How can I manage my dad’s grade 2 fatty liver?

Question

Hi doctor,

My dad was suffering from severe pain in his right rib, which has now reduced, and the doctor informed us that it is due to muscle inflammation. However, the doctor suggested getting an abdominal pelvic ultrasonography, and the report shows a grade 2 fatty liver. He is a non-alcoholic and a non-smoker.

Please help.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I am reviewing your case history and the attached file (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity) and will reply in five minutes.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I have reviewed your attached history(attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). My assessment is that if there is no history of alcohol consumption, this fatty liver is known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is very common these days. It is because of dietary intake.

I have seen the height and body weight of your father. His BMI (body mass index) is in the overweight category, so his fatty liver is due to the diet he has consumed over his 54 years. Another essential point for your understanding is that our body only stores calories in the form of fat.

If we consume a zero-fat diet but take carbohydrates or proteins more than our daily requirements, all these will be converted into fats within the body and stored in the liver, causing fatty liver. Alcohol consumption is not the only cause of fatty liver. And I agree with your doctor.

The fatty liver is always asymptomatic, and severe pain was likely due to muscle damage. The fatty liver does not explain pain in the case of your father. Check liver function tests to see whether this fatty liver is actually causing damage to the liver.

Meanwhile, exercise and weight reduction are the only treatments available for fatty liver up till now.

I hope this information will be helpful.

Thanks.