How a 35-Year-Old Missed Fatty Liver Red Flags: Persistent Bloating Was Just the Start
At 35, Meera Sharma thought her constant fatigue and recurrent bloating were just digestion issues. She blamed her love for spicy food. A routine check-up revealed she had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
NAFLD involves excess fat accumulation in the liver of people who do not drink alcohol. It links closely to obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, high cholesterol, and sedentary lifestyles. Untreated, it can progress to liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer.
Meera never suspected fatty liver because she did not drink alcohol and considered herself mostly healthy. Like her, thousands of young adults ignore early warning signs, mistaking them for everyday lifestyle problems.
Oh, That's Just Gas and Acidity
Early warning signs often appear subtle. People misdiagnose them as typical digestive problems. Recurrent bloating or post-meal discomfort is one of the most ignored signs.
Fatty liver results from excess fat stored in the liver. This disrupts normal fat digestion and bile production. It affects the body's ability to digest food efficiently and maintain an appropriate weight.
Do not ignore recurrent bouts of acidity, heartburn, or nausea. These could signal deeper issues.
A Dull Discomfort Comes and Goes
Right-sided abdominal discomfort is another overlooked symptom. Mild to moderate abdominal pain, pressure, or discomfort beneath the right rib cage often gets misdiagnosed as gas pain or muscle strain.
However, the likelihood of having either of these is not very high. An enlarged or inflamed fatty liver stretches the capsule surrounding the liver. This creates intense pressure and a dull ache.
I Am Always Exhausted
Unexplained feelings of fatigue or energy deficits are frequently attributed to stress, lack of sleep, or busy lifestyles. The liver acts as the primary organ responsible for producing energy and detoxifying the body.
Increased fat content in the liver decreases its ability to function. This results in chronic fatigue that does not get better with rest. Many people fail to connect this symptom with liver health.
Variable Bowel Function
For some people, changes in eating habits, recurrent indigestion, and variable bowel functions could also be subtle indicators. A fatty liver may negatively impact how an individual processes fats.
This creates poor digestive absorption and alters intestinal function. Most of the time, people receive medication to relieve these symptoms, yet the cause remains unaddressed.
Unexplained Weight Gain
Insulin resistance linked to fatty liver makes it harder to lose weight, even with diet control. The fat layers up around major organs in the abdominal region.
If gastrointestinal symptoms continue, return frequently, and are accompanied by increased risk factors like obesity, diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, or excessive alcohol consumption, consult a doctor. They will advise tests.
Since the liver is a regenerative organ, this condition can be reversed if detected early. Early diagnosis and lifestyle changes are crucial for managing fatty liver disease effectively.
