Fatty Liver

It’s estimated that as many as 100 million people in the United States have fatty liver disease, and not because of heavy alcohol use. Excess fat in your liver may lead to scarring, cirrhosis, and, ultimately, liver failure. Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. - Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology can help treat fatty liver disease and monitor your progress to ensure your condition improves. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Burlingame, California, or request an appointment online today.

What is a fatty liver?

If you have a buildup of fat in your liver, you have fatty liver disease. There are two primary types of fatty liver disease including:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD)

NAFLD describes a fatty liver not caused by excessive alcohol consumption. NAFLD is becoming more and more common, especially in Western cultures, and seems to coincide with rising rates of obesity. Over time, the excess fat in the liver may lead to inflammation and scarring, which is referred to as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Alcoholic fatty liver disease

Alcoholic fatty liver disease, also referred to as steatohepatitis, occurs due to excessive consumption of alcohol over a long period of time.

Both types of fatty liver disease can lead to permanent liver damage and, ultimately, liver failure.

What causes fatty liver?

Heavy alcohol use over a long period of time leads to the development of alcoholic fatty liver diseases. 

With NAFLD, researchers aren’t certain of the exact cause. However, certain medical conditions seem to be risk factors, including:

• High cholesterol
• High triglycerides
• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Obesity

You’re at greater risk of NASH if you have a history of diabetes or obesity, and your risk of permanent liver damage increases as you get older.

How is fatty liver diagnosed?

Fatty liver disease develops without causing symptoms, which can make it difficult to get an early diagnosis. However, your doctor may suggest additional testing to assess liver health if you have any of the associated risk factors.

The team at Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. - Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology use diagnostic tests to determine if you have fatty liver disease, which may include:

• Blood test
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI

The team may also suggest taking a biopsy of your liver to further evaluate the extent of fatty infiltration and/or tissue damage. 

What are the treatments for a fatty liver?

The team at Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology develops individualized treatment plans for the management of your fatty liver. While the team may direct treatment at the underlying cause of your fatty liver, lifestyle changes are a major part of their treatment plan, which includes diet modification and regular exercise. 

If you’re overweight or obese, weight loss is recommended. The team at Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology specializes in weight loss and can design a plan that helps you achieve your weight-loss goals and improve your health. 

Cessation from alcohol use is also required. 

If you have concerns about fatty liver disease, contact Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology for advanced testing and innovative treatment.