Treatment for fatty liver includes lifestyle modifications, medication, and regular monitoring. Symptoms of fatty liver may be subtle, but common manifestations include fatigue, discomfort in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, jaundice and abnormal liver function may occur. Actively adjusting dietary habits, increasing exercise, and controlling weight are key to improving fatty liver.
1. Common symptoms of fatty liver are often subtle, and there may be no obvious discomfort in the early stages. As the disease progresses, patients may experience fatigue, dull pain or discomfort in the right upper abdomen. These symptoms are related to liver cell damage caused by fat accumulation in the liver. Some patients may also experience nonspecific symptoms such as loss of appetite and nausea, which are easily overlooked.
2. Patients with moderate to severe fatty liver may exhibit clinical manifestations of abnormal liver function. Jaundice of the skin and sclera is an important sign of impaired liver function and may be related to bilirubin metabolism disorders. Laboratory tests may reveal abnormalities such as elevated transaminases and bilirubin, indicating hepatocellular damage and decreased liver function.
3. Be wary of serious complications of fatty liver. Long-term uncontrolled fatty liver can progress to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, at which point patients may exhibit signs such as ascites, palmar erythema, and spider angiomas. A small number of patients may develop liver cancer, manifesting as progressive weight loss and persistent pain in the liver area; prompt medical attention is necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
4. Lifestyle intervention is the foundation of fatty liver management. Dietary recommendations include controlling total calorie intake, choosing low-fat, high-fiber foods such as oats and leafy green vegetables; reducing refined sugar and saturated fat intake, and increasing the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids; and consuming adequate amounts of high-quality protein such as fish and eggs. For exercise, it is recommended to engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking or swimming, combined with strength training to improve insulin resistance.
5. Drug treatment should be selected based on specific circumstances. Lipid-lowering drugs such as atorvastatin can improve dyslipidemia, insulin sensitizers such as metformin help improve insulin resistance, and hepatoprotective drugs such as silymarin can reduce hepatocellular inflammation. Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor, and liver function, blood glucose, blood lipids, and other indicators should be monitored regularly.
6. Regular monitoring and follow-up are crucial for the management of fatty liver. It is recommended to have liver function tests and abdominal ultrasound every 3-6 months to assess changes in the condition. For patients with concurrent obesity, diabetes, or other metabolic diseases, these risk factors must be controlled simultaneously. Patients with severe fatty liver may consider joining a multidisciplinary management team for more professional guidance.
Fatty liver disease is a preventable and treatable metabolic disorder. With a healthy lifestyle and necessary medical intervention, most patients can effectively manage their condition. The key lies in early identification, timely intervention, and long-term management to prevent the disease from progressing to irreversible liver damage.