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Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like A/an, Ab, Ad and more.
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like CAB, ax, GI and more. ... NASH Medical Terminology and Body Organization.
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards terms like Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), Cirrhosis (Advanced scarring) and liver failure and more.
- Overview
- What is NASH?
- What are the symptoms of NASH?
- Causes
- What are the risk factors for NASH?
- How is NASH diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for NASH?
- Outlook
- Summary
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) develops when the body stores excess fat in the liver cells, making it difficult for the liver to function. This causes swelling and damage, which can become serious.
NASH is one of two types of non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimate that between 1.5% and 6.5% of adults in the United States have NASH.
In this article, we describe what NASH is, what symptoms it causes, how doctors diagnose and treat it, and the outlook for someone who has it.
NASH is a potentially serious form of liver disease that develops in people who drink little or no alcohol.
The acronym stands for “nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.” Doctors diagnose steatosis, also called fatty liver, if more than 5% of the liver’s weight is fat.
If someone has NASH, their liver has a high percentage of fat, but it is also swollen has sustained damage, which can cause fibrosis, or scarring.
If this scarring is very significant, it may lead to cirrhosis, a condition that causes permanent liver damage.
Most people with NASH and other forms of NAFLD have no symptoms. Those who do develop symptoms may feel tired or have pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.
Children with NASH may experience:
•fatigue
•pain in the middle or upper-right part of the abdomen
•patches of darker, discolored skin, usually on the neck or under the arms
A doctor may only diagnose NASH after many years, when cirrhosis occurs. Anyone who develops any of the following symptoms should contact a doctor:
While the cause of NASH is unclear, ongoing research suggests that the following may play a role:
•oxidative stress, an imbalance between the production of free radicals and antioxidants
•apoptosis, or programmed cell death, of liver cells
•intestinal bacteria, which may cause inflammation of the liver
•overproduction and release of cytokines, types of toxic inflammatory protein that the body produces
•a person’s genetic makeup
While the exact causes of NASH are currently unclear, the following can increase a person’s risk of developing it:
•having type 2 diabetes
•being overweight
•having body fat that is concentrated around the waist
•having high cholesterol
•having metabolic syndrome
As people with NASH do not usually experience symptoms, doctors often recognize signs of fatty liver during screening for other conditions or routine blood tests.
High levels of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase are markers of liver inflammation. If a blood tests shows this, a doctors orders more tests to rule out other liver diseases.
These blood tests do not show whether there is scarring, however, or the extent of liver damage. So doctors then order imaging tests, such as ultrasound scans, that can show how stiff the liver is. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) tests combine features of ultrasound and MRI imaging to show the extent of scarring.
Occasionally, doctors then order a liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. This involves removing a small sample of liver tissue for microscopic examination.
There are no specific medical treatments for NASH. Taking the following steps can help prevent further damage:
•maintaining a moderate weight, and if this involves losing weight, doing so gradually
•having a balanced, healthy diet with low amounts of processed foods and fats, and little, if any, fructose
•getting regular exercise
•limiting or avoiding alcohol
•controlling blood cholesterol levels
A person with NASH has a high percentage of fat in their liver. The liver is also swollen and has sustained damage. This damage can cause fibrosis, or scarring.
In some people, the scarring and damage become permanent, and doctors diagnose cirrhosis. At this stage, the liver may not be able to function properly. Some people may go on to develop liver cancer. In either case, a liver transplant may be necessary.
NASH involves swelling, damage, and a high percentage of fat in the liver. It can become severe and lead to permanent damage. It also increases the risk of a common type of liver cancer.
There are currently no medical treatments for NASH, but self-care strategies and lifestyle changes can help manage it. If cirrhosis develops, the treatment may involve medications and surgery. If liver failure or cancer develops, a person may need a transplant.
Apr 4, 2024 · Not feeling well, or malaise. Pain or discomfort in the upper right belly area. Possible symptoms of NASH and cirrhosis, or severe scarring, include: Itchy skin. Abdominal swelling, also called ascites (uh-SY-teez). Shortness of breath. Swelling of the legs. Spider-like blood vessels just beneath the skin's surface.
NASH Medical Abbreviation. NASH in Medical commonly refers to Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis, a progressive liver disease characterized by inflammation and fat accumulation in the liver, not caused by alcohol consumption. This condition can lead to more severe liver damage and is a significant concern in public health.
People also ask
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May 16, 2024 · NASH: Definition & Prevalence. NASH (now called MASH) is a dangerously progressive form of NAFLD in which patients have inflammation of the liver and liver damage, in addition to excess fat. About 1.5% to 6.5% of U.S. adults have NASH.. One estimate is that nine to 15 million adults have NASH. NASH prevalence is projected to increase by 63% by ...
