Fatty tissue buildup in the liver is known as fatty liver disease. The two types of FLD are alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This disease can lead to life-threatening liver problems including cirrhosis.

Causes

The two major causes of FLD are alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). AFLD occurs due to drinking excessive quantities of alcohol. This causes fat buildup in the liver, and impairs the liver’s functions. NAFLD occurs due to abnormal metabolism. This is associated with obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes metabolic syndrome, etc.

Common Signs and Symptoms

- Fatigue
- Upper right abdominal pain
- Enlarged liver
- Abdominal swelling (ascites)
- Enlarged breasts in men
- Enlarged blood vessels just beneath the skin's surface
- Enlarged spleen
- Jaundice: yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Red Palms

Risk Factors that Increase the Likelihood of FLD

- Alcohol consumption
- High cholesterol
- Metabolic syndrome
- High levels of triglycerides in the blood
- Obesity and abdominal obesity
- Sleep apnea
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypopituitarism
- Hypothyroidism

Complications Over Time

- Ascites: fluid buildup in the abdomen
- Esophageal varices: swelling veins can lead to ruptures and bleeding
- Hepatic encephalopathy: confusion, drowsiness and slurred speech
- Liver cancer
- End-stage liver failure