Fatty Liver Disease Treatment in Katy, TX
Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver. Also known as hepatic steatosis, fatty liver disease can be associated with metabolic conditions, certain lifestyle factors, medications, alcohol use, or other underlying health concerns. Early fatty liver disease may cause few noticeable symptoms, but ongoing liver inflammation or damage can increase the risk of more serious complications. At Katy Integrative Gastroenterology, our gastroenterology team provides personalized evaluation and management for patients with fatty liver disease and related liver concerns.
If you have been diagnosed with fatty liver disease or have risk factors for liver disease, a gastroenterologist in Katy, TX can evaluate your medical history, lifestyle, laboratory results, and overall health. Depending on your individual situation, evaluation may include liver enzyme testing, imaging, or additional testing to assess liver health and determine an appropriate management plan.
What is Fatty Liver Disease?
Fatty liver disease is a condition caused by excess fat buildup in the liver cells. It is most common in middle-aged people. Fatty liver disease is also called hepatic steatosis. Fatty liver is of two types:
- Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver: Buildup of fat in the liver is not associated with the consumption of alcohol.
- Alcoholic Fatty Liver: Buildup of fat in the liver is associated with excess alcohol consumption.
Simple fatty liver is an early stage of fatty liver disease and often not serious. Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is an advanced stage that causes inflammation of the liver and damage to liver cells causing liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, ascites, and ultimately, liver failure
Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease
Symptoms of NASH include:
- Enlarged liver
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Fatigue
- Yellowing of eyes and skin
- Swelling of abdomen and legs
- Enlarged blood vessels
- Enlarged breasts in men
- Mental confusion
- Tiredness and weakness
Risk Factors
Several risk factors are associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease:
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- High levels of triglycerides (fat) in the blood
- Fat concentrated in the abdomen
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High intake of refined carbohydrates or sugary beverages
- Impaired gut health
- Chronic hepatitis
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Sleep apnea
Diagnosis of Fatty Liver Disease
Your doctor will ask for your symptoms and perform a physical examination. Your doctor will also take your medical history such as your lifestyle habits, alcohol consumption, history of liver disease, etc. Blood tests including alanine aminotransferase test (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase test (AST) may be ordered to check elevated levels of liver enzymes associated with inflammation. Imaging techniques such as an X-ray or CT-scan or MRI may be used to check for excess fat in the liver.
Liver biopsy: It is recommended if your doctor suspects liver cirrhosis. You will be given medicines to manage pain and help you relax. Your doctor numbs the abdomen area at the site of needle insertion. A small amount of liver tissue is taken with the help of a special needle and send to the laboratory for observation.
Treatment of Fatty Liver Disease
The only option to treat fatty liver disease is to prevent it from getting worse. The treatment options include:
- Quitting alcohol consumption
- Shedding those extra kilos
- Managing diabetes and blood pressure
- Getting your cholesterol down
- Being physically active
- Preventing hepatitis
- Consuming nutritious food
- Cutting excess sugars and refined carbohydrates in your diet
- Getting dietary supplements and natural remedies to detox your liver (only on prescription)
- Antiviral medications (if hepatitis is the cause)
- Liver transplant (in the case of liver failure)
Why Choose Katy Integrative Gastroenterology for Fatty Liver Disease in Katy, TX?
Choosing a gastroenterology practice for fatty liver disease care involves more than finding a convenient location. At Katy Integrative Gastroenterology, our team takes a personalized approach to evaluating liver health and identifying factors that may contribute to fat accumulation in the liver.
We take the time to review your medical history, medications, alcohol intake, dietary habits, metabolic health, and laboratory or imaging results. This comprehensive evaluation can help determine the severity of fatty liver disease and whether additional testing or monitoring may be appropriate.
Our practice also takes an integrative approach to digestive and liver health, incorporating gastroenterology, nutrition, and functional medicine when appropriate. Individualized recommendations regarding nutrition, physical activity, weight management, and other lifestyle factors may be incorporated into your overall care plan.
Patients in Katy, Houston, and surrounding communities can access personalized gastroenterology care for fatty liver disease and other liver and digestive concerns.
Fatty Liver Disease FAQs
What is fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells. It can have different causes, including metabolic factors and alcohol use. Some people have no symptoms, while others may develop signs of liver inflammation or more advanced liver disease.
What are the symptoms of fatty liver disease?
Early fatty liver disease often causes few or no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include fatigue or discomfort in the upper right abdomen. More advanced liver disease may cause jaundice, abdominal or leg swelling, weakness, or other symptoms that require medical evaluation.
What causes fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease can be associated with several factors, including excess body weight, diabetes, high triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, diets high in added sugars or refined carbohydrates, alcohol use, and certain other medical conditions. Your gastroenterologist can evaluate your individual risk factors.
How is fatty liver disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with a review of your medical history, lifestyle factors, symptoms, and laboratory results. Blood tests may be used to evaluate liver enzymes and other markers of liver health. Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI may help identify fat in the liver. Additional testing may be recommended when necessary.
Can fatty liver disease be reversed?
In many cases, lifestyle and metabolic changes can help reduce liver fat and improve liver health, particularly when the condition is identified early. Your healthcare provider can recommend an individualized approach based on your underlying causes, overall health, and degree of liver involvement.
How is fatty liver disease treated?
Treatment focuses on addressing the factors contributing to liver fat and preventing progression. Depending on your individual needs, management may include nutritional changes, physical activity, weight management, control of diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol, limiting or avoiding alcohol when appropriate, and monitoring liver health.
Schedule a Fatty Liver Disease Evaluation in Katy, TX
If you have been diagnosed with fatty liver disease or are concerned about your liver health, Katy Integrative Gastroenterology can help evaluate your condition and develop an individualized approach to managing your digestive and liver health.
Our gastroenterology team provides personalized care for patients in Katy, Houston, and surrounding communities. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about fatty liver disease evaluation and management in Katy, TX.
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