Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) in Denver, CO
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Find a ProviderWhat is non-alcoholic steatohepatitis?
There are a couple of different categories of disease for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, commonly called NAFLD. The first involves a buildup of fat in the liver that doesn't cause any visible symptoms and also doesn't have any coexisting inflammation. Usually, this type is found when additional tests are performed. If this disease is having an impact on your well-being, your doctor can review with you the process you can take to safeguard your liver from further damage. This particular type of NAFLD is usually considered benign, but it does have the potential to become NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis).
The second is more serious and is known as NASH. Like NAFLD, it is also described by the buildup of fat in your liver that is accompanied by inflammation. NASH is often found in individuals who are overweight, are diabetic or have high blood sugar, and/or have high cholesterol. Unless properly treated, NASH can harm liver function and lead to additional health complications.
NASH is most commonly diagnosed by the gastroenterologists at Colorado Gastroenterology. To learn more about the NASH treatment options in Denver, CO, contact us today.
What are the symptoms of NASH?
Many people who have non-alcoholic steatohepatitis manage day-to-day without developing symptoms. NASH may, at times, result in scarring of the liver, known as cirrhosis. If NASH symptoms occur, they could involve:
- Unintentional loss of weight
- An ache in the upper right part of the abdomen
- Chronic fatigue
In the event, you have been diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and find it's becoming hard to breathe, you have swollen legs, or are more tired than normal, contact your GI doctor right away. Our specialists at Colorado Gastroenterology can help you find answers.
Who is at risk for NASH?
The precise cause of NASH is not known. Even though it could affect younger individuals, the condition generally occurs in adults. Some other risk factors for NASH include:
- High blood sugar levels
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Post-menopausal phase of life
- Cholesterol that is high
- Obesity
- Blood pressure that is high
- Asian or Hispanic descent (but it can impact anyone)
- Diabetes, type 2
Without treatment, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis might cause other health concerns, like cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. When the condition is diagnosed, managing your weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol can help not just your liver, but your whole body.
After you've been diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, you should regularly visit your Denver, CO GI specialist/hepatologist to monitor your liver. Treatments for NASH may include a combination of eating healthy, avoiding sugar and sodium, and developing an exercise routine. We will also need to address any pre-existing conditions that are known to increase the risk of NASH.
Improve your liver health
Getting the attention you need to preserve your liver health and cut down on the results of NASH could boost your day-to-day living. At Colorado Gastroenterology, our GI doctors are passionate about placing your overall wellness first, and we take a patient-centric approach to treating NASH. If you believe you might have this condition or are seeking a provider who offers NASH treatment in Denver, CO, contact our practice to schedule a meeting with our gastroenterologists.
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I saw Dr Brenner years ago and decided to do a follow up. She was as wonderful as I remember 9 years ago. Getting an appointment scheduled was not an issue, and I was happy to do a an appointment over the phone as well. Great experience.
My interactions with Dr. Rufner and the staff of Colorado Gastroenterology have been professional, friendly, and reassuring.
Comprehensive, compassionate, educational with a solid plan of action put in place to address health issues. I highly recommend Dr. Kevin Rufner.
Everyone was professional and very nice.
Doctor Rufner isn't just great he's amazing! Very thorough, derailed, took the time to explain things in great detail, didn't rush at all just simply amazing. You can tell he really cares and has compassion for me as a patient. I also noticed he was trying to take more of the natural approach of healing instead of expecting a medication to mask everything. I really wish all doctors now days were as organized and patient as he is. In this day in age it's very hard to find good care, I feel I have truly gotten extremely lucky
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