Steatosis - the term under which they combine at oncea number of disorders, accompanied by the deposition of fat inside the hepatocytes (functional liver cells). A similar pathology is diagnosed in different population groups, including children. Why does steatosis of the liver occur, what is it and what are its symptoms? Many people are interested in these questions.
In fact, there are many factors,which lead to accumulation in the liver of fatty inclusions. Immediately it is worth noting that quite often this pathology occurs in people who abuse alcohol and drugs. In some cases, the disease can be caused by poisoning with dangerous substances or medications.
Steatosis indicates a violation of normalexchange of fats, so this disease is often associated with malnutrition and obesity. By the way, fasting and constant strict diets can also lead to fatty degeneration of the liver.
Sometimes this pathology is secondary anddevelops against the backdrop of other diseases. In particular, the risk factors include myxedema, diabetes mellitus, and adrenal gland disorders, as hormonal imbalance also affects metabolism.
In modern medicine, severalvarieties of the disease. Steatosis can be as diffuse (fat inclusions are evenly distributed throughout the liver) and focal (there is one fat spot that increases in size over time).
In addition, there are several stages of fatinfiltration - by the way, the main signs of steatosis of the liver depend on this. At the initial stages, the deposition of fats does not harm the hepatocytes. As the disease develops, a gradual necrosis of the functional tissues of the organ begins. Then follows the precirric stage, at which not only the cells but also the lobules of the liver change - similar violations are already irreversible.
Answering the question:"Steatosis of the liver - what is it?", It must first be noted that the disease develops gradually, and its initial stages are rarely accompanied by any symptoms. Early steatosis in most cases is detected during ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs.
The main symptoms most often appear alreadywhen fatty inclusions have filled most of the liver. Patients complain of the severity and soreness in the right upper quadrant, which appears during physical activity. There are also some disorders of the digestive system - patients feel nauseous. In some cases, pain occurs after eating.
What is it, we have already figured out, let's talknow about therapy. Of course, in the initial stages of the disease can still be cured. Even with irreversible changes, properly selected therapy can help prevent further complications. Therefore, in no case should not self-medicate and ignore the help of doctors!
In this case it is very important to determine the causefatty infiltration. If steatosis is the result of alcoholism, then, of course, it is necessary to abandon such a harmful habit. Also, the patient is prescribed lipotropic substances, in particular, the drug Essentiale, as well as methionine, vitamin B12 and other medicines.
Dieting with steatosis, baking is also an importantpart of therapy. Proper nutrition can help reduce the amount of fat consumed without harming the body. From the diet it is necessary to exclude smoked products, fatty and fried foods, mushrooms, legumes, coffee and spirits. Instead, you need to enter easily digestible proteins in the menu.
