{"id":873,"date":"2023-03-30T06:32:22","date_gmt":"2023-03-30T06:32:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=873"},"modified":"2023-04-04T06:39:06","modified_gmt":"2023-04-04T06:39:06","slug":"what-is-hepatic-steatosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/chronic-disease-medications\/what-is-hepatic-steatosis\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Hepatic Steatosis (Fatty Liver Disease)?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hepatic steatosis (also called fatty liver disease) occurs when extra fat is stored in the liver.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>There are two types of fatty liver seizure \u2014 alcohol-related and nonalcohol-related.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ranges from mild to severe.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chronic conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol may increase your risk of NAFLD.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>The best way to prevent NAFLD is to live a healthy lifestyle and to carefully manage your chronic conditions.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Find the best price for your medications with BidRx.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Hepatic steatosis, also known as \u201cfatty liver disease,\u201d is a condition caused by excess fat being stored in the liver. Hepatic steatosis is the most common cause of chronic liver disease across the globe.<\/p>\n<h2>Hepatic Steatosis Types<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s normal for your liver to have a small percentage of fat. Hepatic steatosis occurs when liver fat accounts for more than five percent of your liver\u2019s total weight.<\/p>\n<p>There are two types of fatty liver disease:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Alcohol-related fatty liver disease. <\/b>This term describes fatty liver disease related to alcohol consumption. It\u2019s also referred to as alcoholic fatty liver disease.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Non-alcohol related fatty liver disease. <\/b>This term describes fatty liver disease that isn\u2019t related to alcohol use. It\u2019s also referred to as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Hepatic Steatosis Symptoms<\/h2>\n<p>Many people living with fatty liver disease don\u2019t have any symptoms until the disease has progressed or caused liver damage.<\/p>\n<p>Potential symptoms include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Abdominal pain<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Fatigue or tiredness<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Yellowing skin or eyes (jaundice)<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Swelling in the legs or abdomen<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Unexplained weight loss<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Weakness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Hepatic Steatosis Causes and Risk Factors<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-880\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2.jpeg-83.jpg\" alt=\"Happy man jogging outside\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The exact cause of hepatic steatosis is unknown. However, health care experts believe it\u2019s linked to specific <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3342568\/#:~:text=The%20well%2Dknown%20primary%20causes,not%20have%20traditional%20risk%20factors.\">metabolic health conditions<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Hepatic steatosis is most common in middle-aged adults with one or more risk factors.<\/p>\n<p>Risk factors include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Diabetes or prediabetes<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Hepatitis C<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">High blood pressure (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/hypertension\/what-is-hypertension-symptoms-causes-diagnosis-treatment\/\">hypertension<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">High cholesterol<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Insulin resistance<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Obesity<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Obstructive sleep apnea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Certain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S1665268119309482\">medications<\/a> can contribute to fatty liver disease. The most common culprits include specific corticosteroids, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/ailment_details\/?ailment=Depression\">antidepressants<\/a>, and antipsychotic medications.<\/p>\n<h2>Hepatic Steatosis Diagnosis<\/h2>\n<p>Most cases of hepatic steatosis are found during routine blood tests. Your provider might suspect fatty liver disease if you have elevated liver enzymes. There are several tests your provider can order to confirm your diagnosis.<\/p>\n<p>Common diagnostic tests include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Computed tomography (CT) scan<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Liver function tests<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Ultrasound or specialized ultrasounds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These tests help your provider to see how your liver is functioning, look for fat deposits, and look for scar tissue.<\/p>\n<h3>Liver Biopsy<\/h3>\n<p>A liver biopsy can help your provider confirm how far your liver disease has progressed. Your provider will use a needle to take a tissue sample from your liver. They will look at the sample under a microscope to determine your diagnosis.<\/p>\n<h2>Hepatic Steatosis Stages<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-879\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/3.jpeg-79.jpg\" alt=\"scientist looking for disease markers\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Fatty liver disease presents on a spectrum. Some people live with the disease without any signs of progression or liver damage. Others go on to develop irreversible liver damage.<\/p>\n<p>Fatty liver disease is categorized into four stages:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Simple fatty liver disease.<\/b> Simple fatty liver is NAFLD that hasn\u2019t progressed to a more advanced stage. It\u2019s characterized by excess fat without inflammation or scarring.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Steatohepatits. <\/b>Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by excess fat and inflammation in the liver.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fibrosis. <\/b>Fibrosis is characterized by chronic inflammation and scarring in the liver. Fibrosis can easily progress to cirrhosis if left untreated.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cirrhosis.<\/b> Cirrhosis is characterized by inflammation and scarring that affects liver function. Cirrhosis is irreversible and can cause liver failure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Hepatic Steatosis Complications<\/h3>\n<p>Fatty liver disease isn\u2019t likely to cause complications unless it progresses beyond steatohepatitis. The most concerning complication of hepatic steatosis is cirrhosis.<\/p>\n<p>Cirrhosis is permanent and puts significant strain on your liver function. If left untreated, cirrhosis can progress to liver cancer or liver failure.<\/p>\n<p>Cirrhosis can also cause other worrying symptoms. This includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Easily bruising or bleeding<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Extreme fatigue<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Fluid retention and swelling<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Jaundice<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Internal bleeding<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Mental confusion<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Muscle wasting<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Weight loss<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Hepatic Steatosis Treatment<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-878\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/4.jpeg-39.jpg\" alt=\"Man talking to the doctor\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Healthy lifestyle changes are the first line of defense against fatty liver disease. The earlier you catch and start treating fatty liver disease, the better your odds at preventing progression will be.