • Severe protein deficiency
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Sudden weight loss
Causes of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Diagnosis of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Diagnosis of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

To diagnose NASH, following examinations may help:

  • Medical history recording
  • Thorough physical examination
  • Liver function tests
  • Fibrosis assessment tests
  • Lipid panel
  • Abdominal ultrasound (noninvasive test that produces images using sound waves)
  • CT scan (computed tomography scan)
  • Liver stiffness tests
  • FibroScan (a specialized ultrasound that can measure liver scar tissue and fat)
  • Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE)
  • Liver biopsy

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Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

There are currently no drugs that can stop the progression of the NASH. Dietary and lifestyle modifications that lead to weight loss are the mainstays of NASH management.

Lose weight

There is evidence that your liver can have less fat if you lose three to five percent of your body weight. Additionally, losing five to ten percent of your body weight can help lower inflammation. You can develop a weight loss strategy at a healthy pace with the assistance of your doctor.

Manage blood sugar levels

It's crucial to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels and take your medications as prescribed if you have diabetes. However, avoiding sugar spikes from high-glycemic foods, like sweetened products and white starches, is crucial for everyone with NASH.

Have a balanced diet

Rich in monounsaturated fats, which are found in plants and seafood, and low in saturated fats, a balanced, heart-healthy diet is ideal.

Exercise regularly

This will help you manage your weight as well as stress, which can affect liver health. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least three times a week.

Coffee

Additionally, some research indicates that regular coffee consumption may help avoid liver fibrosis brought on by steatohepatitis linked to metabolic dysfunction.

Liver Transplant

If there is risk of liver failure or liver cancer due to NASH, liver transplant can be done.

Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Lifestyle Tips for Managing Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Lifestyle Tips for Managing Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Following are the lifestyle tips that can help you to manage the fatty liver disease to a great extent:

  • Avoid alcohol
  • Lose excessive weight with exercising
  • Make healthy eating habits
  • Control your metabolic disorders like diabetes, high cholesterol, and elevated triglycerides with doctor-advised medications
  • Take vitamin E on doctor’s advice
  • Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and hepatitis B as these viral infections are dangerous if you already have liver disease

Prevention Tips

Keeping yourself healthy is the best defense against fatty liver disease:

Conclusion

You might never think to worry about your liver if you don't drink much. However, this one is worth watching if you have any of the common risk factors for NASH, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or obesity. NASH can worsen for years without showing any symptoms. Practical lifestyle adjustments can help you regain control over your health even without medical intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is NASH's primary cause?

A: Patients who are overweight or obese are more likely to have NASH. Among the other risk factors are diabetes and elevated cholesterol levels.

Q2: Can you recover completely after NASH?

A: There isn't a medication that can reverse the accumulation of fat in your liver if you have NASH. There are instances where the liver damage ceases or even reverses. However, the illness worsens in some people. Controlling any conditions that can lead to fatty liver disease is crucial if you have nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Q3: Is fatty liver the same as NASH?

A: The disorder known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, causes the liver to become oversized. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, is one kind of NAFLD that can harm the liver. NASH happens when the accumulation of fat in the liver causes scarring and inflammation.

Q4: What is the most effective NASH treatment?

A: There are advantages to dropping even 3% to 5% of your weight. For certain individuals, weight-loss surgery or medication may also be beneficial. Patients with NASH-related cirrhosis may require a liver transplant.

Q5: What is the initial course of NASH treatment?

A: The first line of treatment for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is lifestyle modification, primarily increased physical activity (exercise), and sustained weight loss (by calorie restriction).

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