Liver failure – it can’t be taken lightly

A life threatening condition that it is, demanding urgent medical attention, liver failure accounts for about 1 million cases per year in India. The prime culprit for this fatal disease is sought to be alcohol consumption. True to a certain degree, most people would be astonished that alcoholism causes a good number of liver failures but even a small amount of it can be attributed to various other factors like ; Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Cirrhosis, Hemochromatosis, Malnutrition.

A very crucial point missed out by the normal mass is Non-Alcoholic Liver Diseases. A healthy liver should contain little or no fat. Non-Alcoholic Liver Disease is an umbrella term for a number of deteriorating conditions affecting moderate or non-drinkers. Surprised, are you?

An increasing condition in the West this condition is a potential serious form caused due to accumulation of fat in liver cells resulting in inflammation and progressing further towards fibrosis or scarring. The exact etiology and pathogenesis is still the veil but the risk factors associated with this condition are:

1. High cholesterol
2. High triglyceride levels
3. Metabolic syndromes
4. Obesity especially around the waist
5. Diabetes type 2
6. PCOS
7. Hypothyroidism
8. Hypopituitarism

An advanced and more serious phase of the disease is called Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis which shows preponderance towards old age.

NALD is usually asymptomatic but can sometimes present as an enlarged liver, fatigue, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. NASH manifests as ascites (abdominal swelling), varices (enlarged vessels beneath the skin), enlarged spleen, gynaecomastia, red palms, and jaundice. The diagnosis of the disease can be done by a blood test called the LFT or Liver Function Tests and ultrasound scans.
A high amount of fat in the liver is also associated with increased risks of heart problems and strokes. Also, about 20% of people suffering from Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Steatohepatitis progress to cirrhosis.

Currently, there’s no specific medication for NAFLD but a healthy choice in lifestyle and diet can prove worthy. Few changes that we can implement in our life are:
1. Lose weight: an optimum BMI should be maintained.
2. Eat healthy diet: balanced diet high in proteins, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables but low in fat, sugar and salt should be taken, preferably in small portions through the day.
3. Regular exercise: moderate intensity exercises for about an hour or so every day also helps eliminate liver fat and build resistance against it.
4. Quit smoking: tobacco cessation helps reduce risk problems associated with the disease.

In cases of development of cirrhosis or complete liver failure, liver transplantation is the last resort. The liver transplant surgery is conducted by the team of hepatobiliary surgeons. Keep yourself healthy and your liver near to your heart.

To know more about your specific condition, please visit a Hepatologist in a trusted hospital close to you.