Sleep Apnea Linked to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Sleep Apnea Linked to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
By Liz Moon, Nurse Practitioner
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming an epidemic in the U.S., affecting about 25-30% of adults. Check out this article from Cleveland Clinic reviewing the significance of sleep apnea in worsening NAFLD and possibly causing the disease:
https://consultqd.
Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic “recently studied the potential link between nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an advanced form of NAFLD and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). They revealed for the first time that patients with OSA are three times more likely to have NASH. Researchers proved that OSA is an independent risk factor for developing NASH.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
“The connection between sleep apnea and fatty liver disease suggests that patients with NAFLD or its risk factors should be tested for sleep apnea.” In addition, “previous research suggests that the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine helps improve liver enzymes, which could make it easier to manage fatty liver disease.”
Thankfully, we have an entire team at Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health that have expertise in supporting patients to make the changes necessary to improve outcomes of NAFLD and potentially reverse the disease. We are also able to screen patients for sleep apnea with AT HOME SLEEP TESTING! Please call 224-407-4400 to schedule a visit today or request at visit through our website at www.compgihealth.com.