Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

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What is NASH?

Overview

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an advanced form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is caused by buildup of fat in the liver. When this buildup causes inflammation and damage, it is known as NASH, which can lead to scarring of the liver. Scarring of the liver is a potentially life-threatening condition called cirrhosis

Symptoms

There are often no outward signs or symptoms associated with NASH. The most common symptoms are:

  • Fatigue
  • Pain in the upper right abdomen (usually mild)

NASH may lead to cirrhosis of the liver, causing one or more of the following symptoms as the condition progresses:

  • Bleeding easily
  • Bruising easily
  • Itchy skin
  • Yellow discoloration in the skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • Fluid accumulation in your abdomen
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Swelling in your legs
  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness
  • Slurred speech
  • Spider-like blood vessels on your skin

Causes and Risk Factors

NASH is most common in patients who are overweight or obese.

Other risk factors include:

  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • High triglycerides
  • Poor diet
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Sleep apnea
  • Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

Treatment

While there is no standard treatment for patients NASH, lifestyle changes have been shown to affect its progression. This may include losing weight, maintaining a healthy diet, or addressing underlying conditions such as hypothyroidism and diabetes.

It is important for patients with NASH to avoid consuming excessive alcohol as this can contribute to the condition.

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