What is Steatosis?
The term “steatosis” is used to refer to the deposition of fat in the interstitial spaces of an organ. Specifically, many people use steatosis to talk about depositions of fat in the liver. You may also hear it called “fatty liver disease.” As a general rule, steatosis is reversible with a variety of treatments, but it can cause serious complications if it is not caught and addressed. One of the most common causes of steatosis is alcoholism. In fact, alcoholism is such a common cause that other forms of steatosis are lumped under the term “non-alcoholic steatosis.” When steatosis is diagnosed, alcohol consumption is usually discussed with the patient to rule out the role of alcohol in the condition. If the patient does not drink in large amounts, the cause could be insulin resistance, hepatitis infection, or obesity, all of which have been linked with steatosis. If fatty liver disease is allowed to progress, the steatosis will turn into steatohepatitis, a serious inflammation of the li