What is the Difference Between NASH and NAFLD

Definition & Facts. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which fat builds up in your liver. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a type of NAFLD. If you have NASH, you have inflammation and liver cell damage, along with fat in your liver.

1. Is Nash worse than Nafld?
2. How long does it take for Nafld to progress to NASH?
3. How is NASH diagnosed?
4. Is Nash a serious disease?
5. Can you live a long life with a fatty liver?
6. What is the life expectancy of a person with Nash?
7. What are the stages of Nash?
8. What stage of liver disease is itching?
9. What is the fastest way to cure a fatty liver?
10. Does Nash go away?
11. Can Nash be reversed with weight loss?
12. What is the best diet for Nash?

Is Nash worse than Nafld?

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

It usually doesn't get worse or cause problems with your liver. Most people with NAFLD have simple fatty liver. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): This is much more serious than a simple fatty liver. NASH means you have inflammation in your liver.

How long does it take for Nafld to progress to NASH?

Another 20% to 30% of individuals progress to more advanced NASH fibrosis, and the final stage is NASH cirrhosis. It used to be thought that progression from early stage NAFLD to cirrhosis took decades, but recent studies have shown that some people progress rapidly within 2 years.

How is NASH diagnosed?

NASH is diagnosed when examination of the tissue with a microscope shows fat along with inflammation and damage to liver cells. If the tissue shows fat without inflammation and damage, simple fatty liver or NAFLD is diagnosed. You can read more detailed information about preparing for a liver biopsy here.

Is Nash a serious disease?

NASH can be life-threatening, as it can cause liver scarring (called cirrhosis) or liver cancer. It is estimated that 3% to 5% of the global population is affected by NASH, though the disease is considered to be underdiagnosed.

Can you live a long life with a fatty liver?

In the most serious cases, NAFLD can cause the liver to swell (steatohepatitis), which can lead to scarring, or cirrhosis, over time — and may even lead to liver cancer or liver failure. But many people live normal lives with NAFLD as long as they improve their diet, exercise and maintain a healthy weight.

What is the life expectancy of a person with Nash?

Once cirrhosis has developed, the risk of developing a major complication of portal hypertension is 17%, 23%, and 52% at one, three, and 10 years, respectively [49]. The survival of patients with NASH cirrhosis falls markedly once decompensation occurs, with a median survival of approximately two years [50].

What are the stages of Nash?

In essence , there are three main stages of NASH :

• Stage 1 – Fat in the liver exceeds 5% (steatosis), inflammation occurs, and the liver is bigger than normal. ...
• Stage 2 – In addition to stage 1 characteristics, scarring (fibrosis) begins to appear.

What stage of liver disease is itching?

Just about as common as fatigue in PBC, itching (pruritus) of the skin affects a majority of individuals at some time during the disease. The itching tends to occur early in the course of the disease, when individuals still have good liver function. As a matter of fact, itching can even be the initial symptom of PBC.

What is the fastest way to cure a fatty liver?

You can:

1. Lose weight. If you're overweight or obese, reduce the number of calories you eat each day and increase your physical activity in order to lose weight. ...
2. Choose a healthy diet. ...
3. Exercise and be more active. ...
4. Control your diabetes. ...
5. Lower your cholesterol. ...
6. Protect your liver.

Does Nash go away?

NAFLD/NASH Treatment

Active research is ongoing, but for now there are no FDA approved medications specifically for the treatment of NAFLD/NASH. However, studies have shown that both fat, inflammation and scar tissue can leave your liver. This means that NAFLD and NASH can be reversible.

Can Nash be reversed with weight loss?

That meta-analysis and other studies confirmed that weight loss by behavioral programs, medications, or weight-loss surgery can successfully treat NASH. Diet and exercise are the first line of treatment.

What is the best diet for Nash?

Your doctor may suggest other dietary changes to help treat NAFLD and NASH:

• Eat more low-glycemic index foods—such as most fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. ...
• Avoid foods and drinks that contain large amounts of simple sugars, especially fructose. ...
• Avoid heavy alcohol use, which can damage your liver.