When the stomach feels pain or nausea, gastric disorders are often considered to be the cause. Though there are various other disorders that can cause it, including fatty liver or fatty liver.
As the second largest organ in the body, the function of the liver processes whatever is consumed and filters out anything that can harm the body. Formed fatty liver (steatosis) can interfere with these functions. Fatty liver Occurs when the liver is covered with fat more than 5% of the total weight of the liver.
Recognize Difference Fatty Liver with Gastric Disorders
Fatty liver can be divided into several types, namely: fatty liver in alcohol consumption (alcoholic fatty liver), non-alcoholic (nonalcoholic fatty liver/NAFL), and that occurs during pregnancy. All type fatty liver characterized by a number of symptoms, except non-alcoholic fatty liver.
When fatty liver has been going on for some time, it is possible for sufferers to experience pain in the upper right abdomen, fatigue, and weight loss. There are also other symptoms such as nausea, confusion, or difficulty concentrating. The skin on the neck or armpits looks black.
At a glance, symptoms fatty liver similar to gastric disorders gastritis. Symptoms of gastritis are almost similar to fatty liveri.e. nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. However, gastritis pain is usually felt in the upper abdomen. If it is severe, this pain is usually accompanied by vomiting blood or red stools.
In addition to gastric disorders, gastritis, stomach and intestinal infections or gastroenteritis also have symptoms similar to fatty liver, namely nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. However, this disease is generally accompanied by fever, headache, or muscle aches.
Examination to the doctor
To ensure the condition of the liver, the doctor will perform a physical examination, especially the abdomen. The liver will feel slightly enlarged when touched. The examination can be followed by a blood test. Chances are the test will show liver enzymes are higher than normal limits if this is true fatty liver.
If not sufficient, the patient will be asked to undergo an ultrasound examination, CT scan, or MRI, to clarify how much fat is in the liver. Further examination can be done with a liver biopsy. A biopsy will confirm the condition fatty liver as well as the cause.
Appearance fatty liver can be affected by several types of diseases. Some conditions or diseases that can increase the risk fatty liver These include high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypothyroidism, sleep disorders, and others.
How to overcome Fatty Liver
Condition fatty liver cannot be treated or operated on. Generally, doctors will provide recommendations to reduce risk factors by improving lifestyle. For example, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining the stability of cholesterol and blood sugar levels and losing weight.
In addition, doctors will also advise patients to choose healthier foods to improve their condition fatty liver, for example by replacing red meat with chicken or fish, and eating more vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. Several studies have shown that consuming artichokes can help reduce fatty liver and improve overall liver health.
Chances are the doctor will also recommend the patient fatty liver to get hepatitis A and B vaccinations. This is needed to help protect the body from viruses that can aggravate liver damage.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle to prevent liver disorders. Then, don't misrecognize the symptoms fatty liver as another condition. Immediately consult a doctor to determine the cause of the symptoms you are experiencing and the right way to deal with it.