2023-06-15 16:52:30
As a specialist in respiratory system, although his daily work mainly focuses on the treatment of related diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and sleep apnea, he often diagnoses and treats fatty liver for patients. Fatty liver is one of the most common urban diseases in the world. Taking Hong Kong as an example, the patients account for regarding a quarter of the adult population. The situation cannot be ignored. Fatty liver is generally asymptomatic. It is mainly caused by excessive accumulation of fat in liver cells due to excessive diet, metabolic diseases and obesity. If left untreated, it may lead to hepatitis, liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, and even liver cancer.
The author once had a patient who came to see a doctor for asthma and sleep apnea. He was obese and worked in the financial industry. He had a lot of work pressure and had many parties in his spare time. The author suggested that he take a blood test for liver enzymes, blood sugar and cholesterol and other indexes, and undergo a liver fibrosis scan. The results showed that although he was only in his twenties, he already suffered from severe fatty liver and needed treatment. It’s a pity that he didn’t feel any discomfort, and he didn’t follow the advice to get rid of bad habits. So far, his condition has not improved.
Although the symptoms of sleep apnea and fatty liver do not seem to be directly related, studies have shown that both have common risk factors, namely metabolic syndrome, including obesity, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, especially obesity. One of the major risk factors that both share. Therefore, for people suffering from sleep apnea, it is more important to prevent fatty liver.
Whether it is treating sleep apnea or fatty liver, the first task is to control weight and establish good living and eating habits. It is recommended to eat regularly, avoid high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt food and alcoholic beverages, do more moderate exercise, and get enough sleep. It is worth noting that even if the weight is not overweight, there is a chance to suffer from fatty liver. Especially following women enter menopause, their metabolic function will decline. For example, long-term uncontrolled diet, lack of exercise, or even staying up late to “watch dramas” will also increase the risk of fatty liver. Since the liver needs to repair during sleep, it is best to go to bed before eleven o’clock in the evening.
At present, there is no specific drug to treat fatty liver. In addition to lifestyle changes, patients may also consider taking liver health supplements containing silymarin, which may help anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and anti-fibrosis. But before taking any health supplements, please be sure to consult your doctor.
Finally, if you belong to the high-risk group of fatty liver, including middle-aged, high work pressure, central obesity, sleep apnea or other related symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor regularly and perform liver function tests. For patients who have been diagnosed with fatty liver, the problem should be faced up to early. Remember that reversing fatty liver is not a one-day effort, and good living habits need to be persevered in order to truly restore liver health.
Written by: Dr. Cao Zhonghao
Department of Respiratory System
1686862887
#Ruo #Shan #TalkingUrban #disease #damage #liver #Sky #Post #Health #Ruo #Shan #Talking
