As lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes, and certain heart health issues rise, many people are worried about their declining health and how to fix it. Another such disease is fatty liver disease, also known as Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) According to a 2021 study, out of an estimate from 2903 children and 23,581 adult participants, the overall estimated average of NAFLD was 38.6%. Fatty liver disease happens when too much fat builds up in your liver. If we catch it early, this condition is usually not a big health risk and can often be cured easily. However, if left untreated, it can cause a lot of problems. To tackle this and catch this disease early, one must learn how to identify the symptoms of fatty liver. To help with this, Dr. Pradip Vekariya, Gastroenterologist, posted a video on his social media handle. In the caption he wrote, “1 in 3 Indians has fatty liver — are you one of them? Fatty liver can silently progress to liver cirrhosis if ignored.” He then pointed out an early symptom that can help you get an early diagnosis and avoid the later consequences, which is Pedal edema (swollen feet). Are Swollen Feet A Sign of Fatty Liver? If you notice swelling in your feet and ankles—a condition doctors call pedal edema—it might be more than just tired legs. This swelling can often be an early sign that your liver is in trouble. This is a sign that soon things will become worse. If the disease gets worse, the liver becomes inflamed and damaged. Over time, healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, which stops the liver from working properly. When this severe, permanent damage occurs, it's called liver cirrhosis. This is dangerous and can lead to liver failure or even liver cancer. How Swelling Is A Sign Of Liver Damage As fatty liver disease moves into the serious stage of liver cirrhosis, you often start to notice swelling in different parts of your body. This happens because the liver is no longer working properly. Here are some other body parts that also may be affected with swelling according to National Health Services UK. Abdomen (Ascites) One of the clearest signs of advanced liver disease is swelling in the belly, known as ascites. Because the pressure is so high, fluid leaks directly out of the blood vessels and collects inside the abdomen. This causes the belly to look swollen and feel uncomfortable. Legs, Ankles, and Feet (Edema) The increased pressure also pushes fluid out in other areas. This commonly causes swelling in the legs and ankles, which is called edema. Since gravity pulls the fluid down, the feet often swell too. Hands and Arms Fluid retention caused by liver problems and high pressure can also cause your hands to swell, making them look puffy and bloated. Chest and Breasts (In Men) In men, severe liver disease can upset the balance of hormones in the body. This hormonal change can lead to a condition called gynecomastia, which is when the breast tissue becomes enlarged. This issue may also be connected to a loss of sex drive and problems having children. How To Manage Fatty Liver? If you notice unexplained swelling in any of these areas, it is crucial to see a doctor immediately. While swelling can signal liver disease, it can also be caused by other serious conditions like heart or kidney failure. A doctor will perform tests (like blood work and imaging) to find the exact cause and get you the right treatment. It is very important to get an early diagnosis to prevent fatty liver disease from getting worse. The best way to manage it, especially in the early stages, is through lifestyle changes: Adopt a healthy diet.Exercise regularly.Avoid drinking alcohol.
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