{"id":1865,"date":"2025-01-24T04:19:02","date_gmt":"2025-01-24T04:19:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thydoc.com\/common-symptoms-of-a-fatty-liver-disease-copy\/"},"modified":"2025-01-24T04:21:38","modified_gmt":"2025-01-24T04:21:38","slug":"stages-of-fatty-liver-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thydoc.com\/stages-of-fatty-liver-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Stages of Fatty Liver Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|-34px||-33px|false|false” custom_padding=”22px||19px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Poppins|800|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”48px” header_line_height=”1.5em” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” width=”100%” max_width=”865px” custom_margin=”-5px|auto|-7px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|12px|0px|7px|false|false” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/thydoc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Dr.-Rishab-Sharma-card.jpg” title_text=”Dr. Rishab Sharma card” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|-28px||-28px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” width=”100%” custom_margin=”-39px||||false|false” custom_padding=”|38px||38px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|38px||38px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|15px||15px|true|true” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”17px” text_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”|-11px||-11px||” custom_padding=”|0px||8px||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
By Dr. Rishab Sharma, MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), DrNB (Gastroenterology)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n The liver is a remarkable organ that performs hundreds of vital functions, including processing nutrients, filtering toxins, and producing bile to aid digestion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, when excess fat accumulates in the liver, it disrupts these functions and leads to <\/span>fatty liver disease<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n Fatty liver disease is often silent in its early stages, showing little to no symptoms. However, as it progresses, it can cause severe liver damage, potentially leading to life-threatening complications. This progression happens in distinct stages, starting from a relatively harmless condition called <\/span>steatosis<\/b> and advancing to <\/span>cirrhosis<\/b>, the most severe form.<\/span><\/p>\n In this blog, we\u2019ll explore each stage of fatty liver disease in detail, helping you understand how the condition develops, the risks it poses, and why early detection is so important.<\/span><\/p>\n Fatty liver disease occurs when the liver starts storing excess fat. Normally, the liver contains a small amount of fat, which doesn\u2019t affect its functions. But when fat makes up more than 5\u201310% of the liver\u2019s weight, it begins to interfere with its ability to work efficiently.<\/span><\/p>\n There are two main types of fatty liver disease:<\/span><\/p>\n We have discussed the difference between Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in detail in our another blog, here is the link –<\/span> The first stage of fatty liver disease is known as <\/span>steatosis<\/b>, or simple fatty liver. This is where the condition begins, and fat starts accumulating in the liver cells.<\/span><\/p>\n In this stage, the liver still functions normally despite the fat buildup. Most people don\u2019t experience any noticeable symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose. Steatosis is often discovered incidentally during imaging tests, such as ultrasounds or CT scans, performed for unrelated reasons.<\/span><\/p>\n Why Does It Happen?<\/b> What Happens to the Liver?<\/b> Can It Be Reversed?<\/b> If the excess fat in the liver isn\u2019t addressed, it can lead to inflammation, a condition called <\/span>non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)<\/b>. This is a more advanced stage where fat triggers an inflammatory response in the liver, causing damage to liver cells.<\/span><\/p>\n What Happens to the Liver?<\/b> People with NASH are at a much higher risk of progressing to advanced stages of liver disease.<\/span><\/p>\n Why Does NASH Occur?<\/b> Symptoms of NASH<\/b> Can It Be Treated?<\/b> Fibrosis is the third stage of fatty liver disease, where prolonged inflammation causes scarring in the liver. The scar tissue replaces healthy liver cells and begins to interfere with the liver\u2019s blood flow and normal functions.<\/span><\/p>\n What Happens to the Liver?<\/b> Unlike the earlier stages, fibrosis cannot be completely reversed. However, its progression can be slowed or halted with proper treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n Symptoms of Fibrosis<\/b><\/p>\n Why Does Fibrosis Occur?<\/b> Can It Be Managed?<\/b> Cirrhosis is the final and most severe stage of fatty liver disease. At this point, the liver is heavily scarred, and its ability to function is significantly compromised.