How is fatty liver diagnosed?

Physical exam If your liver is inflamed, your doctor may be able to detect it by examining your abdomen for an enlarged liver. However, your liver can be inflamed without being enlarged. Let your doctor know if you’ve been experiencing fatigue or loss of appetite. Also, tell your doctor about any history of alcohol, medication, and supplement use. Blood tests Your doctor may find that liver enzymes are higher than normal during a routine blood test. This doesn’t confirm a diagnosis of fatty liver, but it does relate to liver inflammation. Further analysis is necessary to find the cause of the inflammation. Imaging studies Your doctor may use an ultrasound to detect fat in your liver. Other imaging studies may also be done, such as CT or MRI scans. Another imaging test similar to ultrasound is a FibroScan. Like an ultrasound, a FibroScan utilizes sound waves to determine the density of the liver and the corresponding areas of fat and normal liver tissue. Imaging studies can detect fat in the liver, but they cannot help your doctor confirm the extent of damage. Liver biopsy A liver biopsy is still considered the best way to A liver biopsy is the only way to know for certain the severity of fatty liver or other liver diseases. The biopsy can also help your doctor determine the exact cause. How is fatty liver treated? Research is ongoing into medications that may help treat fatty liver. The first-line of treatment continues to be following recommendations to reduce your risk factors. These recommendations typically include: limiting or avoiding alcoholic beverages managing your cholesterol and reducing your intake of sugars and saturated fats losing weight controlling your blood sugar If you have fatty liver because of obesity or unhealthy eating habits, your doctor may also suggest that you increase physical activity and eliminate or add certain types of foods to your diet. Reducing the number of calories you eat each day can help you lose weight and heal your liver. In the early stages, you can improve and reverse fatty liver disease by reducing or eliminating fatty foods and foods high in sugar from your diet. Choose a balanced diet with healthier foods such as fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like those in nuts and avocados. Replace red meats with lean proteins such as soy, chicken, turkey, and fish. Sweetened drinks, juices, and sodas should be avoided. Acute fatty liver of pregnancy Acute fatty liver is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication of pregnancy. Signs and symptoms begin in the third trimester. These include: persistent nausea and vomiting pain in the upper-right abdomen headache jaundice general malaise fatigue decreased appetite Women who are pregnant with any of these signs or symptoms should be evaluated for this condition. Treatment includes managing any complications and prompt delivery. Most women improve within several weeks after delivery and have no lasting effects. How do I prevent fatty liver disease? Protecting your liver is one of the best ways to prevent fatty liver and its complications. You can start by taking several steps: eat a healthy, balanced diet control diabetes if you have developed the condition aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week By taking these steps, you’ll not only keep your liver healthy but also improve your overall health.