Fatty liver disease is generally one of the silent and very common diseases that many people suffer from. You may also be afflicted with this disease but are currently unaware of it; therefore, it is best to recognize the symptoms and signs of this silent disease and ensure your health by conducting blood tests at least twice a year.

What is Fatty Liver? Liver diseases come in various types, each affecting this vital organ in its own way. Fatty liver is one of the most common liver diseases caused by the accumulation of fat in it. Also known as hepatic steatosis, it occurs when fat accumulates in the liver.

Having a small amount of fat in this organ is normal. However, excessive accumulation can become a major problem. If more than 5 to 10 percent of your liver's weight is fat, you are likely suffering from this disease. The liver is the second largest organ in the body. It helps process food and filters harmful substances from the blood. Sometimes, this disease is referred to as silent liver disease because it can occur without causing symptoms.

The prevalence of this disease is increasingly rising in many parts of the world, especially in Western countries, affecting about 25% of the global population. However, the good news is that this disease is reversible and treatable with lifestyle changes.

Get to Know the Types of Fatty Liver This disease is seen in two main forms. The cause of each is different, and their risk factors are distinct.

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD): A type of disease caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Excessive drinking leads to fat accumulation in the liver. People who consume alcohol should limit their intake to avoid this disease. In countries like the United States, where alcohol consumption is high, about 5% of the population suffers from this disease. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A type of disease caused by factors other than alcohol, such as genetics, obesity, medication, etc. This form of the disease is not related to alcohol consumption. One out of every three adults and one out of every 10 children may suffer from this disease. The exact cause of this type is not clear. However, it is more common in obese and diabetic individuals.

Know the Grades of Fatty Liver Disease This disease has four stages, classified from grade 1 to 4, and can progress through four stages:

Fatty Liver Grade 1 (Simple Fatty Liver): In grade 1 fatty liver, excess fat accumulates in the liver. If the disease does not progress beyond grade 1, it is almost harmless. Fatty Liver Grade 2 (Steatohepatitis): In addition to extra fat, inflammation is also present in the liver in grade 2 fatty liver. Fatty Liver Grade 3 (Liver Fibrosis): The inflammation in the liver has caused scarring. Persistent inflammation leads to scar formation in the liver. However, the liver can still function normally. Fatty Liver Grade 4 (Liver Cirrhosis): Liver scarring has spread extensively. Cirrhosis is a potentially life-threatening disease that can lead to liver failure and is usually irreversible. Therefore, it is very important to prevent its progression.

What is Liver Cirrhosis? Excessive fat accumulation in the liver can cause inflammation of this organ. Inflammation leads to liver damage and the formation of scars or fibrosis, also known as liver fibrosis. Severe liver fibrosis is called cirrhosis, which in severe cases, can lead to liver failure.

Read the article "Everything You Need to Know About Liver Cirrhosis"

Cirrhosis may cause various symptoms such as:

Loss of appetite Weight loss Weakness Fatigue Nosebleeds Itchy skin Yellowing of the skin and eyes The appearance of spider-like blood vessels under the skin Abdominal pain Abdominal swelling Swelling of the legs Enlarged breasts in men Confusion, drowsiness, and speech disorders (hepatic encephalopathy). What are the Symptoms of Fatty Liver? You may wonder what the symptoms of fatty liver are. This disease has various symptoms and signs. You may not have all these symptoms, and sometimes you may not even realize that you have contracted this disease. Symptoms of fatty liver include:

Severe fatigue Weakness Weight loss Yellowing of the skin or eyes Prolonged itching Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Pain in the center of the abdomen or in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen.

More Advanced Symptoms of Fatty Liver If this disease reaches the stage of liver cirrhosis, the scars become advanced, and the following symptoms appear:

Abdominal swelling Enlargement of blood vessels under the skin Enlargement of the spleen Reddening of the palms Yellowing of the skin and eyes What are the Signs of Each Stage of Fatty Liver? Grades 1 and 2 of the disease usually have no symptoms, and the person may not realize they have the disease. Sometimes, the person may experience fatigue or weakness. When the disease reaches the stage of liver fibrosis or grade 3, symptoms such as pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, extreme fatigue, weight loss, and weakness may occur.

Most symptoms are related to liver cirrhosis, including abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, itchy skin, jaundice, easy bruising and bleeding, dark urine, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, and swollen legs.

Since users had many questions about the symptoms and signs of fatty liver, we decided to answer these questions in the form of a Q&A in this section.

When Does Yellowing of the Eyes Indicate Fatty Liver? When the disease reaches the stage of liver cirrhosis or grade 4, the skin or whites of the eyes may turn yellow. Bilirubin is produced from the breakdown of red blood cells in the liver. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment, and its increase in the body causes jaundice. Liver dysfunction causes an increase in this substance in the body, turning the skin yellow.

Is Swelling of the Legs a Sign of Fatty Liver? In the stage of liver cirrhosis, swelling may occur in the legs and arms. In grades 1 to 3, such a condition is usually not seen. This condition is usually accompanied by fluid accumulation in the abdomen, nausea, and weight loss.

Is Red Palms a Sign of Fatty Liver? This disease does not have specific symptoms in the early stages, and many people may not notice it. However, in advanced stages, when it has turned into liver cirrhosis, a person may notice red spots on the palms of their hands.

Is Acne a Sign of Fatty Liver? The signs of fatty liver and acne are not closely related, and this disease does not directly cause acne on the face. The only sign that may appear on the face is skin jaundice. However, it should be noted that eating fatty foods such as fast food or excessive alcohol consumption can cause acne. So, if your face constantly has acne, it could be due to an unhealthy diet. This unhealthy diet also has negative effects on the liver.

Is Body Swelling a Sign of Fatty Liver? This disease in advanced stages, namely grade 4 or liver cirrhosis, leads to many complications. One of these symptoms is fluid accumulation in the abdomen and swelling of this area. Also, the legs may become swollen.

Is Itchy Skin a Sign of Fatty Liver? Several factors and diseases cause itchy skin. Sometimes, people with fatty liver disease may experience this condition. Itchy skin, especially in liver cirrhosis, occurs. Usually, grades 1 and 2 do not have such a symptom.

When is Abdominal Pain a Sign of Fatty Liver? If the abdominal pain is in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, it may be a sign of this disease. However, this symptom is more common in the final stages of the disease, such as liver cirrhosis.

What are the Symptoms of Fatty Liver in Women? The likelihood of contracting this disease is higher in menopausal women or women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The symptoms in women include the general symptoms mentioned in this article. If you feel pain in the abdominal area, your skin has turned yellow, your legs and abdomen are swollen, or you have lost your appetite, you should see a doctor.

What are the Symptoms of Fatty Liver in Men? Many of the symptoms mentioned can occur in both men and women. However, one of the conditions seen in men with fatty liver is the excessive enlargement of the breasts. This condition is more common in the stage when the disease has turned into liver cirrhosis.

What are the Symptoms of Fatty Liver on the Face? The symptoms of fatty liver appear later on the face. This disease does not cause symptoms and signs on the face in the early stages. However, in advanced stages, it causes yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. If you feel that your face has turned yellower than before, you should do the necessary tests to diagnose the disease.