Urgent Warning: black, Tarry Stools Could Signal Advanced Fatty Liver Disease
A potentially life-threatening symptom of fatty liver disease – black, tarry stools – is prompting urgent calls for medical attention from the British liver Trust. This indicator suggests possible advanced stages of the condition and requires immediate evaluation by a healthcare professional.
Fatty liver disease, increasingly prevalent due to lifestyle factors, often presents with subtle, non-specific symptoms that can delay diagnosis. Beyond black stools, warning signs include chronic fatigue, weakness, right upper abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), easy bruising, dark urine, abdominal and leg swelling (ascites and edema), vomiting blood, mental confusion, and itchy skin.
Currently in France, management focuses on lifestyle interventions as there is no specific validated medical treatment. Doctors recommend a balanced diet and regular exercise, with a 10% reduction in body weight potentially reversing the disease in many cases.Regular monitoring via blood tests and ultrasound is crucial to track progression and detect complications like fibrosis. Risk factors include obesity, a large waist circumference, type 2 diabetes, a poor diet, inactivity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Severe cases may necessitate bariatric surgery, and liver transplantation remains an option for advanced cirrhosis. specialized centers, such as those in Toulouse, offer extensive, multidisciplinary care pathways for patients at risk of advanced fibrosis. Even without symptoms, individuals with risk factors should consult their doctor for testing.