<\/p>\n<h3>Healthy Lifestyle Changes<\/h3>\n<p>There are a variety of lifestyle changes that can help you manage <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/chronic-disease-medications\/most-common-chronic-diseases-in-america\/\">chronic conditions<\/a>. This applies to managing fatty liver disease. Work with your provider to choose the best lifestyle changes for your treatment plan.<\/p>\n<p>Lifestyle practices that support liver health include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Avoiding medications that harm your liver<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Eating a healthy diet<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Exercising regularly<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Limiting or avoiding alcohol<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Maintaining a healthy weight<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Managing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/diabetes-medications\/diabetes-medications\/\">diabetes<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/category\/cholesterol-medications\/\">cholesterol<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/hypertension\/what-is-hypertension-symptoms-causes-diagnosis-treatment\/\">blood pressure<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Dietary Changes<\/h3>\n<p>If you have advanced stages of fatty liver disease, you may need to adopt a more restrictive diet. People with advanced <a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/002441.htm#:~:text=Eating%20fruits%20and%20vegetables%20and,Limiting%20your%20salt%20intake.\">liver disease<\/a> or liver damage have a harder time processing proteins. This makes it difficult for your body to manage waste.<\/p>\n<p>Dietary recommendations for people with liver disease include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Avoid uncooked shellfish<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Limit trans fats and saturated fats<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Limit your salt intake<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Take only the vitamins or supplements recommended by your provider<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Reduce your intake of animal proteins<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Medications<\/h3>\n<p>There are no medications approved to treat fatty liver disease. Researchers continue to work to identify the best clinical therapies for NAFLD. There are several clinical trials currently underway, but more research is needed before treatments can be approved.<\/p>\n<p>Potential treatment options include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/about-niddk\/research-areas\/liver-disease\/treatments-fatty-liver-disease-nash-study-pivens\"><b>Vitamin E<\/b><\/a>. Daily doses of the natural form of vitamin E (not synthetic) has been associated with improved liver function in patients with NASH.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cell.com\/med\/fulltext\/S2666-6340(21)00150-1?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2666634021001501%3Fshowall%3Dtrue\"><b>Leptin<\/b><\/a><b>.<\/b> The hormone leptin has shown promise at reducing liver fat in patients with NAFLD.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nih.gov\/news-events\/news-releases\/new-drug-common-liver-disease-improves-liver-health\"><b>Obeticholic acid (OCA)<\/b><\/a><b>. <\/b>OCA treatment has been linked to improved liver function in patients with NASH.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Though there isn\u2019t a medication approved to treat fatty liver disease, there are plenty of safe and effective medications approved for chronic conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Carefully managing these conditions can help to prevent the progression of fatty liver disease.<\/p>\n<h3>Cirrhosis Treatment Options<\/h3>\n<p>Intensive treatment is required once fatty liver disease has progressed to cirrhosis. Providers may need to use special medications or surgical procedures to treat cirrhosis. Liver transplants are the most invasive treatment used to treat the condition.<\/p>\n<h2>Hepatic Steatosis Prevention<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-877\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/5.jpeg-11.jpg\" alt=\"Man in a grocery store\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The same methods of treating fatty liver disease can also be used to prevent it. Practicing healthy habits can help to prevent most chronic health conditions, including hepatic steatosis.<\/p>\n<p>Experts recommend:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Avoiding alcohol or limiting how much you drink<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Being physically active<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Managing any chronic health conditions you have<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Taking medications exactly as prescribed<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Talking to your provider about medications or supplements that might affect your liver<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Get the Lowest Price for Your Medications<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-876\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/6.jpeg-9.jpg\" alt=\"Man on a laptop smiling\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A healthy lifestyle supports a healthy liver. There aren\u2019t medications on the market for treating fatty liver disease, so experts recommend making healthy choices and keeping any chronic conditions you have in check.<\/p>\n<p>At BidRx, we make it easier than ever to manage your health and save money in the process. We can get you the lowest prices for the medications you need, from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/ailment_details\/?ailment=Diabetes&amp;__mscta=3159_95630_11818\">diabetes medications<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/ailment_details\/?ailment=High%20Blood%20Pressure&amp;__mscta=3160_95630_11818\">blood pressure medications<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Simply sign up and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/Contents\/how-it-work\">create a bid<\/a> for your medication. Then sit back and relax while pharmacies from across the country compete for your business. Once you\u2019ve found the best price, you can choose from delivery or local pickup, depending on the offer you choose. Get started on our medication page today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Highlights Hepatic steatosis (also called fatty liver disease) occurs when extra fat is stored in&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":875,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[43,57],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-873","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chronic-disease-medications","category-liver-disease-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/873","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=873"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/873\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":881,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/873\/revisions\/881"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/875"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=873"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=873"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=873"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}