CHANDIGARH.April 19th marks a significant day in the healthcare calendar - World Liver Day. It's a day dedicated to raising awareness about liver health and the importance of preventing liver diseases. At our hospital's Department of Hepatology, we join the global community in spreading awareness and empowering individuals to take charge of their liver health.

World Liver Day serves as a reminder of the vital role the liver plays in our overall health. The liver is a powerhouse organ responsible for detoxification, metabolism, and digestion. Unfortunately, liver diseases often go unnoticed until they reach advanced stages. By observing World Liver Day, we aim to educate the public about liver diseases, their prevention, and the importance of early detection.

April 19th was chosen as World Liver Day to commemorate the establishment of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) in 1966. Since then, EASL has been at the forefront of liver research, advocacy, and education, making significant strides in improving liver health worldwide.

Common liver diseases include viral hepatitis (acute and chronic), alcohol related liver disease, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and autoimmune liver diseases. These may present with a variety of symptoms including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain and swelling, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, and unexplained weight loss. However, the disease may remain silent until late stages, underlining the need for vigilance and awareness. Diagnosing these diseases often involves a combination of a detailed medical history, comprehensive physical examination, blood tests, imaging (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI), and sometimes, liver biopsy.

Treatment of liver diseases depends on the cause and severity of the condition. It may include cessation of alcohol, lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes and exercise for fatty liver disease), antiviral medications for viral hepatitis, immunosuppressants for autoimmune liver diseases. For advanced diseases like cirrhosis and liver cancers, patients are best managed by a specialist in a multidisciplinary care environment, preferably with liver transplantation facilities

Majority of advanced liver disease may be potentially preventable by proper screening and instituting lifestyle changes. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and physical exercise to maintain ideal body weight, control of metabolic risk factors like diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia, no alcohol consumption, avoiding risky behaviours such as sharing needles or unprotected sex, getting vaccinated against hepatitis viruses, and seeking prompt medical attention for any symptoms of liver disease can go a long way in preventing development of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

It is also important to be aware of numerous myths centred around liver diseases, as these can cause real harm. Some common myths include:

Myth

Fact

Liver needs to be detoxified/rejuvinated

Liver is an organ with exceptional capability of regeneration and detoxification. It does not require any external supplement for its function. The best way to have a healthy liver is to avoid things which can damage the liver

Liver disease only affects heavy drinkers

While excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for liver disease, there are many other causes, including viral infections, obesity, and genetic factors.

If I drink alcohol, taking liver supplements can help prevent damage

Markets are flooded by various “Liver protective” supplements, most of which are unregulated. Supplements cannot prevent the damage caused by alcohol. Alcohol is absorbed by the liver for detoxification, and in the process, cause liver damage. Ironically, many of these supplements can themselves cause liver injury

Liver damage is irreversible

With early detection and appropriate treatment, many liver diseases can be managed or even reversed to some extent

Patients with liver disease should not eat yellow/solid food

In general, yellow or any specific-coloured food does not cause harm to patients with liver disease. Patients with viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis all have very different dietary needs. It is best to consult a doctor and follow their advice to prevent needless food restrictions to patients.

As we commemorate World Liver Day, let us pledge to prioritize liver health through education, prevention, and early intervention. Together, we can work towards a world where liver diseases are rare and everyone has access to quality care.

Dr Sahaj Rathi – Assistant Professor (Hepatology), PGIMER, Chandigarh

Dr Ajay Duseja – Prof and Head (Hepatology), PGIMER, Chandigarh