K.N.O.W. Home Health - NON-ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS (NASH)

NON-ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS

What Is NASH?

NASH stands for Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis. It is a kind of liver disease. It happens when too much fat builds up in your liver and causes swelling (inflammation). This can hurt your liver over time.

You do not have to drink alcohol to get this disease — that’s why it’s called “non-alcoholic.”

What Causes NASH?

NASH is often caused by:

Being overweight or obese

Type 2 diabetes

High cholesterol or high blood fats

Poor eating habits

Lack of physical activity

Sometimes it can happen even if you don’t have these problems, but it is more common in people who do.

What Are the Symptoms?

Many people with NASH do not feel sick at first. But as it gets worse, you may notice:

Feeling tired all the time

Pain or discomfort on the right side of your belly

Weight loss (without trying)

Weakness

Yellow skin or eyes (called jaundice) in serious cases

Why Is NASH a Problem?

If NASH is not treated, it can lead to scarring of the liver (called cirrhosis). This can make your liver stop working right. That’s why it’s very important to manage it early.

How Is NASH Treated?

There is no pill that cures NASH right now. But you can treat it by making healthy choices:

Lose weight slowly and safely (if you are overweight)

Eat a healthy diet

Exercise most days of the week

Control diabetes and cholesterol

Avoid alcohol and certain medicines that may hurt the liver

What Kind of Diet Helps?

Here are some tips:

Eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains

Choose lean meats like chicken or fish

Avoid fried foods, fast foods, and sugary drinks

Eat smaller portions

Drink plenty of water

Special Precautions

Do not drink alcohol – it can hurt your liver more

Check with your doctor before taking any new medicine or supplement

Get regular blood tests to check your liver

Exercise safely – walking, swimming, or biking are good options

Keep follow-up appointments

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You Can Stay Healthy!

By making small changes every day, you can stop NASH from getting worse. Talk to your doctor, follow the plan, and ask for help when needed. You have the power to take care of your liver!

📋 Patient Homework / Assessment: True or False

Instructions: Read each sentence. If the sentence is true, write True. If it is false, write False and correct the sentence.

1. True or False: NASH only happens to people who drink a lot of alcohol.

2. True or False: NASH means there is fat and swelling in your liver.

3. True or False: You can cure NASH with one simple medicine.

4. True or False: Losing weight slowly can help treat NASH.

5. True or False: Eating fried foods is good for your liver.

6. True or False: Most people with NASH feel very sick right away.

7. True or False: Eating more fruits and vegetables can help your liver.

8. True or False: People with NASH should drink alcohol sometimes to relax.

9. True or False: Being overweight can raise your risk for NASH.

10. True or False: NASH can lead to serious liver damage if not treated.

11. True or False: Exercise is helpful for people with NASH.

12. True or False: Skipping doctor visits is okay if you feel fine.

13. True or False: Whole grains, like oatmeal and brown rice, are good for your liver.

14. True or False: NASH is caused by a virus.

15. True or False: High cholesterol can lead to NASH.

16. True or False: You should always check with your doctor before taking new medicine.

17. True or False: NASH stands for Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis.

18. True or False: You should eat large meals to help your liver.

19. True or False: Drinking water is a good choice for people with NASH.

20. True or False: You can help manage NASH by making healthy lifestyle changes.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:

Have you noticed any new tiredness, stomach pain, or yellowing of your skin or eyes that could mean your liver is being affected?

Activity Impact / Safety:
2. Do you feel too weak, sore, or uncomfortable to safely do your normal daily activities?

Treatment Adherence:
3. Have you been able to follow your doctor’s treatment plan, such as taking medicines as prescribed, eating a healthy diet, and exercising as recommended?

Preventive Measures:
4. What steps are you taking to protect your liver, such as avoiding alcohol, keeping a healthy weight, and managing other health conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol?

Additional Information (labs):
5. Do you know when your next blood tests or imaging studies (like an ultrasound) are scheduled and why it is important to keep those appointments?

✅ Answer Key With Reasoning

1. False – NASH happens in people who do not drink much or any alcohol.

2. True – NASH means fat and swelling are in the liver.

3. False – There is no single pill that cures NASH. Lifestyle changes are key.

4. True – Losing weight slowly helps the liver.

5. False – Fried foods are bad for the liver.

6. False – Many people with NASH do not feel sick at first.

7. True – Fruits and vegetables help your liver stay healthy.

8. False – People with NASH should not drink alcohol at all.

9. True – Being overweight is a risk factor for NASH.

10. True – Untreated NASH can cause serious liver problems.

11. True – Exercise helps reduce liver fat and improve health.

12. False – Doctor visits are important even if you feel okay.

13. True – Whole grains are a healthy choice for your liver.

14. False – NASH is not caused by a virus. It’s linked to fat buildup.

15. True – High cholesterol can increase your risk of NASH.

16. True – Some medicines can hurt the liver, so ask your doctor first.

17. True – NASH stands for Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis.

18. False – Eating smaller meals is better for your liver.

19. True – Water is the best drink for liver health.

20. True – Healthy eating, exercise, and doctor visits can help manage NASH.