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.
Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis FAQs
What is the difference between non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are both types of fatty liver disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is characterized by fat buildup within the liver, however, with this condition, no damage to the liver has occurred. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is a form of NAFLD that also involves fat buildup in the liver. In this case, liver inflammation, damage, and even scarring are often occur.
How can you recognize the signs of NASH if it does not produce symptoms?
Though there may be no outward symptoms of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, you may experience fatigue or pain in the upper right side of your abdomen, where your liver is located. Often, the first sign of liver disease, such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, is when scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) occurs. There are certain symptoms of cirrhosis that you can look out for, including:
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin
- Itching of the skin
- Abdominal swelling
In the absence of care, what complications might result from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis?
Without proper care, NASH could lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver. Liver fibrosis is a condition that develops when inflammation and scarring damage the liver. This scar tissue that arises can replace healthy areas, known as liver cirrhosis, which may cause liver function to diminish or cease altogether. Without proper care, fibrosis and cirrhosis could progress to liver cancer and, ultimately, liver failure.
Is the damage caused by non-alcoholic steatohepatitis reversible?
Individuals who are experiencing the initial stages of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and have not endured extensive liver damage might be able to reverse the effects of the condition by making lifestyle changes, including eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and losing weight (if necessary). However, if long-term or more significant damage is present, the effects of the condition might be irreversible. Our Denver, CO gastroenterology team can provide further details regarding this disease.
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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Stomach issues are no joke, and I wanted to start this review off by saying that I've gone through six or seven years straight with severe abdominal pain, nausea, sickness, missing school, missing work, doctor appointments, pills, and various diagnoses that have not helped me at all. It's hard to find someone that can help. Then I found Dr. Brenner. When I went into the office for the first time, I was extremely nervous and had little hope for help. The staff was very sweet. But when I met Dr. Brenner for the first time, I was expecting her to be like all of the others. I can officially say that I am now in remission after seven years thanks to her. She examined my previous medical reports without bias and listened to me with understanding. She had told me that there was no proof I had any of the diseases that these other "doctors" were diagnosing me with, that I didn't need to take all kinds of pills, and gave me advice and tips on how to help myself with home remedies with whatever I may be going through (severe abdominal pain for example). I'm now thankfully taking one pill that for sure helps me, but is not required, and I can eat all kinds of food now that I've never been able to eat. Dr. Brenner is sweet, honest, and very caring with her work. I plan to go to see her for as long as I can.
Friendly staff, Thomas was very fast but thourough, and I was also recomended by a family member who had a good experience.
I have been a patient for approximately 8 years and am more than satisfied in the care and guidance I receive. I have recommended him numerous times through the years.
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