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Can fatty liver cause pain?
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Digestive Health
Question #12315
46 days ago
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Can fatty liver cause pain? - #12315

Vedant

I am really worried about something that’s been going on with me and I hope someone can help. For the past few weeks, I’ve been feeling this dull ache in my upper right abdomen. At first, I thought it was just something I ate, like maybe some bad taco or something, but it hasn't gone away. I had my annual physical recently, and my doctor mentioned I might have a fatty liver because my liver enzymes were high. That got me thinking—can fatty liver cause pain? I mean, I've never really heard of that before. I’m not someone who drinks a lot, maybe a glass of wine now and then, but that’s it. I also don’t have any other symptoms besides the pain, which is annoying because now I'm obsessing over it. Sometimes it feels like a pressure or tenderness, but it mostly just hangs around like an unwanted guest. I even googled “can fatty liver cause pain?” and found mixed info, and now I'm more confused than ever. Do I need to go back to the doc or is this just something that could resolve on its own? Should I be worried?

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Doctors’ responses

Fatty liver, particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), can indeed cause discomfort or a dull ache in the upper right abdomen, where the liver is located. This discomfort arises because the liver, when fatty or inflamed, can become enlarged. This enlargement stretches the fibrous capsule surrounding the liver, which can cause pain or a feeling of fullness. The fact that you’re experiencing this discomfort, coupled with elevated liver enzyme levels, strongly suggests the liver’s involvement here. While fatty liver itself isn’t always painful, it can contribute to the sensation you’re describing, especially if there’s any accompanying inflammation (a condition known as steatohepatitis). However, this isn’t something to ignore, even if it isn’t immediately urgent. It’s crucial to monitor the situation closely, as untreated fatty liver can progress to more serious liver damage over time. I would definitely recommend returning to your doctor for further evaluation, and to discuss your symptoms in detail. They might decide additional tests, like an ultrasound or fibroscan, can offer more clarity on how much your liver might be affected. In the meantime, lifestyle modifications, particularly diet and exercise, can significantly impact liver health. Reducing intake of sugars, saturated fats, and maintaining a healthy weight could be beneficial. If symptoms worsen or if you’re concerned about any new symptoms, it’s better to err on the side of caution and seek prompt care. Importantly, don’t substitute google searches for professional guidance—let your doctor help clarify these mixed messages and address your specific concerns.

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