World Liver Day 2024: Why it is important to keep your liver healthy

It is important to keep your liver healthy for the better functioning of the body and because symptoms often remain hidden until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage requiring surgery or transplantation with the unfortunate potential for fatal outcomes said doctors here on Thursday ahead of World Liver DayWorld Liver Day is observed every year on April 19 to raise awareness about the diseases related to the liverA concerning trend in recent years is the rise of fatty liver disease which is increasingly affecting individuals as young as early teenagers According to health experts sedentary lifestyles coupled with the consumption of unhealthy and fatty junk food have contributed to this alarming phenomenonLiver diseases can stem from various factors including the consumption of unclean or contaminated food excessive alcohol intake and unsafe medical practices such as the use of unsterile needles in injections hospitals and blood transfusions Regular liver function tests are essential to monitor the health of the liver and detect any abnormalities early on Dr Naveen Ganjoo a consultant hepatologist at Aster RV Hospital saidData from the World Health Organisation shows liver disease ranks as the tenth most common cause of death in India While early detection and intervention are paramount in combating liver diseases often the symptoms remain hidden leading to worse outcomesDr Monika Jain Chief of Gastroenterology amp Hepatology Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute told IANS that jaundice characterised by a yellowish discoloration of the eyes and skin serves as a prominent indicator of liver dysfunctionAdditionally patients may experience itchy skin abdominal swelling resembling fluid accumulation in the stomach and swelling of the feet all indicative of underlying liver issues Anorexia or loss of appetite further underscores the physiological repercussions of fatty liver disease emphasising the need for comprehensive screening and preventive measures to mitigate its progressionOther signs and symptoms of acute liver failure include pain in the upper right abdomen often a sign of liver inflammation or enlargement Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms accompanied by a general sense of feeling unwell known as malaise the doctor saidFurther liver disease also plays a role in infertility and bone healthBeing an immunocompromised state the doses of medications for liver disease have to be decreased and all the medicines are also not safe to be continued during pregnancy Patients who have prolonged liver diseases might have problems while they try to get pregnant also Dr Meenakshi Ahuja Senior Director Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Fortis La Femme told IANSDr Ahuja added that in vitro fertilisation IVF could be an option in such casesBone diseases in chronic liver disease CLD patients have also emerged as a serious concern Various factors such as nutrition hormones and genetics contribute and inflammation remains a persistent trigger for bone diseases in CLD patientsThere is an intricate interplay between chronic liver disease CLD and metabolic bone complications Hepatic osteodystrophy encompassing osteomalacia and osteoporosis is found in advanced liver disease leading to heightened bone fragility and reduced mass Osteoporosis reminiscent of senile osteoporosis emerges from an imbalance in bone formation and resorption notably observed in liver cirrhosis and cholestatic liver diseases posing a critical concern for liver transplant recipients said Dr Deep Kamal Soni Consultant Gastroenterology at Indian Spinal Injuries CentrePreventive measures and lifestyle modifications like adopting a balanced and nutritious diet engaging in regular exercise and screening for Hepatitis B and C can be key to maintaining liver health said the doctorsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever