Liver related diseases were increasingly becoming common in India with at least one in five person having excess fat in liver and one in ten person having fatty liver disease, said Ramesh Ardhanari, Medical Director, Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre, here on Saturday. Addressing media on account of World Liver Day, which was observed on Friday, he cited reports by World Health Organisation to point that liver diseases were the 10th common cause of mortality in India. “Two thirds of diabetics in India have some liver disorders as well,” he said. P. L. Alagammai, Consultant, Department of Gastroenterology, MMHRC, said that unhealthy lifestyle was the main cause of rising incidence of liver diseases. “Other key causes include immune system disorders, genetics, reactions to toxins, and viruses,” she said. Stressing the need for early diagnosis of liver related diseases, she said common symptoms included unexplained fatigue, weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting of blood and abdominal distortion. N. Mohan, Senior Consultant, Department of Gastroenterology, MMHRC, said that adapting to a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet of grains, proteins, dairy products, fruits and vegetables will help in avoiding liver disorders. “Regular exercise and abstinence from alcohol and drugs are also equally important,” he said. Liver function tests (LFTs) at regular intervals is highly recommended for detection of symptoms.
Source: The Hindu
Date: 21.04.2019
