Liver Diseases

Non-alcoholic fatty liver

Non-alcoholic fatty liver is a generic term for a number of liver diseases that are not caused by excessive alcohol consumption. It ranges from non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) without inflammation and little progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with inflammatory reactions and liver damage.

Causes

  • Unbalanced calorie-rich diet
  • Diabetes mellitus (especially type 2 diabetes) and other hormonal disorders
  • Disorders of fat metabolism (e.g. obesity, overweight)
  • Some intestinal diseases

Symptoms

A moderately pronounced fatty liver usually causes no symptoms at all or at most very slight and unspecific symptoms. This is because there are no pain receptors in the liver, so the liver cannot „hurt“.

Symptoms that can hint at a fatty liver are:

  • feeling of fullness
  • feeling of pressure in the liver area
  • complaints when lying on the right side
  • flatulence
  • general physical and mental reduction in performance

Diagnosis

Physical exam

Examining your abdomen can help identify an enlarged liver – a sign of inflammation.

Blood tests

Higher than normal liver enzymes can be a sign of liver inflammation.

Imaging procedures

An ultrasound or other imaging studies, such as CT or MRI scans, can help detect fat in your liver.

Liver biopsy

A liver biopsy is the best way to diagnose a fatty liver. A small piece of tissue is removed and examined to determine the status of your liver.

Therapy

To reduce the risk for fatty liver or in an early stage of the disease, following these general recommendations help you improve the health of your liver:

  • lose weight
  • control your blood sugar
  • reduce intake of sugars and saturated fats
  • limit or avoid alcoholic beverages

You may also be interested in...

Obligatory texts Hepa-Merz®

EU:

Hepa- Merz®  Granules
Active substance: L-ornithine- L-aspartate
Indications: Treatment of concomitant disease and sequelae due to impaired detoxification activity (e.g. in cirrhosis of the liver) with the symptoms of latent and manifest hepatic encephalopathy. Contains orange yellow S (E110), fructose,

For risks and side effects please read package insert and ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Version July 2019

Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, 60048 Frankfurt

LATAM:

Hepa- Merz®  Granules
Active substance: L-ornithine- L-aspartate
Indications: Treatment of concomitant disease and sequelae due to impaired detoxification activity (e.g. in cirrhosis of the liver) with the symptoms of latent and manifest hepatic encephalopathy. Contains orange yellow S (E110), fructose, aspartame.

For risks and side effects please read package insert and ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Version July 2019

Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, 60048 Frankfurt