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Fatty Liver
Fatty liver disease affects millions worldwide, often with no symptoms. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen provides assessment and treatment plans including lifestyle adjustments, dietary guidance, and advanced imaging to help patients reduce fat accumulation and improve liver health.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
What Is Fatty Liver?
Fatty liver is a condition in which excess fat accumulates in liver cells. It may result from heavy alcohol use (alcoholic fatty liver) or from metabolic and lifestyle factors (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). Early stages often cause no symptoms, but if left unchecked, fat buildup can lead to inflammation, scarring, and more serious liver damage.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Obesity or overweight
Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
High cholesterol or triglycerides
Heavy alcohol use (alcoholic fatty liver)
Metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Rapid weight loss or poor nutrition
Signs and Symptoms
Often none in early stages
Tiredness or weakness
Mild pain or fullness in the upper right belly
Unexplained weight loss
Swelling in legs or abdomen (advanced disease)
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Fatty Liver?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your liver risk factors (alcohol use, weight history, family liver disease) and asks specifically about epigastric pain, fatigue, appetite changes, and any extrahepatic symptoms. A physical exam checks for liver enlargement or tenderness in the upper right abdomen.
Blood Tests
Lab work includes liver enzyme panels (ALT, AST), lipid profile, fasting glucose or HbA1c, and excludes viral hepatitis or other causes. Elevated enzymes often precede symptoms.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound evaluates liver echogenicity and fat infiltration.
FibroScan (transient elastography) measures liver stiffness and quantifies steatosis noninvasively.
Liver Biopsy (If Indicated)
When blood tests and imaging are inconclusive or if advanced fibrosis is suspected, a percutaneous liver biopsy confirms inflammation and scarring.
Additional GI Evaluation
If epigastric pain persists or GI pathology is suspected, he may recommend upper endoscopy or abdominal MRI to rule out peptic ulcer disease, gallbladder issues, or pancreatic causes.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for fatty liver disease.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Personalized meal plans focusing on fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and omega-3-rich fish
Guidance on cutting back processed snacks, sugary drinks, and fried foods while boosting water intake
Exercise programs—such as walking, cycling, or light cardio—to achieve gradual 5-10% weight loss and lower liver enzymes
2. Medications
Management of blood sugar with FDA-approved diabetes medications when needed
Lipid-lowering drugs to control high cholesterol and triglycerides
Vitamin E supplementation in selected non-alcoholic fatty liver disease cases per current guidelines
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
FibroScan® for non-surgical monitoring of liver fat content and stiffness
Access to clinical trials of emerging therapies for NASH/MASH
Endoscopic or interventional treatments to address advanced scarring or fluid buildup when indicated
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fatty liver curable with lifestyle changes?
Yes. Many patients see significant improvements by adopting a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, and managing weight under Dr. Nguyen's guidance.
How long can someone live with fatty liver?
With early diagnosis and proper management—controlling weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol—most people live full, healthy lives.
Can fatty liver be reversed?
Yes. Losing five to ten percent of your body weight can reduce or even reverse fat accumulation in the liver and improve liver function.
What are the early symptoms of fatty liver?
Most individuals have no symptoms initially. Some may experience fatigue or mild discomfort in the upper right abdomen, and blood tests may reveal elevated liver enzymes.
What foods should I avoid?
Avoid sugary beverages, processed snacks, refined grains (like white bread), fried foods, and excessive alcohol to help reduce liver fat.
What foods are beneficial for fatty liver?
Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (such as fish and poultry), nuts, and healthy fats (like omega-3s). Staying hydrated is also important.
What is the ICD-10 code for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is usually recorded under code K76.0.
