Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

When to Call a Doctor

Call a health professional immediately if:

You have nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and you:

• Pass out (lose consciousness).
• Have difficulty breathing.
• Vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds.
• Pass maroon or very bloody stools.
• Feel dizzy or lightheaded, or feel like you may faint.

Make an appointment to see your doctor if you either have been diagnosed with NASH or are at risk for the condition and you experience:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting, especially if it includes blood.
• Diarrhea.
• Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice).
• Pain in the upper right part of the belly (abdomen).
• General itching.
• Swelling of the legs or abdomen.

To determine if you are at risk for NASH, see the What Increases Your Risk section of this topic.

Watchful Waiting

Taking a wait-and-see approach (watchful waiting) is appropriate if you have already been diagnosed with NASH and your symptoms do not change or get worse. You will need regular checkups (about every 6 months) during watchful waiting.

Who to See

The following health professionals can diagnose nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH):

• Family medicine physician
• Pediatrician
• Internist

The following specialists also can diagnose the disease and provide further care:

• Gastroenterologist
• Hepatologist

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Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: July 18, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology
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