Fatty liver or other liver diseases can cause swelling of the legs, hands, arms, face, and bloating due to fluid buildup.
Fatty liver disease occurs due to too much fat accumulation in the liver. There are two types: alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Both of these conditions can progress to serious diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. One of the symptoms of the disease is swelling in many parts of the body.
Distention
Fatty liver disease often causes abdominal bloating, also known as ascites. This condition occurs when fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity, leading to a significant increase in abdominal circumference. This is often a sign of progressive liver disease such as cirrhosis due to long-term fatty liver.
A damaged liver makes less albumin – a protein that helps maintain fluid balance in the blood vessels. As a result, fluid leaks into the abdominal cavity, causing discomfort, pain, and difficulty breathing due to its pressure on the diaphragm.
Be swelled the leg
Peripheral edema, which causes swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, is common in people with fatty liver disease. This condition occurs when impaired liver function affects the ability to produce proteins and hormones needed to regulate fluid. As a result, fluid leaks out of the blood vessels and accumulates in the tissues of the lower limbs.
In addition to a feeling of heaviness and tightness in the legs, peripheral edema can cause discomfort and difficulty moving. Symptoms are worse when the patient stands or sits for long periods of time.
Swelling of hands and arms
Swelling in these areas can be a sign of an overall fluid imbalance in the body caused by liver disease. Similar to leg swelling, fluid retention due to liver dysfunction also has the risk of leading to swelling of the hands and arms. Swelling of the hands and arms interferes with daily activities, causing the patient discomfort and reduced mobility.
Swelling of the upper abdomen
An abnormally enlarged liver is another sign of fatty liver disease. When fat builds up in the liver cells, the organ swells and becomes abnormally large, sometimes causing a noticeable swelling in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. This symptom may be accompanied by a feeling of fullness, discomfort, or pain.
Diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, and liver function tests help determine the condition of the liver and rule out other causes of abnormal liver enlargement.
Swollen face
Swelling in the face is sometimes not as obvious as swelling in the abdomen or legs, but it can be a symptom related to advanced liver disease. Water and sodium retention due to impaired liver function can lead to puffiness under the eyes and facial swelling.
People with alcoholic liver disease should reduce their dosage or stop altogether, and eat a healthy diet low in fat and sugar. Weight loss through diet and exercise is beneficial for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. People suspected of having the disease should have regular health check-ups, imaging and blood tests to monitor liver function, and effectively control symptoms.