Fatty Liver Disease in Illinois
Ready to Consult a GI Physician?
Find a ProviderWhat is fatty liver disease?
There are two fundamental types of fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis: NAFLD or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic steatohepatitis (alcoholic fatty liver disease). Fatty liver disease (FLD) is a condition whereupon fat bunches up in the liver cells. This may result in liver inflammation, otherwise known as hepatitis, which may, in turn, advance to scarring and permanent damage. If the intensity of the condition advances, or if it is left untreated, FLD can progress to liver cirrhosis and eventually liver failure.
It is crucial to observe the signs your body is conveying to you and contact a gastrointestinal specialist at GI Alliance of Illinois. Our highly trained GI providers proudly provide individualized care for fatty liver disease in Chicago, IL Peoria, IL, and Normal, IL.
What are the symptoms of fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease could frequently appear in the body with no symptoms. Some of the symptoms that could come along, however, might include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Nausea
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Abdominal enlargement and puffiness in the legs
- Exhaustion
- Feeling of fullness in the middle or upper right side of the abdomen
- Expanded liver
- Discomfort in the upper right abdomen
- Oversized breasts in men
- Red palms
- Enlarged blood vessels just below the skin’s surface
What are the causes of FLD?
There are a couple of types of fatty liver disease among Illinois patients, with non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis (fatty liver disease) and alcoholic fatty liver disease being the main two. The causes of the non-alcoholic conditions are not known, but they are connected to obesity, metabolic syndrome, hyperglycemia, and high levels of triglycerides in the blood. Alcoholic FLD is caused by consuming an extreme amount of alcohol. For more information, request an appointment with our GI providers at GI Alliance in Illinois.
How is fatty liver disease treated?
Treatments in Illinois fluctuate depending on the sort of hepatic steatosis and how damaged the liver is. Oftentimes, the liver is not in a critical state and keeps operating as normal. Nevertheless, if treatment is warranted, your gastrointestinal physician at GI Alliance of Illinois could advise the following:
- Liver transplant
- Avoiding alcohol (if AFLD is present)
- Weight loss
- Hepatitis A and B vaccinations
What is the difference between NAFLD and alcoholic steatohepatitis?
Both non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver (alcoholic steatohepatitis) could develop into cirrhosis and possibly liver failure in Illinois patients. The principle variation between the two is that NAFLD is usually associated with overweight individuals and people with diabetes. Alcoholic FLD is specifically related to high volumes of alcohol consumption. To learn more about the differences, request a consultation with our GI providers at GI Alliance of Illinois.
Find effective care for fatty liver disease
For patients suffering from fatty liver disease in Illinois, there is hope and treatment possible. Our network of gastroenterologists aims to provide patient-centered therapy that sustains the optimal clinical standards. If you think or are diagnosed with this serious condition, connect with our GI providers and entrust your treatment to GI Alliance of Illinois.
Fatty Liver Disease FAQs
Are there any types of foods you should avoid if you have fatty liver disease?
If you have recently been diagnosed with or suspect you could have fatty liver disease, you might be seeking ways to improve your health and wellness. Some food and beverage items you might avoid if you have this condition include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Red meat (hamburgers, steak, and more)
- Fried foods
- Foods with high amounts of sodium
- Foods and drinks high in sugar (including candy, desserts, soda, juices, etc.)
- White flour (such as white bread, white rice, and white pasta)
What foods are good to eat when you have fatty liver disease?
Individuals with fatty liver disease may benefit from the “Mediterranean diet.” This diet consists of fruits and veggies, whole grains (such as oats, brown rice, and barley), nuts, lean meats, and healthy fats (such as avocados). Your gastroenterologist at GI Alliance of Illinois can help you determine if a special diet is right for you.
Is fatty liver disease preventable?
Focusing on your general health and wellness could help prevent the onset of fatty liver disease. Factors like maintaining a healthy weight, losing weight if considered overweight, maintaining an exercise routine, following a healthy diet, and minimizing the consumption of alcohol can reduce the risk of fatty liver disease development.
What questions should you ask your doctor if you have been diagnosed with fatty liver disease?
If you have just been diagnosed with fatty liver disease, it’s only natural to have several questions or concerns. A few questions to discuss with your GI specialist may include:
- Are my medications possibly impacting this condition?
- What is the extent of my liver damage and can it be reversed?
- Do I need to lose weight to improve my liver health?
Reviews
I can't say enough good things about Dr. Shapiro. I had been experiencing serious stomach related issues a few years ago and had seen a number of doctors but with no luck until Dr. Shapiro. After a number of tests he was able to determine that I had Celiac disease and put me on a gluten free diet and I have been fine ever since.
Dr Misra is fantastic! I would 100% recommend her!
The staff at IGS are great to work with. I rely on Dr Patel and his staff for these services. I have complete confidence in their knowledge and resources.
I appreciate the great care I get from Amy and Dr Schoenig every time!
Very professional with the human touch.
10
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating