Fatty Liver Disease Specialist

Palmadessa and Brodsky Gastroenterology Associates -  - Gastroenterology

Palmadessa and Brodsky Gastroenterology Associates

Gastroenterology & Hepatology located in Douglaston, NY

Liver disease is often associated with heavy alcohol consumption, but nonalcoholic fatty liver disease affects 30-40% of adults in the United States, making it one of the top causes of liver disease. The board-certified gastroenterologists and skilled medical team at Palmadessa and Brodsky Gastroenterology Associates in Douglaston, New York, have advanced training in liver diseases and years of experience providing customized treatment that targets the cause of your liver disease. It’s essential to treat fatty liver disease at an early stage while your liver can still heal. To schedule an appointment, call the office or use the online booking feature today.

Fatty Liver Disease Q & A

What is fatty liver disease?

Fatty liver disease is a condition in which fat accumulates in your liver. You may hear this condition called many different names, but there are two primary types: nonalcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver disease.

What should I know about nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a generic name that refers to several types of liver problems affecting people who drink little to no alcohol. The most common types of NAFLD are:

Simple fatty liver

If you have this condition, you have a build up of fat without inflammation. Simple fatty liver seldom leads to liver damage.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an aggressive disease that’s similar to alcoholic fatty liver disease. With NASH, you have liver inflammation that can lead to scarring (cirrhosis), liver failure, or liver cancer. Your risk for NASH is high if you have diabetes or you’re overweight or obese.

What should I know about alcoholic fatty liver disease?

Your liver is responsible for breaking down alcohol and eliminating it from your body. During this process, toxic byproducts are produced that damage the liver and trigger inflammation. The extent of liver damage you develop depends on the amount of alcohol and the length of time you drink.

What symptoms develop due to fatty liver disease?

Fatty liver disease doesn’t cause symptoms in the early stages. If symptoms appear, you may notice fatigue or discomfort in your upper right abdomen.

As liver damage gets worse and scarring develops, you’ll have:

  • Abdominal swelling due to fluid buildup (ascites)
  • Enlarged, spider-like blood vessels
  • Yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • Loss of appetite or weight loss

Cirrhosis can lead to a condition called hepatic encephalopathy. Your brain is affected as a poorly functioning liver allows toxins to build up in your blood. This leads to confusion, drowsiness, and slurred speech.

How is fatty liver disease treated?

When fatty liver disease is caught early and the underlying cause of the problem is treated, your liver can heal. However, once extensive scarring develops, the liver can’t continue to regenerate new tissues.

The doctors at Palmadessa and Brodsky Gastroenterology Associates have extensive experience assessing and treating fatty liver disease. They develop treatment plans that target the cause of your liver problem while supporting the liver and helping to reduce inflammation.

As soon as you notice symptoms of fatty liver disease, call Palmadessa and Brodsky Gastroenterology Associates or schedule an appointment online.