Both simple fatty liver and NASH are unlikely to cause symptoms. With NASH, older children may have symptoms after their liver is damaged and become cirrhotic. These symptoms can include:
- Fatigue or tiring easily
- Discomfort over the liver, which is on the upper right side of the abdomen
- Yellow color of the skin or whites of the eyes (called jaundice), which can indicate cirrhosis
- High blood pressure
Both types of fatty liver disease are more likely in children who are overweight or obese. Since untreated fatty liver disease can lead to serious complications, doctors recommend that overweight and obese children between the ages of 9 and 11 be screened for this condition.
