The presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a growing concern in medical consultations, given that the accumulation of fat in the liver can progress without generating initial symptoms.
When this condition progresses to more advanced stages, such as cirrhosis, the damage is usually irreversible.
MedlinePlus indicates that watch for certain signs such as yellowing of the skin and eyes, abdominal or leg swelling, and mental confusion or severe weakness It is essential to detect a possible transformation towards cirrhosis.
One of the key symptoms that warns of the progression of NAFLD to cirrhosis is jaundiceidentified by the yellow coloration of the skin and eyes.
This phenomenon occurs due to the accumulation of bilirubin, a substance that the liver cannot process normally when it is impaired.
Jaundice not only shows poor liver function, but also usually accompanies other symptoms such as itching, nausea and loss of appetitedescribed in the institution’s clinical reports.
In the words of the medical portal, “the appearance of jaundice is a sign of substantial liver damage and requires immediate medical evaluation.” It is important to emphasize that jaundice in adults generally does not occur due to mild causes, which is why, in the context of diagnosed or suspected liver disease, it constitutes an important alarm of advanced compromise.
The development of asciteswhich is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, and edema in the legs represents another of the symptoms that, according to MedlinePlusindicates an advance of NAFLD towards cirrhosis.
This fluid retention is usually the result of the liver’s inability to produce key proteins in the control of body fluids, as well as obstruction of hepatic blood flow.
The medical guide highlights that “abdominal or leg swelling, which is not attributed to other obvious causes, is a sign of progressive liver failure.”
These symptoms can occur gradually, and in some cases, ascites generates a noticeable increase in the abdominal perimeter, making mobility or comfort when sitting or lying down difficult.
The mental confusion sudden or progressive, as well as severe weaknessare among the neurological signs that indicate advanced liver damage, according to information provided by MedlinePlus.
These symptoms, included in the concept of “hepatic encephalopathy,” occur when the liver does not adequately filter toxins from the blood, allowing them to reach the brain.
The portal explains that “confusion, personality changes, difficulty concentrating and intense muscle weakness may represent a sign that NAFLD has progressed to irrecoverable phases.”
When these symptoms appear, the recommendation is to urgently seek medical attention to evaluate management options and avoid more serious complications.
The nonalcoholic fatty liver disease It is related to factors such as overweight, obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or triglycerides, and high blood pressure. It can also develop after rapid weight loss, intestinal diseases, bariatric surgery or certain medications. However, some people develop the disease without known risk factors.
The most common symptoms, in earlier stages of the disease, include fatigue and pain in the upper right part of the abdomen. When it progresses to cirrhosis, complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding, persistent itching, loss of appetite, and frequent nausea appear.
At the moment, There is no specific treatment for NAFLD. that has progressed to cirrhosis. The focus is on managing risk factors and lifestyle modification. Among the measures suggested to prevent progression are:
- Lose weight in a controlled manner under medical supervision.
- Maintain a balanced diet, low in salt and appropriate for liver health.
- Refrain from consuming alcohol.
- Perform physical activity regularly.
- Control associated diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
- Review all medications, supplements and natural products with your doctor before use.
Losing weight and controlling diabetes can stop the progression and even allow the reversal of fat deposition in the liver in early stages. However, once symptoms such as jaundice, ascites and mental confusion, the damage is usually irreversiblehence the importance of early detection and care.
