Fatty liver
Fat in the liver may cause no symptoms. Some people also develop inflammation or scarring. A clinician can assess your other risks and results.
Build a realistic plan for activity, balanced meals and care for related conditions.
Health information
Understanding liver health
Read about symptoms, tests and everyday choices. Discuss your own results with a clinician.
01 / Conditions
The name of a condition is only a starting point
Two people with the same condition may need different tests or care. Bring your symptoms and earlier reports to a clinician.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B spreads through blood and certain body fluids. Chronic infection may need treatment or ongoing monitoring.
Ask about vaccination, safe injections and ways to avoid blood exposure.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C usually spreads through blood. WHO says direct-acting antivirals cure more than 95% of people with the infection.
Use safe injections and screened blood; there is no hepatitis C vaccine.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is long-term scarring of the liver. Complications can include swelling, confusion or bleeding.
Vomiting blood or severe confusion needs emergency care.
Medicine-related liver injury
Some medicines and supplements can injure the liver, especially at unsafe doses. Do not change prescribed treatment on your own.
Avoid unlabelled remedies and check safe doses with a pharmacist or clinician.
02 / Tests
What do the numbers on a report mean?
Reference ranges vary by laboratory. One result rarely tells the whole story; it needs to be read with your symptoms and earlier results.
ALT (SGPT)
Can rise with liver injury; it does not diagnose a condition on its own.
AST (SGOT)
Can come from liver or other tissues, including muscle.
Bilirubin
Higher levels may cause jaundice; the reason needs assessment.
Albumin
A protein made by the liver; low levels have several possible causes.
ALP and GGT
May help assess bile ducts and other possible problems.
PT / INR
Measures clotting time; medicines and other factors can affect it.
Ultrasound / elastography
Imaging and stiffness results need to be read with other findings.
03 / Symptoms
When to speak with a clinician
Yellow eyes or skin
See a clinician to find the cause of jaundice.
Unusual tiredness
Fatigue has many causes. Arrange an assessment if it persists.
Swelling in the abdomen or legs
New swelling should be assessed promptly.
Pain on the right side of the abdomen
There are several possible causes; get persistent or severe pain checked.
Loss of appetite or nausea
Tell a clinician if these symptoms continue.
Easy bruising or bleeding
Seek prompt care for unexplained bleeding.
For vomiting blood, severe confusion or sudden breathing difficulty, seek emergency care rather than waiting for a chamber appointment.
04 / Questions
A few more common questions
Can liver fat decrease?
For some people, gradual weight loss, activity and dietary changes reduce liver fat and inflammation. Results vary; follow up with your clinician.
Is jaundice a disease by itself?
Jaundice is a sign. A clinician can investigate its cause.
Does sharing a meal spread hepatitis B?
No. Sharing food or utensils, hugging and ordinary contact do not spread hepatitis B. It can spread through blood and certain body fluids.
How often should I repeat tests?
There is no single schedule for everyone. Your clinician can advise based on earlier results, other conditions and treatment.
This guide cannot diagnose your condition. A clinician can advise after reviewing your history and results.