1) What is NASH?
Fat derived from food and from other sources in the body gets deposited in the liver in abnormal amounts over years and is called fatty liver disease. To distinguish it from the fatty liver caused by alcohol, it is called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The stage of NAFLD where liver cells start getting damaged is called NASH. At Progress Gastro Care, the gastroenterology hospital in Chennai, from diagnosing liver issues to providing the latest treatments and procedures, we are committed to helping you feel your best.
2) Why should I bother?
a) NASH is a major risk factor for concurrent conditions: More than 70% of patients with NASH are living with obesity, up to 75% have type 2 diabetes, and anywhere from 20-80% have high lipids (cholesterol). NAFLD is indeed one of the components of metabolic syndrome and may be a marker for future heart attacks, strokes, etc.
b) Within the liver, NAFLD may progress from fatty liver to NASH to fibrosis to cirrhosis to liver failure and even liver cancer. NAFLD has become one of the commonest reasons for liver transplants. At Progress Gastro Care, a team of best gastroenterologist doctor in Chennai, provide top-quality care for patients in any stage of liver disease.
c) NASH is a hidden epidemic. It is often underdiagnosed and underreported as it does not produce symptoms and is only picked up during evaluation. Despite that, it roughly affects more than 115 million people worldwide. An estimated 357 million people will be affected by 2030. In India, roughly 15-20 percent of people are estimated to be affected by NAFLD. At Progress Gastro Care, the gastroenterology specialist in Chennai, with our patient-centric approach, you can be assured of receiving the best care possible.
3) Should I get tested for NASH?
Firstl it is important to know if someone has fatty liver (which is the early stage of NASH). The screening for fatty liver is done for at-risk populations like diabetics, obese individuals, PCOD, high lipid (Cholesterol) levels, high BP, those who have had strokes, heart attacks, peripheral vascular disease, and those with other components of metabolic syndrome. Those with NAFLD should get a gastroenterologist opinion on further testing for NASH. Progress Gastro Care is the only clinic with four gastroenterologist in Chennai under one roof.
4) I have fatty liver. Should I worry?
Fatty liver is most often noticed on Ultrasound scans of the abdomen and can be subjectively graded from I to III in terms of increasing severity. As the process of transformation from fatty liver to NASH to liver fibrosis to cirrhosis takes 5-10 years at each stage, and a small proportion only progresses beyond fatty liver, a diagnosis of fatty liver should only suggest precaution rather than panic. At Progress Gastro Care, the best gastroenterology hospital in Chennai we specialize in diagnosing and treating all kinds of liver problems, from minor discomfort to serious conditions.
5) How can I get treated?
One must consult a gastroenterologist to get treated Most patients require basic testing for fatty liver like Ultrasound, liver Function blood test, blood sugar, and Cholesterol check. Sometimes advanced tests like fibro scan (somewhat similar to ultrasound) to assess liver stiffness are required. Other tests like MRI liver fat estimation or liver biopsy are rarely used if at all. Scoring systems like Fib4 are used to assess the grade of disease. Basic treatment for all stages of NAFLD is exercise, diet, and weight control. Further, alcohol and self-medication are better avoided. The addition of medicines is decided based on the stage of the disease. Treatment of associated conditions like sugar, BP, and cholesterol is a top priority. Early detection and appropriate lifestyle changes with regular specialist follow-up are successful in halting or slowing the progression of NAFLD in most patients.
At Progress Gastro Care, the best hospital for gastroenterology in Chennai, our team of experienced doctors and state-of-the-art facilities make us the top choice for all your liver and gastro care needs.
