Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where fat piles up in the liver in people who is non-alcoholic or drinks little.
NAFLD is less common in rural populations but rising in urban areas, affecting up to 50% of Indians due to high-calorie diets, sedentary lifestyles, and obesity, says Dr. Rajesh Battina of Manipal Hospital. He warns that severe cases can progress to liver cirrhosis through NASH and fibrosis.
Genetic factors also contribute, along with links to cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, PCOS, sleep apnea, vitamin D deficiency, hypothyroidism, and certain gastrointestinal cancers, including liver cancer.
Here’s how to detect it early
Talking about the diagnosis, he pointed out that ultrasound abdomen, liver function tests and Fibroscan are among the few tests used to diagnose NAFLD.
Dr Rajesh Battina highlighted, “Lifestyle interventions like a low-calorie diet and daily physical exercise of at least 40 minutes a day are the primary modalities for the management of NAFLD. Patients with NAFLD and obesity must undergo preventive tests to rule out cardiovascular diseases and other non-liver diseases. Medications for NASH include vitamin E and saroglitazar.”
Dr. Battina emphasized that NAFLD shouldn't be underestimated, as it remains asymptomatic in early stages. He noted that NAFLD/NASH-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are among the leading causes of liver transplants in India, highlighting its severity.
Courtesy: Hindustan Times
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