Flatulence, or gas, can be a potential symptom of fatty liver disease. A 2017 study found a correlation between intestinal gas and liver steatosis (fatty liver) alongside raised levels of ALT. However, fatty liver disease can also be a silent condition, with few, if any, symptoms.

Healthcare professionals may identify the condition in its later stages, when it’s more likely that you would experience symptoms.

Fatty liver disease rarely causes symptoms unless it progresses to more advanced stages of liver disease known as fibrosis. Some symptoms seen with fatty liver and fibrosis include:

  • a dull or aching pain in the top right of the tummy (over the lower right side of the ribs)
  • extreme tiredness
  • unexplained weight loss
  • weakness

If cirrhosis, which is a more advanced stage of the disease, develops, a person will experience more severe symptoms. More severe symptoms include:

Flatulence, or gas, can be a regular occurrence and not a symptom of a more serious condition. It typically occurs when gas builds up in your digestive system.

It can happen if you swallow a lot of air when chewing your food or when eating too quickly. Foods such as cruciferous vegetables or certain fruits may also cause it.

If your symptoms are more severe or unusual, possible causes of flatulence include:

If you’re experiencing flatulence or worry about fatty liver disease, consult a doctor or healthcare professional.