Skip to main content

Don't Misinterpret Fatty Liver Symptoms as a Stomach Disorder

When the stomach feels pain or nausea, stomach upset is often considered the cause. Though there are various other disorders that can cause it, including fatty liver or fatty liver. As the second largest organ in the body, the liver functions to process whatever is consumed and filters everything that can be harmful to the body. The formation of fatty liver (steatosis) can interfere with this function. Fatty liver occurs when the liver is covered with fat more than 5% of the total weight of the liver.

Recognize the Difference between Fatty Liver and Stomach Disorders

Fatty liver can be divided into several types, namely fatty liver in alcoholic consumption (alcoholic fatty liver), non-alcoholic (nonalcoholic fatty liver / NAFL), and which occurs during pregnancy. All types of fatty liver are characterized by a number of symptoms, except fatty non-alcoholic liver. When fatty liver has been running for some time, there is a possibility the sufferer will experience pain in the upper right abdomen, fatigue, and weight loss. There are also other symptoms such as nausea, confusion, or difficulty concentrating. The skin of the neck or armpits appear black. At first glance, fatty liver symptoms are similar to gastric gastritis disorders. Gastritis symptoms are almost similar to fatty liver, which are nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. However, gastritis pain is usually felt in the upper abdomen. If it is severe, this pain is usually accompanied by vomiting of blood or red stool. In addition to gastric disorders, gastric and intestinal infections or gastroenteritis also have symptoms similar to fatty liver, namely nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. However, this disease is generally accompanied by fever, headache, or muscle aches.

Conduct an examination to the doctor

To ensure the condition of the liver, the doctor will do a physical examination, especially the abdomen. The liver will feel slightly enlarged when touched. The examination can be continued with a blood test. It is likely that the test will show liver enzymes that are higher than normal if fatty liver is present. If it is inadequate, the patient will be asked to undergo an ultrasound examination, CT scan, or MRI, to clarify how much fat is in the liver. Further examination can be done with a liver biopsy. Biopsy will ensure the condition of fatty liver as well as the cause. The appearance of fatty liver can be affected by several types of diseases. Some conditions or diseases that can increase the risk of fatty liver include high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypothyroidism, sleep disorders, and others.

How to Overcome Fatty Liver

The condition of fatty liver cannot be treated or operated on. Generally, doctors will provide recommendations to reduce risk factors by improving lifestyle. For example, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining stability in cholesterol and blood sugar levels and losing weight. In addition, the doctor will also advise patients to choose a healthier type of food to improve the condition of fatty liver, for example by replacing red meat with chicken or fish, and eating more vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. It is likely that doctors will also recommend fatty liver patients to get vaccinations for hepatitis A and B. This is needed to help protect the body from viruses that can worsen liver damage. Apply a healthy lifestyle to prevent liver disorders. Then, don't mistake the symptoms of fatty liver as another condition. Immediately consult a doctor to ascertain the cause of the symptoms you are experiencing and how to deal with the right.

Comments