NASH (Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis)

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which fat builds up in your liver. Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are types of NAFLD. If you have NASH, you have inflammation and liver damage, along with fat in your liver.

How is it diagnosed?

Doctors use your medical history, a physical exam, and tests to diagnose nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Doctors may use blood tests, imaging tests, and liver biopsy to diagnose NAFLD and tell the difference between nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

How is it treated?

Doctors recommend weight loss to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is either nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Weight loss can reduce fat, inflammation, and fibrosis in the liver. No medicines have been approved to treat NAFLD or NASH.

What are the symptoms and causes?

Usually, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a silent disease with few or no symptoms. Certain health conditions—including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes—make you more likely to develop NAFLD.

Can it be prevented?

You may be able to prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)—by eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight. If you have NAFLD, your doctor may recommend weight loss and diet changes.