Steatosis
Symptoms ofNAFLD
There aren't usually any symptoms of NAFLD in the early stages. You probably won't know you have it unless it's diagnosed during tests carried out for another reason.
Occasionally, people with NASH or fibrosis (more advanced stages of the disease) may experience:
- a dull or aching pain in the top right of thetummy (over the lower right side of the ribs)
- fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- unexplained weight loss
- weakness
If cirrhosis (the most advanced stage) develops, you can get more severe symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes ( jaundice ), itchy skin, and swelling in the legs, ankles, feetor tummy.
However, blood tests don't always pick up NAFLD.
The condition may also be spotted during an ultrasound scan of your tummy. This is a type of scan where sound waves are used to create an image of the inside of your body.
If you're diagnosed with NAFLD, further tests may be needed to determine which stage you have. This may involve a special blood test or having another type of ultrasound scan (Fibroscan). Some people may also need a small sample of liver tissue ( biopsy ) taken using a needle to have it analysed in a laboratory.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about the symptoms, causes and types of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a range of conditions caused by a build-up of fat within the liver cells.
Stages of NAFLD
NAFLD develops in four main stages. Most people will only everdevelop the first stage, usually without realising it. In small number of cases itcan progress and eventually lead to liver damage if not
Am I at risk of NAFLD?
You're at an increased risk of NAFLD if you: are obese or overweight particularly if you have a lot of fat around your waist (an "apple-like" body shape) have type 2 diabetes have high blood pre
Symptoms ofNAFLD
There aren't usually any symptoms of NAFLD in the early stages. You probably won't know you have it unless it's diagnosed during tests carried out for another reason. Occasionally, people with NASH o
Treatment for NAFLD
Most people with NAFLD won't develop any serious problems, but if you're diagnosed with the condition it's a good idea to take steps to stop it getting any worse. There's currently no specific medica
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