Steatosis of the liver - what is it? Causes, Symptoms and Methods of Treatment

Steatosis is a term by which a number of disorders are simultaneously combined, accompanied by the deposition of fat inside the hepatocytes (functional liver cells). A similar pathology is diagnosed in different population groups, including children. Why does steatosis of the liver occur, what is it and what are its symptoms? Many people are interested in these questions.

Steatosis of the liver: what is it and what are its causes?

In fact, there are many factors that lead to accumulation of fatty inclusions in the liver. Immediately it is worth noting that quite often such a pathology occurs in people who abuse alcohol and drugs. In some cases, the disease can be caused by poisoning with dangerous substances or medications.

Steatosis indicates a violation of the normal metabolism of fats, so this disease is often associated with malnutrition and obesity. By the way, fasting and constant strict diets can also lead to fatty liver degeneration.

Sometimes this pathology is secondary and develops against the backdrop of other diseases. In particular, the risk factors include myxedema, diabetes mellitus and adrenal gland disorders, as hormonal imbalance also affects metabolism.

Forms of steatosis of the liver

In modern medicine, several types of disease are distinguished. Steatosis can be as diffuse (fat inclusions are evenly distributed throughout the liver) and focal (there is one fat spot that increases in size over time).

In addition, there are several stages of fatty infiltration - by the way, the main signs of hepatic steatosis depend on it. At the initial stages, the deposition of fats does not harm the hepatocytes. As the disease develops, a gradual necrosis of the functional tissues of the organ begins. Next comes the pre-cirrhotic stage, in which not only the cells but also the lobules of the liver change - similar violations are already irreversible.

What are the symptoms of the disease ?

Answering the question: "What is it?", It should first of all be noted that this disease develops gradually, and its initial stages are rarely accompanied by any symptoms. Early steatosis in most cases is detected during ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs.

The main symptoms most often appear even when fatty inclusions have filled most of the liver. Patients complain of the severity and soreness in the right hypochondrium, which appears during physical activity. There are also some disorders of the digestive system - patients feel nauseous. In some cases, pain occurs after eating.

How to treat steatosis of the liver?

What is it, we have already figured out, let's talk now about therapy. Of course, in the early stages of the disease can still be cured. Even with irreversible changes, properly selected therapy can help prevent further complications. Therefore, in no case should you engage in self-medication and ignore the help of doctors!

In this case it is very important to determine the cause of fatty infiltration. If steatosis is the result of alcoholism, then, of course, it is necessary to abandon such a harmful habit. Also, the patient is prescribed lipotropic substances, in particular, the drug Essentiale, as well as methionine, vitamin B12 and other medicines.

Dieting with steatosis, baking is also an important part of therapy. Proper nutrition can help reduce the amount of fat consumed without harming the body. From the diet it is necessary to exclude smoked products, fatty and fried foods, mushrooms, legumes, coffee and spirits. Instead, you need to enter easily digestible proteins in the menu.