NASH is a more severe form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is a condition where excess fat is stored in the liver but does not cause inflammation or damage. While the exact cause of NASH is not known, it is commonly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood lipid levels.
Symptoms of NASH can vary widely and may not be noticeable in some people. However, common symptoms of NASH may include fatigue, abdominal pain and discomfort, and a general feeling of being unwell. In addition, some people may experience more specific symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itching, and swelling in the legs and abdomen. Now let’s have a look at each symptom.
Fatigue can be caused by inflammation and damage to liver cells. Abdominal pain and discomfort may also occur due to inflammation in the liver or swelling of the liver. In some cases, people with NASH may also experience nausea and vomiting.
Jaundice is a symptom that occurs when there is a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment, in the blood. This can happen when the liver is not functioning properly, as it is the case in NASH. Itching may also occur due to the buildup of bile acids, which can accumulate in the skin and cause irritation. Swelling in the legs and abdomen can occur due to the buildup of fluid, a condition known as edema.
It is important to note that not everyone with NASH will experience all of these symptoms. In fact, some people may not experience any symptoms at all. However, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns about your liver health, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional.
In conclusion, NASH is a type of liver disease that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, abdominal pain and discomfort, and jaundice.
“DietSensor Nash” for iOS (download here) is a nutrition coaching app specialized in Nash to help patients affected by the disease tackle and if possible reverse it. It provides daily guidance, meal plans, a meal generator to match your preferences, nutrition education, macronutrient tracking, and a chat with a dietitian. It starts at the price of $49 to make sure anybody has access to its science-backed content.
References:
American Liver Foundation. (n.d.). NASH Symptoms. Retrieved from https://liverfoundation.org/liver-diseases/fatty-liver-disease/nonalcoholic-steatohepatitis-nash/nash-symptoms/
Mayo Clinic. (2022, January 26). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease – Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354567
Pace Hospital. (n.d.). Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.pacehospital.com/non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease-causes-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatment
