Serious Symptoms Of Fatty Liver Disease

Jaundice

Patients in the later stages of fatty liver disease may notice jaundice, a yellowing of the skin or eyes. This symptom indicates the liver is not functioning properly and can no longer filter bilirubin (a yellow liquid) effectively. Individuals with jaundice might also experience intense itching of the skin, and they could also develop redness of the palms and abdominal swelling. Since jaundice could be a sign of liver cancer, patients who observe any changes in their skin color should see a doctor if these do not resolve within a week, especially if skin itchiness is also present.

The doctor will do a visual inspection of the skin and the whites of the eyes, and blood tests will likely be ordered to assess liver function. While jaundice itself does not require treatment in adult patients, determining and treating the underlying cause of this symptom typically improves symptom management, and some patients might even be able to reverse their jaundice completely.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss can sometimes be a sign of fatty liver disease. Some estimates indicate up to twenty percent of adults in the United States can have some form of the disease. Between seventy and ninety percent of individuals who are overweight or obese are affected by fatty liver. One of the main treatments prescribed is changes to diet and exercise. However, if individuals notice rapid weight loss that occurs without any significant changes to their diet, it's worth talking to a doctor to find out what's going on. The fat cells around the liver aren't what cause the weight loss. However, if individuals develop insulin resistance, this can lead them to rapidly lose weight because their body is struggling to store sugar where it's supposed to be. This is a classic symptom of diabetes that often shows up in patients who also have a fatty liver.