Fatty liver, also known as hepatic steatosis is a common condition where there is an accumulation of fat in the liver cells. The liver is one of the most important organs in the body and is responsible for various functions such as detoxification, digestion, and metabolism. When the liver starts to accumulate excessive fat, it can cause a variety of health problems.
Today, medical tourism has become popular these days as it gives access to international treatments at affordable prices. Platforms like Medditour help the patients seeking treatments for fatty liver, an opportunity to connect to global hospitals and facilitators.
In this article, we will discuss the causes, serious illnesses related to fatty liver, treatments available, and how medical tourism can help cure fatty liver.
Causes of Fatty Liver
The primary cause of fatty liver is the consumption of excessive alcohol, leading to alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, there is another type of fatty liver known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which is caused by various factors such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and metabolic disorders.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that NAFLD is one of the most common causes of liver disease in the United States.
Serious Illnesses Related to Fatty Liver
Although simple fatty liver does not cause any serious illnesses, NASH can lead to various complications such as liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Liver cirrhosis is a condition where there is severe scarring in the liver, leading to liver failure. Healthline states that the scarring that occurs with cirrhosis is usually irreversible, but treatment can help manage it. Liver cancer is also a potential complication of fatty liver, and people with NASH are more likely to develop liver cancer than those without fatty liver.
Treatments for Fatty Liver
For alcoholic fatty liver disease, the most effective treatment is to stop drinking alcohol completely. For nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, exercise, and a healthy diet can improve the condition.
If these changes do not work, medications such as vitamin E, pioglitazone, and metformin can be prescribed by a doctor.
Medical Tourism for Fatty Liver Disease
Medical tourism can be an option for people seeking treatments for fatty liver. Several countries offer medical treatments for fatty liver, including India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, Dubai, and Mexico.
In India, there are several hospitals that specialize in liver diseases and offer treatments for fatty liver such as liver biopsy, liver transplant, and non-invasive treatments such as radiofrequency ablation. Thailand is also a popular destination for medical tourism, and there are several hospitals that offer treatments for fatty liver such as liver transplant and non-invasive treatments such as hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy. In Mexico, there are several hospitals that specialize in liver diseases and offer treatments such as liver transplant, radiofrequency ablation, and chemoembolization.
Medical tourism can be an attractive option for people with fatty liver because it offers access to specialized treatments that may not be available in their home country. It can also be cost-effective. Platforms like Medditour offer opportunities for combining the treatment with vacation. Patients can relax and get relieved from their stress during/after the rehabilitation period with the advice of their surgeon or physician.
In conclusion, fatty liver is a common condition that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. The primary cause of fatty liver is excessive alcohol consumption or underlying medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Medical tourism could be a boon to patients seeking treatments for fatty liver at international destinations at affordable cost.