It is important to keep liver healthy for the better functioning of body

New Delhi: 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 on the eve of World Liver Day.

World Liver Day is observed every year on April 19 to raise awareness about the diseases related to the liver.

A 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 phenomenon.

"Liver 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, told.

Data 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 outcomes.

Dr Monika Jain, Chief of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute told that jaundice, characterised by a yellowish discoloration of the eyes and skin, serves as a prominent indicator of liver dysfunction.

"Additionally, 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 progression."

Other 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 said.