Fatty Liver Alert: Body Parts Where Swelling May Occur During Liver Cirrhosis and Indicate Severe Disease
Fatty liver disease is a common health issue that can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Did you know? Fatty liver can progress to liver cirrhosis, leading to irreversible liver damage.
In an interview with, Dr. Alisha Chaubal, Senior Consultant in Hepatology and Liver Transplant at Gleneagles Hospitals in Parel, Mumbai, explained, “Fatty liver disease occurs when there is an excessive buildup of fat in the liver. It is commonly seen in adults due to excessive alcohol consumption (alcohol-induced fatty liver disease) or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is linked to a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and diabetes.”
She elaborated, “Initially, this condition may not cause major health problems and is manageable with expert advice. However, as the disease progresses, the liver undergoes severe issues. It becomes inflamed and damaged as healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue, impairing liver function. When the liver is completely damaged and scarred, it can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.”
Fatty liver also occurs in alcoholics and is often referred to as AFLD (alcohol-induced fatty liver disease). It can progress to severe forms such as MASH (metabolism-associated steatohepatitis, inflammation of the fatty liver) or liver cirrhosis, leading to liver damage and resulting in swelling in various body parts or even jaundice.
According to Dr. Alisha Chaubal, the following are body parts where swelling may occur during liver cirrhosis:
- Swelling in the Legs and Ankles (Edema): This occurs due to increased pressure from portal hypertension caused by liver damage associated with fatty liver disease. The pressure buildup leads to fluid accumulation in surrounding tissues, resulting in swelling.
- Abdomen (Ascites): One of the key signs of advanced liver disease is ascites, which is the buildup of fluid within the abdominal cavity. Liver inflammation and scarring cause high pressure in the blood vessels within the liver (portal hypertension). This increased pressure can cause fluid to leak from the liver’s blood vessels into the abdominal cavity, leading to abdominal swelling and discomfort. It is important to evaluate this fluid to rule out other causes of ascites, such as tuberculosis or cancer.
- Feet Swelling: In addition to swelling in the legs and ankles, severe fatty liver disease can also cause edema in the feet.
- Facial Puffiness and Hand Swelling: Severe disease may also lead to swelling in the face and hands.
Dr. Alisha Chaubal added, “In males, severe fatty liver disease can cause gynecomastia, a condition where breast tissue enlarges. This happens due to hormonal imbalances resulting from liver dysfunction and can be associated with reduced sexual desire and infertility. Swelling in these body parts can indicate severe liver disease and may mimic other health problems.”
She advised, “Getting a confirmed diagnosis and starting appropriate treatment can be life-changing. A thorough evaluation including blood tests, CT scans, and MRIs can help determine the exact cause of swelling in the body. Making lifestyle changes such as following a nutritious diet, staying active through regular exercise, and abstaining from alcohol can help manage fatty liver disease and mitigate its potentially severe outcomes.”
