World Liver Day

The World liver day is observed on 19th April 2020 to spread awareness and understanding of liver diseases and the importance of your liver. There has been a steady increase in liver diseases around the world. Worldwide NASH and hepatitis is the most common liver diseases. According to the WHO, liver diseases caused 2.9% of the total deaths in 2017 in India. Liver diseases affect 1 in every 5 Indians.

The liver is the largest solid organ in the body and one of the most complex organs in the body. A normal liver is approximately 1.5 kg and has two sections the left lobe and the right robe. It is a vital organ, the main functions of your liver are:-

• Bile production and secretion.
• Secreting of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and drugs.
• Break down fat, proteins, and carbohydrates.
• Production of enzymes and plasma proteins (albumin and clotting factors).
• Storage of glycogen, vitamins, and minerals.
• Blood detoxification and purification.

We need our liver to function. Liver disease refers to the condition where your liver is damaged or unable to function. Without the liver, other organs and tissue get damaged from the nutrient and energy deficiency.

Common liver diseases are:-

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the accumulation of fat in the liver in people who do not drink alcohol.
• Hepatitis C is a liver disease can result from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The virus attacks the liver and can cause acute or chronic hepatitis symptoms. It can spread through blood transfusion, dialysis, or through unsafe needle use.
• Hepatitis B is a liver infection result from the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B is preventable and vaccines are available in the market.
• Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease is due to the hepatitis A virus. The virus can be transmitted when an infected person cooks for you, through contaminated water and stool, and close physical contact with an infected person.
• Alcoholic hepatitis is a progressive condition associated with heavy drinking.
• Cirrhosis of the liver is the permanent damage of the liver. It is characterized by the loss of liver cells and the scarring of the liver tissues. Cirrhosis is a slowly developing condition and takes months or years to develop.
• Liver Cancer has the second-highest fatalities for cancer and is a common type of cancer.

Symptoms of liver diseases are:-

• Jaundice
• Sudden inexpiable Weight loss.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Enlarged spleen and liver
• Pain in the upper right abdominal region.
• Abdominal swelling.

Liver diseases are generally diagnosed via

• Blood tests at home
  • the liver function test can give the
  best doctor in Mumbai information about the health of your liver.
• Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasound can help physicians near me assess liver damage.
• Biopsy on the liver can help diagnose liver disease and assess the extent of liver damage.

Treatment of liver diseases depends primarily on the diagnosis of liver disease. Some liver problems can be rectified by lifestyle changes such as healthy balanced meals, abstaining from alcohol, or losing weight. The doctor may prescribe medication or treat it surgically. Liver failure may require a liver transplant. Your doctor may order blood tests to monitor liver function and treatment progress. Your liver can regenerate with proper care. Malnutrition is a serious problem with people with advanced liver problems. It is important to look after our livers.

Prevention

• Eat healthy balanced meals and exercise regularly.
• Alcohol, drugs, and smoking can damage your liver.
• Do not self medicate, some medication can damage the liver.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.

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