What Is NASH?
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is a variant of fatty liver disease in which excess fat deposition in the liver leads to liver inflammation and cell injury and scarring. It is felt when one takes low alcohol or none. Cirrhosis and liver failure could develop in case of untreated NASH. The early diagnosis and lifestyle change can prevent or reverse the progression of the disease.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Obesity or rapid weight gain
- Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
- High levels of triglycerides or cholesterol
- Metabolic syndrome (complex of disorders)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Some drugs like steroids
Common Symptoms
- Symptoms extremely frequent in early stages
- Feeling tired or weak
- Mild pain in upper right abdomen
- Unintentional weight loss
- Elevated hepatobiliary enzymes on blood tests
How Dr. Rishi Chadha Diagnoses Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
1. Medical History & Physical Exam
Dr. Chadha examines the family and personal medical history, alcohol use, drugs and risk factors and performs a certain physical examination.
2. Blood Tests
The liver enzymes and other blood markers are quantified to ascertain liver functioning and rule out other potential causes of liver damage.
3. Imaging Studies
- Ultrasound: Examinations fatty deposition, hepatic consistency.
- FibroScan- (Transient Elastography): The liver is measured in terms of stiffness and the amount of fat is established.
4. Noninvasive Scoring
Dr. Chadha relies on verified scoring systems (e.g., NAFLD Fibrosis Score) in estimating the scope of liver scarring.
5. Liver Biopsy (When Needed)
In rare or ambiguous cases, the liver biopsy has clear grading of inflammation and fibrosis.
What is NASH?
NASH is a form of liver hepatitis that is caused by alcohol. Fat deposition occurs in the liver and causes inflammation, cell damages, and scarring.
What causes NASH?
All these risk factors include obesity or weight gain, type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, high cholesterol or triglycerides, metabolic syndrome, premenopausal obesity, PCOS, and some medications (e.g., steroids).
What are the symptoms?
Many people have no symptoms. It also runs the risk of causing fatigue, slight pain in the right upper abdomen, accidental weight loss, or elevated liver enzymes in the blood test.
What is the ICD-10 code for NASH?
ICD-10 code of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis is K75.81.
What is the commonality between NASH and fatty liver?
In simple fatty liver (NAFL), no damage is caused. NASH is accompanied by inflammation and scarring, which predisposes the risk of cirrhosis development.
Can NASH be reversed?
Yes—early NASH can be prevented or even reversed through gradual weight reduction (5-10% of body weight), healthy dietary habits, and regular exercise.
What are the diagnostic tests used for NASH?
Blood tests for liver enzymes, ultrasound or FibroScan to determine fat and stiffness, noninvasive scoring systems, and, infrequently, liver biopsy can identify the diagnosis.
What should I not eat in NASH?
Reduce or avoid sweetened drinks, processed foods, white bread, pastries, refined carbohydrates, and foods containing added sugars and unhealthy fats.
Should liver biopsy be performed on all occasions?
No. Dr. Chadha begins with noninvasive tests. Biopsy is performed only when results are ambiguous or when advanced liver scarring is suspected.
Who can take good care of me for NASH in Houston?
Call GastroDoxs and schedule an appointment with Dr. Rishi Chadha. He will create a tailor-made liver health program.