Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) cases are on the rise worldwide, along with increasing cases of other chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes. This includes a range of liver conditions that affect people who drink little or no alcohol. NAFLD can occur when excess fat accumulates in the liver cells- and in the early stages there are no symptoms, in the later stages people may experience fatigue, abdominal pain or discomfort, abdominal swelling, red palms, enlarged spleen, yellow eyes. and skin. (Also Read: 8 Fruits You Should Eat To Reverse Fatty Liver Disease)
Viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are the three most prevalent types of liver diseases in the country. A and E are foodborne and relatively harmless forms of viral hepatitis, while B, C, and D are blood-borne and can cause liver failure and cancer. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) estimates the prevalence of hepatitis B and C in India to be 4-5% and 1-2% respectively.
Methods of managing a chronic case of NAFLD
“Chronic and life-threatening cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) require medical attention and management to prevent further progression and complications. Treatment options depend on the severity of the disease and associated complications,” says Dr Vijay Kumar. Rai, Senior Consultant, Gastroenterology, Librett.
Here are some treatment options for chronic and life-threatening cases of NAFLD suggested by Dr. Rai.
1. Weight Loss: Weight loss is the most effective way to manage NAFLD, especially since obesity is a significant risk factor. Losing weight can help reduce the amount of fat in the liver, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of developing other health complications associated with NAFLD.
2. Lifestyle modifications: In addition to weight loss, lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet and regular exercise can help manage NAFLD. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein helps reduce the risk of developing NAFLD. Regular exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and improve overall liver function.
3. Medicines: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage NAFLD. For example, drugs such as pioglitazone and vitamin E have been shown to improve liver function in patients with NAFLD. However, these medications are only recommended for patients with advanced NAFLD and should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
4. Management of Associated Health Conditions: NAFLD is often associated with other health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Managing these conditions through medications, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of developing complications associated with NAFLD.
5. Liver transplant: In cases where NAFLD has progressed to end-stage liver disease, a liver transplant may be necessary. A liver transplant is a surgical procedure in which a damaged liver is replaced with a healthy liver from a donor. It is a complex and expensive procedure that requires lifelong medication and monitoring to prevent rejection and complications.
“It is important to note that early diagnosis and management are critical to preventing the progression of NAFLD and related complications. Regular screening and monitoring of liver function and related health conditions can help detect and manage NAFLD at an early stage, reducing the need for further. aggressive and expensive treatment,” says Dr Rai.
“Chronic and life-threatening cases of NAFLD require medical attention and management to prevent further progression and complications. Treatment options depend on the severity of the disease and associated complications. Weight loss, medications, liver transplants, lifestyle modifications, and management of associated health conditions are some of the treatments available. The options are. Early diagnosis and management is important to prevent progression of NAFLD and related complications,” adds Dr. Rai.