Fatty liver disease on rise in kids

Even as obesity rates in children are rising, their vulnerability to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver disease (NAFLD) has also seen an upward trend. The disease is a result of excess fat content in the liver. However, NAFLD strikes in the form of Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which could lead to irreversible liver damage and scarring. While keeping a check on your child’s diet is the priority, ensuring that they engage in physical activities is also important.

Symptoms

One symptom of NAFLD that shouldn’t be ignored is the pain in the upper right section of the abdomen. Physical examination of the child may show an enlarged liver and some may have skin discolouration over the neck and underarm area.

NAFLD can be triggered by diabetes or pre-diabetes, being overweight or obese, elevation in blood lipids and high blood pressure. If your child is obese, have his liver enzymes checked. The condition is diagnosed through routine blood tests or through abdominal ultrasound or CT scan.

Prevention

Losing excess fat and keeping tabs on cholesterol levels is crucial. Children should be allotted at least an hour or two of physical exertion a day in addition to a balanced diet, especially if the child is overweight.

(The author is the chief dietitian, Fortis Hospital)