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NASH

Digestive Disease Specialists Our Services NASH

Digestive Disease Specialists

Gastroenterology Practice located in Moline, IL & Bettendorf, IA

Up to 6.5% of adults in the United States have nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). At Digestive Disease Specialists, with locations in Moline, Illinois, and Bettendorf and Bettendorf, Iowa, the highly trained gastroenterologists diagnose and treat NASH to ease symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.

NASH Q&A

What is NASH?

NASH is liver inflammation and damage resulting from fat building up in the liver. It’s a type of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. 

While fat in the liver might not cause symptoms or problems for some people, in others, it can lead to NASH, inflammation, and liver cell damage that makes the liver work less effectively. 

Worsening NASH can cause liver scarring and cirrhosis.

What are the symptoms of NASH?

NASH can lead to the following symptoms, particularly as the disease progresses:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Upper belly aching on the right side

However, not everyone in the early stages of NASH experiences symptoms. Many people don’t realize they have this condition and feel fine. It could take several years for NASH to become severe enough to cause bothersome symptoms.

What increases the risk of NASH?

While the exact cause of NASH in people with fat buildup in the liver isn’t apparent, potential risk factors include:

  • Genetics
  • Obesity
  • Insulin resistance
  • High triglyceride levels
  • High cholesterol
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Being 40-50 years old

However, NASH can also happen to people with no known risk factors. 

How is NASH diagnosed?

The experts at Digestive Disease Specialists can diagnose NASH after discussing your symptoms, medical history, medications, and lifestyle. They complete a physical exam and order diagnostic testing, such as blood tests, CT scans, MRIs, or abdominal ultrasound. You might need a liver biopsy to confirm a diagnosis and determine the best treatment.

How is NASH treated?

Treating NASH symptoms or complications may consist of the following:

  • Taking new medicines or altering your medication regimen
  • Reducing total cholesterol
  • Controlling diabetes 
  • Exercising regularly
  • Avoiding alcohol
  • Losing 3-10% of your body weight
  • Eating a heart-healthy diet

Eat nutritious, whole foods and eliminate highly processed foods — particularly foods from animal sources high in saturated fat. Focus on:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Legumes
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Olive oil
  • Other plant-based superfoods.

Consider following a Mediterranean diet. 

When you have NASH, it’s important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits to avoid cirrhosis and other liver-related complications.

Schedule a NASH evaluation at Digestive Disease Specialists by calling the nearest office or booking an appointment online today.

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