People who wake up tired every morning should check for symptoms of fatty liver disease, say health experts. Although such a condition is associated with alcohol consumption, it can often be cause by other things.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the overarching term for a variety of liver conditions that affect people who drink little to no booze. Symptoms can vary widely.
American academic medical centre the Mayo Clinic says symptoms can be anything from almost unnoticeable to visually obvious. And how you feel when you wake up in the morning could be a sign.
Morning fatigue - defined by the NHS as an overwhelming tiredness that isn't helped by sleep and rest - could point to NAFLD. Although many of us experience tiredness at times, those who wake up feeling like they've not slept - even if they've had a full night's sleep - should check their symptoms, reports the Mirror.
Other red flags include:
• Pain or discomfort in the upper right of the abdomen
• Abdominal swelling
• Enlarged blood vessels beneath the surface of the skin
• Enlarged spleen
• Red palms
• Jaundice
• Unexplained weight loss
Although these are symptoms of NAFLD, they can also point to other conditions.
The NHS advises: “See a GP urgently or call 111 if you have any of these symptoms and have a liver condition.”
Should the GP suspect NAFLD, blood tests, ultrasound, and a biopsy may be done to confirm a diagnosis. Patients occasionally undergo a CT or MRI scan, too.
Top tips to look after your liver
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a balanced diet
- Take regular exercise
- Avoid toxins
- Practise safe sex
In recent months, liver disease of a different kind has drawn the attention of health experts around the world, namely an outbreak of acute hepatitis in children under five. Originally starting in Scotland, the illness has now spread across the globe to more than 12 countries, with officials yet to identify the cause.
Potential sources include the adenovirus, household pets, Covid 19 and the resultant lockdowns. Recently, the UK has reported an additional 20 cases, taking the toll to 222 - one of the highest in Europe.
Top medical adviser at the United Kingdom Health Security Agency, Dr Renu Bindra, said: “Our investigations continue to suggest an association with adenovirus, and we are exploring this link, along with other possible contributing factors including prior infections such as Covid-19.
“We are working with other countries who are also seeing new cases to share information and learn more about these infections.”
Dr Bindra added the likelihood of children developing the new form of hepatitis remained extraordinarily low. But parents are still advised to remain vigilant for symptoms of hepatitis in their children.
Hepatitis can cause a range of issues such as muscle and joint pain, nausea, dark urine, loss of appetite, itchy skin and jaundice.
The NHS says: “See a GP if your child has symptoms of hepatitis. Good hygiene, including supervising hand washing in young children, can help to prevent infections that can cause hepatitis.”
