MASLD Can Become More Serious
MASLD can progress to a more serious liver disease called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)2 or, under the new name changes, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).2 In steatohepatitis, the liver cells are inflamed and can start to scar.3 Scientists don’t yet know why MASLD sometimes becomes MASH and other times it doesn’t.3
If your disease progresses, symptoms may get worse.3 Symptoms of liver damage from MASH or alcohol-related hepatitis or cirrhosis include:
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Swelling of the abdomen, legs, feet, and hands;
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Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice);
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Itchy skin;
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Shortness of breath;
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Nausea;
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Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss;
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Red palms; and
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Blood vessels show up under the skin.2,3
Eventually, cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer.2 See a healthcare provider if you have these symptoms and think you may have liver disease.