The term “steatosis” is used to refer to the deposition of fat in the interstitial spaces of an organ. Specifically, many people use steatosis to talk about depositions of fat in the liver. You may also hear it called “fatty liver disease.” As a general rule, steatosis is reversible with a variety of treatments, but it can cause serious complications if it is not caught and addressed.

One of the most common causes of steatosis is alcoholism. In fact, alcoholism is such a common cause that other forms of steatosis are lumped under the term “non-alcoholic steatosis.” When steatosis is diagnosed, alcohol consumption is usually discussed with the patient to rule out the role of alcohol in the condition. If the patient does not drink in large amounts, the cause could be insulin resistance, hepatitis infection, or obesity, all of which have been linked with steatosis.

If fatty liver disease is allowed to progress, the steatosis will turn into steatohepatitis, a serious inflammation of the liver. If this is not treated, cell damage and death will begin to occur, potentially putting the patient at risk of death. The end result is cirrhosis of the liver, a condition which is marked by an extreme decrease in liver function. This is not desirable, since the liver helps the body process a variety of toxins, and without a functioning liver, a patient will die.

Treatments for steatosis are focused on restoring lever function so that the body can metabolize the fatty buildup. As a result, patients are typically forced to go onto a restrictive diet which excludes substances like alcohol which could exacerbate the condition. If obesity is the cause, patients are usually strongly encouraged to lose weight to reduce the strain on their livers. Doctors also try to identify the root cause of the steatosis, as treatment of the cause can usually reverse the symptoms.

One of the dangers of steatosis is that it often exhibits few symptoms at the beginning. Patients might feel a bit tired, or experience some abdominal soreness, but they may not be able to identify the cause. Unless a patient happens to be tested, the condition may progress until more obvious symptoms emerge, making the condition more difficult to treat. People with hepatitis are often regularly tested for signs of steatosis, and they are encouraged to eat a controlled diet to reduce fat deposition in their livers.