Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, or “MASLD”, is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver. The liver is a big organ in the upper right side of the belly. MASLD used to be called “Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)”.
What causes MASLD and MASH?
Excess body weight
- Diabetes, which causes blood sugar levels to get too high
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
What are the symptoms of MASH?
Most people with МΑЅН (when there is liver inflammation) have no symptoms. Some people feel tired or unwell, or have discomfort in the upper belly.
Your doctor or nurse might suspect that you have МΑSН based on the results of your routine blood tests.
Will I need more tests?
Yes. If your doctor or nurse suspects that you have MASH, you will likely have:
- More blood tests
- An imaging test of the liver in the form of Ultrasound abdomen
How is MASH treated?
It is not typically treated directly. But it can improve when related medical conditions get treated. For example, losing weight and controlling high blood sugar and cholesterol can help improve MASH.
Your doctor can:
- Help you lose weight, if you have excess body weight – If your doctor recommends losing weight, they can help you make a plan to do this safely. It’s important not to lose weight too quickly. Do not lose more than 2 pounds (approximately 1 kilogram) a week.
- Treat your high blood sugar, if you have diabetes.
- Treat your high cholesterol, if you have it.
Making these changes has benefits besides helping with МΑЅН. These changes can also lower your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. That’s important because people with МΑЅΗ are often also at risk for heart disease and stroke.
Your doctor might recommend other things, too. For example:
- You might get vaccines to protect against hepatitis A and B. These are infections that can harm your liver.
- If you have MASH but do not also have diabetes, your doctor might suggest that you take vitamin E. A few studies suggest that vitamin E can reduce some of the liver damage and inflammation that happens with MASH. But there are also studies that suggest that high doses of vitamin E increase the risk of death. So do not take vitamin E unless your doctor or nurse recommends it.
What can I do on my own?
You can:
- Take all of your medicines as instructed.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can make liver problems worse.
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
- Get regular physical activity. Even gentle activity, like walking, is good for your health.
- Go to all of your doctor’s appointments.
Does MASH get worse over time?
It might. Sometimes, people with МΑSH get something called “сirrhоsis.” This means serious scarring of the liver. Сirrhoѕis can cause different symptoms, such as swelling in the legs, trouble breathing, or feeling tired.
People who have МΑSН need to see their doctor for regular check-ups. Your doctor will do follow-up tests regularly. These usually include blood tests.
When should I call the doctor?
Call your doctor or nurse if you have symptoms of ϲirrhoѕis. These can include:
- Blood in your bowel movements or vomit
- Symptoms of infection, such as fever over 100.4°F (38°C) or chills
- Belly pain
- Swollen legs or ankles
- Trouble breathing
- Extreme tiredness
- Confusion
- Yellowing of the skin or whites of your eyes, called jaundice.
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