What are the symptoms of fatty liver? Is fatty liver serious?

Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
Updated on January 18, 2025
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If you have fatty liver disease, the symptoms are essentially the same as those of chronic hepatitis B and C, which include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, aversion to oily foods, and fatigue. Additionally, patients with fatty liver disease may experience a sensation of swelling and pain in the liver area. At this point, further liver function tests such as measuring transaminase and bilirubin levels can be conducted, and performing a hepatobiliary ultrasound can definitively diagnose the condition. If the fatty liver is due to obesity, it is advisable to strictly control food intake and engage in active and reasonable exercise for weight loss, as fatty liver can be reversed. However, if the fatty liver is due to long-term excessive alcohol consumption, it is recommended to strictly quit smoking and drinking, combined with reasonable exercise and diet control, as fatty liver can also be reversed.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What should women with fatty liver pay attention to?

For fatty liver, it is important to note the following points: First, abstain from alcohol, as alcohol can cause alcoholic fatty liver. Second, be mindful of your diet; avoid fatty, greasy, and fried foods. Stick to a low-fat diet, eat more fruits and vegetables, and consume more whole grains. Third, exercise more, as physical activity can promote the metabolism of fats, which is very beneficial for patients with fatty liver. Fourth, maintain regular sleeping patterns. Do not stay up late or overwork yourself, as this might worsen the fatty liver. Additionally, keep a good mood and avoid excessive anxiety or depression, as anxiety can also harm the liver.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What is good to eat for fatty liver?

Patients with fatty liver should focus on a diet rich in high-quality proteins and vitamins. Foods that are rich in high-quality protein mainly include lean meats, fish, shrimp, beans, and eggs. Additionally, fresh vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, so these foods should be consumed in larger quantities. Furthermore, patients with fatty liver should also pay attention to the mix of coarse and refined staples in their diet, avoiding excessive consumption of refined foods. It is advisable to incorporate some whole grains into the diet, such as oats, corn, and brown rice. Additionally, fatty meats, animal organs, and other fatty foods should be avoided. Meals should be well-balanced and nutritionally diverse, and it is important to abstain from smoking and drinking alcohol, as well as to avoid excessively oily and fatty foods.

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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Can fatty liver be contagious?

Fatty liver has many causes, the most common being obesity, as well as alcohol; long-term excessive drinking can cause alcoholic fatty liver. Other causes include malnutrition or long-term excessive use of certain medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, which can significantly damage the liver. Drugs used to lower blood lipids can also lead to fatty liver. Fatty liver is caused by these factors, not by an infection from a particular bacterium or virus, so it is not contagious. If you have fatty liver, it is recommended to exercise regularly under the guidance of a doctor. There are no shortcuts; only exercise can eliminate fatty liver.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How should fatty liver be managed in children?

The formation of fatty liver is mainly due to overeating foods that are greasy, overly sweet, or have a high fat content. This leads to a significant increase in fat content in the blood, which accumulates in the liver. Severe fatty liver can progress to cirrhosis, so it is important to intervene promptly. The intervention generally involves dietary management; specifically, children should avoid eating overly greasy foods, as well as high-calorie items like sugars, chocolates, candies, which are better consumed in moderation or not at all. Additionally, increasing physical exercise, which refers to managing and reducing weight, is recommended. Depending on their personal circumstances, children should appropriately increase their amount of physical activity, as more exercise also accelerates the metabolism of fat in the body. It is advised for individuals with fatty liver to undergo a detailed examination at a hospital, and for doctors to determine whether medical intervention is necessary based on the specific conditions of the child. If it is only a mild to moderate case of fatty liver, doctors will likely suggest diet modification or physical exercise to help reduce it.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What should I do about moderate fatty liver?

In cases of moderate fatty liver, it is essential to be very cautious about diet, strictly abstaining from smoking and drinking, and avoiding greasy foods. Additionally, engaging in appropriate physical exercise is advisable, ideally maintaining over half an hour of activity daily, which can boost immunity and prevent weight gain, potentially exacerbating the condition otherwise. Fatty liver is a reversible disease, but if not promptly addressed, it can progress to cirrhosis. Therefore, a light diet should be the primary focus, avoiding fried foods and high-fat foods, including animal organs. Regular follow-up visits to the hospital are also necessary.