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What does MASH liver disease stand for? Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis is a type of liver disease where fat cells infiltrate the liver. It causes inflammation. Picture a red, angry, liver that cannot function well. The liver performs so many things for your body. When it gets inflammation 24/7 with no break, it eventually leads to severe liver disease.
What Does NASH Liver Disease Stand For?
MASH used to be called Nash – doctors want us to understand that it is also about metabolism and not just fat. So MASH stands for Metabolic dysfunction-associated Steatohepatitis, which is a type of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NASH is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, inflammation, and liver cell damage. It is a more severe form of NAFLD, and it can lead to progressive scarring of the liver, also known as fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, and even liver cancer.
The exact cause of MASH is not fully understood, but it is believed to be associated with metabolic disorders. Things such as obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes are also known to co-exist with NASH. These conditions can cause fat to accumulate in the liver, leading to inflammation and liver damage including end stage.
Symptoms of MASH
Symptoms of MASH (formerly called NASH) can be similar to those of other liver diseases, and they may include fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). However, some people with NASH may have no symptoms at all. That is why liver disease is called the silent killer. It is nothing to fool. There are ways that your medical provider can guide you toward a longer and healthier life. Here on my website, I talk a LOT about how to liver longer stronger and heal fatty liver disease.
Diagnosis of MASH typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests, imaging tests, and sometimes a liver biopsy. Treatment for NASH usually involves lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss, exercise, and a healthy diet, to reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage inflammation or other associated conditions.
What Medications are Given for Liver Disease?
The type of medication prescribed for liver disease depends on the original cause and the specific condition being treated. Some common medications used to treat liver disease include:
- Antiviral medications: These medications are used to treat viral hepatitis infections, such as hepatitis B and C. They work by stopping the viruses from replicating in the liver and can help prevent further liver damage. I took these to cure from Hepatitis C. There is no cure for Hepatitis B, but there are meds for people who have it.
- Immunomodulators: These medications help regulate the immune system and are used to treat autoimmune liver diseases, such as autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis.
- Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA): This medication is a type of bile acid that can help reduce liver inflammation and improve liver function. It is often used to treat primary biliary cholangitis.
- Corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory medications are used to treat severe liver inflammation caused by autoimmune liver diseases or acute liver failure.
- Diuretics: These medications are used to treat fluid retention (edema) and ascites (abdominal swelling) that can occur with advanced liver disease. I took these up until I got liver cancer. After my liver transplant, I didn’t need them any more.
- Beta-blockers: These medications can help reduce the risk of bleeding from varices (enlarged blood vessels) that can occur with advanced liver disease. I took these for many years because I had a lot of varices bleeding. They saved my life.
What Does MASH Liver Disease Stand For?
If you’re just learning about your diagnosis, remember, not all liver diseases can be treated with medication, however, making changes can help. That is the reason I researched and started this blog. I made changes and started maintaining a low sodium diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol are often essential in managing liver disease.
If you have liver disease, it’s important to work closely with your medical team to find out the best treatment for your type of liver disease. Read more about the different types, and always feel free to ask questions. I’ve lived through a lot with end stage liver disease. I‘m here for you. xo Karen
