Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a type of fatty liver disease that is not related to heavy alcohol use.

Pronunciation

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is pronounced as /nɒn ælˈkɒhɒlɪk ˈfæti ˈlɪvər dɪˈziːz/.

Etymology

The term "Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" is derived from its definition. It is a disease characterized by excessive fat in the liver of people who drink little to no alcohol.

Definition

NAFLD is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver due to causes other than alcohol use. There are two types: simple fatty liver and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more aggressive form that can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Symptoms

NAFLD often has no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include fatigue, weight loss, and pain in the upper right abdomen.

Causes

The exact cause of NAFLD is unknown, but it is commonly seen in people with certain medical conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Diagnosis

NAFLD is often diagnosed during a routine checkup. Blood tests, imaging studies, and sometimes a liver biopsy are used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for NAFLD includes managing the conditions that contribute to the disease, such as obesity and diabetes. Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, are also important.

Related Terms

• Fatty liver
• Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
• Cirrhosis
• Liver cancer
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome

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