<\/span><\/p>\n What Happens to the Liver?<\/b> Symptoms of Cirrhosis<\/b><\/p>\n Complications of Cirrhosis<\/b><\/p>\n Can Cirrhosis Be Treated?<\/b> Fatty liver disease progresses slowly, often taking years or even decades to reach advanced stages. The earlier it is detected, the better the chances of reversing or managing the condition. Regular health checkups, liver function tests, and imaging can help identify fatty liver in its earliest stages.<\/span><\/p>\n We have discussed in detail \u201cHow we can protect our liver from any Liver disease\u201d in our other blog, here is the link –\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Fatty liver disease doesn\u2019t have to be a silent threat. By understanding its stages\u2014<\/span>steatosis, NASH, fibrosis, and cirrhosis<\/b>\u2014you can take proactive steps to protect your liver and overall health.<\/span><\/p>\n If you suspect you have fatty liver disease or are experiencing symptoms like fatigue, abdominal pain, or jaundice, don\u2019t wait. Consult <\/span>Dr. Rishab Sharma<\/b>, a leading gastroenterologist in Jaipur, for expert diagnosis and care.<\/span><\/p>\n Your liver works hard for you\u2014take care of it before it\u2019s too late!<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Stages of Fatty Liver Disease: From Steatosis to Cirrhosis By Dr. Rishab Sharma, MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), DrNB (Gastroenterology) The liver is a remarkable organ that performs hundreds of vital functions, including processing nutrients, filtering toxins, and producing bile to aid digestion.\u00a0 However, when excess fat accumulates in the liver, it disrupts these functions and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1717,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"1080","footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1865","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-liver-problem"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat is Fatty Liver Disease?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/span>Now, let’s talk about the different Stages of Fatty Liver Diseases.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nStage 1: Steatosis (Simple Fatty Liver)<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/b>Steatosis can be caused by various factors, including:<\/span><\/p>\n\n
<\/b>At this stage, the liver begins storing excess fat in its cells. The fat doesn\u2019t cause inflammation or significant damage yet, but it sets the stage for potential complications if left unchecked.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b>Yes, steatosis is reversible with lifestyle changes. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol can help the liver shed the excess fat and return to normal.<\/span><\/p>\nStage 2: Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/b>In this stage, the liver\u2019s immune system starts attacking the fat deposits, leading to inflammation and liver cell damage. Unlike steatosis, NASH isn\u2019t harmless. The inflammation can cause scarring, which is the liver\u2019s way of repairing itself. However, this scarring can worsen over time, leading to fibrosis.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b>NASH is often linked to:<\/span><\/p>\n\n
<\/b>NASH may start showing mild symptoms, including:<\/span><\/p>\n\n
<\/b>Yes, NASH can be managed if detected early. Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercise, avoiding alcohol and managing underlying conditions like diabetes, are key to reducing inflammation. Also some medicines can also be prescribed.<\/span><\/p>\nStage 3: Fibrosis<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/b>When the liver is inflamed for a long time, it tries to repair itself by forming scar tissue. While the liver can still function at this stage, the damage makes it less efficient. Scar tissue can also restrict blood flow, further straining the liver.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
<\/b>Fibrosis occurs when NASH or alcoholic liver disease is left untreated, allowing inflammation and cell damage to continue unchecked.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b>While the scarring from fibrosis cannot be removed, further damage can be prevented through:<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Stage 4: Cirrhosis<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/b>In cirrhosis, scar tissue replaces almost all healthy liver tissue. The liver becomes hard and shrunken, losing its ability to filter toxins, produce bile, and regulate nutrients. Blood flow through the liver is severely restricted, leading to complications throughout the body.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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<\/b>Cirrhosis cannot be reversed, but its progression can be slowed and it\u2019s related complications are managed. Advanced cases often require a liver transplant to save the patient\u2019s life.<\/span><\/p>\nWhy Early Detection is Crucial<\/span><\/h2>\n
How to Protect Your Liver<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n