Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an advanced form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is caused by the buildup of fat in the liver. When this buildup causes inflammation and damage, it is known as NASH, leading to liver scarring. Scarring of the liver is a potentially life-threatening condition called cirrhosis.
Causes
NASH is most common in patients who are overweight or obese.
Other risk factors include:
- Diabetes
- High Cholesterol
- High triglycerides
- Poor diet
- Metabolic syndrome
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Sleep apnea
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Pain in the upper right abdomen (usually mild)
- Bleeding easily
- Bruising easily
- Itchy skin
- Jaundice
- Fluid accumulation in your abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Swelling in your legs