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does fatty liver cause pain
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Digestive Health
Question #17080
3 days ago
21

does fatty liver cause pain - #17080

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I am really concerned about something and need some help. A few months ago, I found out I have a fatty liver. My doctor said it’s pretty common, but I’ve been having this weird pain in my upper right abdomen. I keep wondering does fatty liver cause pain, because I never thought it would, ya know? The pain isn’t like unbearable, more of a dull ache, but sometimes it gets intense after eating. It’s like it’s right under my ribs or something and makes me feel super uncomfortable, especially at night. I've tried adjusting my diet and drinking more water, but the symptoms are still there. Could this pain I'm feeling actually be linked to fatty liver? I mean, how can something that's supposedly common cause all this discomfort? Do I need to get more tests done to figure this out, or is this normal? Does fatty liver cause pain for other people too, or am I just lucky? My friends don’t have these issues, and I'm just feeling a bit lost here. Any advice or experiences that are similar would be great!

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Doctors’ responses

Pain in the upper right abdomen can indeed be associated with fatty liver disease, although it isn’t a common symptom. Fatty liver, or hepatic steatosis, does often occur without noticeable symptoms, but in some cases, it might cause discomfort or a dull ache, often because the liver is enlarged, pushing against other structures or the capsule that surrounds it. In your situation, the increase in discomfort after eating and feeling particularly uncomfortable during the night might be relevant to the fatty liver, but other possibilities shouldn’t be ignored. Gastrointestinal issues such as gallstones, gastritis, or even issues with the pancreas could cause similar pain patterns, so getting a professional evaluation is wise. Ask your doctor about possibly doing further tests such as ultrasound or blood tests to assess the liver function and to rule out other common abdominal disorders. It’s also crucial to review lifestyle factors like diet, alcohol consumption, and weight. Losing weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is often recommended for managing fatty liver disease. Try limiting processed foods and sugars while upping your intake of whole grains and green, leafy vegetables. If your doctor hasn’t already done so, a referral to a nutritionist could be beneficial for tailored dietary advice. Lastly, avoiding alcohol entirely can be very impactful in reducing the liver’s burden. If the pain continues or worsens, or if you notice any other symptoms like jaundice, confusion, or swelling in your abdomen or legs, seek urgent care as these could signify more severe liver concerns. Overall, while fatty liver can be uncomfortable, with appropriate management, many people can reduce symptoms and even potentially stall its progression.

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