Fatty liver disease can cause decreased lung capacity. This has been shown by a published study. Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology.
2,543 people from four cities in China participated in the study. Scientists measured the fat content in the patients’ livers using ultrasound and their lung capacity using spirometry.
Vital capacity was significantly lower in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this case, fat droplets accumulate in the liver cells, causing the organ to deteriorate. In the early stages of the disease, only structural changes can be seen in the liver, but later metabolic disorders also join the symptoms. Their presence in study participants was associated with the most significant deterioration in lung function.
Additionally, due to inflammation in NAFLD, liver tissue is replaced by fibrous connective tissue, which is essentially a scar. This causes deterioration in the performance of the organ. The authors of the new study showed that the more severe liver fibrosis, the more reduced lung capacity. The fact that this association is independent of other factors such as age, gender, and smoking status highlights the direct impact of metabolic disorders in NAFLD on respiratory health.
The study highlights the need for comprehensive treatment of NAFLD, taking into account its impact on lung function.
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