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Fatty Liver
Struggling with fatty liver disease? At GastroDoxs in Houston, board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Scott offers personalized care to halt and reverse liver damage. Combining diagnostics, tailored treatment plans, and lifestyle guidance, he empowers patients to restore liver health and improve well-being.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
What Is Fatty Liver?
Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells. Over time, this buildup can lead to inflammation, scarring, and impaired liver function if not addressed early.
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
Rapid weight loss or poor nutrition
Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids)
Signs and Symptoms
Often none in early stages
Persistent tiredness or weakness
Mild pain or fullness in the upper right abdomen
Unexplained weight loss
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) in advanced disease
Swelling in legs or abdomen (edema or ascites) when severe
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your symptom onset, pain location (especially epigastric versus right upper quadrant), eating habits, alcohol use and other risk factors for liver or gastrointestinal disease.
Blood Tests
We check liver enzymes (AST, ALT), pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase), complete blood count and markers of inflammation to help pinpoint the source of your pain and rule out other causes.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound evaluates fatty infiltration of the liver, gallbladder stones, and pancreatic abnormalities.
FibroScan (elastography) measures liver stiffness to detect fibrosis or cirrhosis.
CT or MRI may be ordered to look for masses, pancreatitis or complications that ultrasound can't fully characterize.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
When noninvasive tests are inconclusive, a liver biopsy or endoscopic ultrasound can confirm fatty liver, assess inflammation and stage any damage.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for fatty liver disease.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Personalized meal plans to reduce sugar, unhealthy fats, and support weight loss
Structured exercise programs to boost metabolic health and steady weight loss
Guidance on alcohol moderation or abstinence for optimal liver recovery
Management strategies to control diabetes and cholesterol
2. Medications
Statins to manage high cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk
Metformin for blood sugar control and improved insulin sensitivity
Vitamin E supplementation in select patients to reduce liver inflammation
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
FibroScan for non-invasive monitoring of liver stiffness and fibrosis
Endoscopic interventions to manage complications such as variceal bleeding
Liver biopsy when definitive staging of disease is required
Referral for liver transplant evaluation in cases of advanced liver damage
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a fatty liver?
Fat often collects in the liver from poor diet, obesity, diabetes, alcohol use, or certain medications.
How can I lower my liver enzymes?
Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid excess alcohol. Dr. Scott creates a plan to help you lower liver enzymes.
What tests show hepatic echogenicity?
A fatty liver ultrasound or FibroScan measures echogenic liver changes without surgery.
Is there a drug for fatty liver disease?
While no medication is approved specifically for fatty liver, we use drugs for related conditions-like statins, metformin, or vitamin E-when lifestyle changes alone aren't enough.
What is NASH liver disease life expectancy?
It varies by stage. Early NASH can be managed with diet and exercise. Dr. Scott will discuss your individual prognosis.
Do I need a biopsy?
Most patients avoid biopsy. We rely on blood tests, imaging, and non-invasive scans unless advanced disease is suspected.
