Symptoms of fatty liver disease in the initial stages are insignificant, doctors say. Unless we are talking about itching, which can worsen towards the night.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease, mainly due to malnutrition. In the initial stages, the disease has little to no symptoms, but as the disease progresses, some people develop life-long complications.
Many of the patients complain of debilitating itching, which intensifies at certain times of the day. Doctors note that itching associated with liver disease tends to be concentrated on the soles and palms.
Patients with liver disease experience fluctuations in the intensity of itching throughout the day. The strongest can occur late in the evening, just before bedtime.
Scientific results published in Gastroenterology suggest that keratinocyte cells on the surface of the skin may be responsible for the itching associated with fatty liver disease.
– Cholestatic pruritus is a debilitating symptom that is common among patients with diseases of the hepatobiliary system. Skin cells themselves are sensitive under certain conditions, especially the first outer layer of cells, keratinocytes. Patients with a specific type of liver disease called primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are left with an excess of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and phosphorylated lipids or fat circulating in the bloodstream, causing a strong urge to itch, the study says.
Important addition: in fatty liver disease, itching does not cause a rash or skin lesions, but it can lead to the development of visible irritation, redness or infection of the epidermis.
Doctors admit that treatments from such an itch is practically absent. This is a painful condition that greatly affects the standard of living of the patient.
People who develop symptoms such as bloating, spider veins, or yellowing of the skin are advised to seek immediate medical attention.
Although there is currently no cure for NAFLD, lifestyle changes can help. The best thing a person can do to control the disease is to lose weight.
There are factors that increase the risk of fatty liver disease.
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Underactive thyroid
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Metabolic syndrome (combination of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity)
- Age over 50
- Smoking.
Read also: Millions of people are at risk of developing diabetes if they catch a common viral infection.
A certain feeling upon waking may be a sign of fatty liver disease
br>Read more: Five bright signs of diabetes that appear in the morning.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: legs and arms can warn of a serious condition
Also read: What to do if the doctor diagnosed with “suspected cancer”: algorithm of actions.
Important! The information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first sign of illness, consult a doctor.