Pain on the right side of your abdomen is also a symptom of other conditions, including excess gas, so it doesn’t mean you need to worry. However, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor if you’re experiencing it often or have other symptoms on top of it.
If you’re always experiencing fatigue, it’s best to see your doctor to find the root cause of your condition.
Unexplained weight loss is also a symptom of other medical conditions, and your doctor can help you determine the cause and get proper treatment.
You’re more likely to experience jaundice when your fatty liver disease is more advanced, but your doctor can still get you on a treatment plan.
Edema can cause a lot of discomfort, but your doctor will provide treatments to help you find relief.
Other conditions can also cause confusion, but your doctor will help you figure out if your symptoms are related to fatty liver disease.
Keep in mind that you may not have any symptoms with an enlarged liver.
Obesity. Insulin resistance. High blood sugar (also known as hyperglycemia). High levels of fat in your blood. Preeclampsia during pregnancy. Being in your 40s or 50s.
When making the appointment, let the receptionist know you’re concerned about a possible diagnosis of fatty liver disease. This helps the medical staff ensure all testing equipment is available the day of your appointment. It’s helpful to keep a journal of your symptoms to make it easier to remember how often you’re experiencing them.
A complete blood count (CBC). Liver function tests (including albumin, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and prothrombin time tests). Tests for viral hepatitis (A,C, and others). A celiac disease test. Fasting blood sugar levels. Hemoglobin A1C, which provides an overview of blood sugar stability. Lipid profile, including cholesterol and triglycerides.
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of your internal organs, which lets your doctor see what your liver looks like. This test can often detect fatty liver with up to 80-90% accuracy. A computerized tomography (CT) scan combines X-rays from different angles of your body to create an image of what your liver looks like. Like an ultrasound, a CT can detect fatty liver with great accuracy. It can also detect other masses on and around the liver, such as tumors. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create a detailed view of your abdomen, giving your doctor the best look at your liver. Transient elastography is an enhanced version of an ultrasound, which uses sound waves to figure out how stiff your liver is. However, this test is normally used only for alcohol-related fatty liver disease.
You probably won’t need a biopsy. However, your doctor will ensure the process is as painless and easy as possible, if you do.
Talk to your doctor to find out what your target weight should be. Additionally, always check with your doctor before you make dietary changes or start a new exercise program. If you’re struggling with healthy eating, visit a dietitian for advice. They’ll talk to you about your eating habits and what you enjoy eating. Then, they’ll create a healthy diet that meets your preferences. There’s some evidence that bariatric surgery can be helpful if you have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease along with obesity. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Ask your doctor if this may be a good option for you.
Talk to your doctor to find out what your target weight should be. Additionally, always check with your doctor before you make dietary changes or start a new exercise program. If you’re struggling with healthy eating, visit a dietitian for advice. They’ll talk to you about your eating habits and what you enjoy eating. Then, they’ll create a healthy diet that meets your preferences. There’s some evidence that bariatric surgery can be helpful if you have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease along with obesity. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Ask your doctor if this may be a good option for you.
Reducing the amount of fat in your diet. For example, they might recommend that you avoid fried foods, fatty meats, and high-fat diary. Increasing your fiber intake. Exercising 30 minutes a day, 4-5 days a week. Quitting cigarettes, if you use them. Taking medications to lower your cholesterol levels.
If you’re an alcoholic, quitting can be difficult. Fortunately, your doctor can help by connecting you with a support group or giving you a prescription to help you stop drinking. If you’ve been diagnosed with fatty liver, your doctor will probably advise you to quit drinking alcohol completely and permanently.
See your doctor for regular checkups and take all your prescribed medications according to your doctor’s instructions. If you have diabetes, keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels to make sure that they are well controlled.
Always take your medications as directed by your doctor.
Your doctor can tell you if these vaccinations are right for you.