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Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (Nash)
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a serious fatty liver disease marked by fat buildup, inflammation, and injury. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen provides tailored diagnostic testing, lifestyle guidance, and cutting-edge treatment strategies to effectively manage and potentially reverse NASH.
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 Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)?
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a serious form of fatty liver disease
characterized by fat accumulation in the liver, inflammation, and liver cell damage.
It occurs in people who consume little to no alcohol and can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis,
or liver failure if left untreated.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Obesity or overweight
Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
High cholesterol or elevated triglycerides
Metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abdominal obesity)
Rapid weight loss or crash diets
Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids, some cancer drugs)
Family history of fatty liver disease
Signs and Symptoms
Often none in early stages
Fatigue or general weakness
Mild discomfort or fullness in the upper right abdomen
Unexplained weight loss
Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) detected on exam or imaging
Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) in advanced disease
Swelling in the legs or abdomen (ascites) with severe scarring
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your health history, alcohol use, metabolic risk factors, and specifics of any epigastric pain—its onset, character, duration, and aggravating or relieving factors.
Blood Tests
Comprehensive labs check liver enzymes (ALT, AST), fasting glucose, lipid profile, and exclude other causes of liver injury or abdominal pain.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound assesses fatty infiltration and liver texture.
FibroScan® or elastography measures liver stiffness and steatosis noninvasively.
Liver Biopsy (if needed)
When noninvasive tests are inconclusive or to stage fibrosis, a percutaneous liver biopsy provides definitive assessment of inflammation and scarring.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for fatty liver disease.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Personalized meal plans rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
Exercise programs targeting at least 30 minutes of activity most days
Guidance on achieving 5-10 % weight loss and complete alcohol abstinence
2. Medications
Vitamin E therapy for select non-diabetic patients to reduce liver inflammation
Pioglitazone for eligible patients to improve insulin sensitivity and liver health
Access to the latest clinical trials of emerging NASH treatments
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
FibroScan® for non-surgical monitoring of liver fat and fibrosis
Endoscopic devices and weight-loss procedures for patients with obesity
Interventional radiology techniques to manage cirrhosis-related complications
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
What is the life expectancy with NASH?
It depends on how early the disease is detected and managed. With timely lifestyle changes and monitoring, many patients live full, healthy lives. Advanced cirrhosis can shorten life expectancy.
How is NASH different from NAFLD?
NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) means fat has accumulated in the liver without causing inflammation or cell damage. NASH involves fat plus inflammation and liver injury.
Can NASH lead to cirrhosis?
Yes. Ongoing inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) from untreated NASH can progress to irreversible cirrhosis and liver failure.
Is weight-loss surgery or a device used to treat NASH?
In select patients with obesity, bariatric surgery or endoscopic weight-loss devices may improve liver health. Dr. Nguyen will help determine if these options are appropriate for you.
What lifestyle changes work best?
Gradual weight loss of 5-10%, a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, regular exercise (30 minutes most days), and avoiding alcohol and added sugars are key.
Is NASH testing covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans cover blood tests and liver ultrasounds. FibroScan® or liver biopsy may require prior authorization. Our team will assist you in understanding your benefits.
Where can I learn more about NASH?
The American Liver Foundation offers comprehensive patient resources at https://liverfoundation.org.
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