60% of patients coming to hospitals for treatment of hepatitis infections have not received the hepatitis vaccine. Liver diseases are a growing concern among young people aged 23-35 years. Various pathologies such as alcohol-related liver disease, fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis are damaging the liver. This has led to an increase in mortality and morbidity among young people. Timely screening and management of these deadly liver diseases is key to improving outcomes and saving the lives of young people battling liver diseases.
The liver is a vital organ that is responsible for various functions in the body. These include detoxification, processing nutrients, regulating hormones, repairing damaged tissues, functioning of the immune system, storing essential nutrients and chemicals, and more. Currently, there has been a significant increase in the number of people experiencing liver-related problems. Various factors that harm the liver include alcohol consumption, smoking, not drinking enough fluids, excessive sodium intake, viral infections, and taking certain medications for a long period of time. Health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol levels can increase the chances of developing liver-related problems.
Dr Uday Sangrodkar, Hepatologist and Clinical Lead, Liver and Transplant ICU, Gleneagles Hospital Parel, said: “We have seen a significant increase in serious liver-related conditions like acute viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver and NASH (non-alcoholic fatty liver) related chronic liver disease among young people aged 23-35 years, with a gender ratio (almost twice as many men as women at 2:1). The numbers have skyrocketed in the last few years due to unhealthy lifestyle habits and excessive drinking which is considered the norm in society. Common complaints among these young people are jaundice – yellowing of the skin and eyes, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, weakness, swollen legs, enlarged spleen and retention of fluid in the stomach (ascites). In my routine practice, I have seen an increase in the numbers compared to the last five years. One in five patients I see are young adults with liver disease. Not compared to last year, but compared to the last five years.”
Cirrhosis is a serious disease that can damage the liver and leave tissue permanently scarred. These scar tissues actively take over healthy tissue present in the liver. Over time, a healthy liver begins to store excess fat, causing the healthy liver tissue to swell and scar over time. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH) is a disease in which excess fat accumulates around the liver in people who only occasionally or never drink (this is the early stage of cirrhosis).
“Hepatitis occurs when there is severe inflammation of the liver caused by various factors such as viruses (Hepatitis A, B, C, E), toxins, chemicals, drug abuse, alcohol use, genetic disorders, and certain autoimmune diseases. “There are different types of hepatitis such as Hepatitis A (spread through contaminated water and food), Hepatitis B (spread by contact with an infected person through blood contact or unsafe sex), Hepatitis C (spread by blood-to-blood contact), Hepatitis D (occurs only in people diagnosed with Hepatitis B), and Hepatitis E (spread through contaminated water). It has been found that people suffering from hepatitis infections do not receive the hepatitis vaccine. 60% of patients being treated for hepatitis infections do not receive the hepatitis vaccine. This infection can be easily prevented by getting vaccinated against hepatitis. “There are now vaccines for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B which all high-risk individuals above the age of 18 should get. You can keep your liver healthy by taking medication, eating a nutritious diet, avoiding processed foods, exercising and abstaining from alcohol. However, extreme liver damage due to cirrhosis may necessitate a liver transplant,” stressed Dr Sangrodkar.
Prakash Kurane, MD & HPB Surgeon, Apollo Spectra Mumbai, said, “The increase in liver diseases among young people aged 20-36 is due to alcohol consumption, which leads to conditions like fatty liver disease and alcoholic hepatitis. Improper dietary habits high in processed foods and sugar can also cause liver damage in young people. Unprotected sex with infected people and sharing of needles for drug abuse are also important causes of the increasing incidence of liver diseases. Another important cause of hepatitis is consumption of drugs which are toxic to the liver, especially fake drugs disguised as Ayurvedic medicines. 60% of patients presenting for treatment of hepatitis infection have not been vaccinated against hepatitis. Generally, men have a higher incidence of hepatitis than women. However, the severity of Hepatitis E-related complications is higher in pregnant women.”
Dr. Klane added, “Common symptoms of hepatitis are fever, malaise, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Treatment of liver disease includes adopting a healthier diet, abstaining from alcohol and exercising regularly. Medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms such as jaundice and abdominal pain and prevent further damage to the liver. It is important to raise awareness about the risk of liver disease among young people and encourage early intervention to prevent long-term complications that may require a liver transplant. Moreover, getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B is equally important to prevent this deadly infection. By taking proactive measures, young people can keep liver disease at bay.”
The liver is a vital organ that is responsible for various functions in the body. These include detoxification, processing nutrients, regulating hormones, repairing damaged tissues, functioning of the immune system, storing essential nutrients and chemicals, and more. Currently, there has been a significant increase in the number of people experiencing liver-related problems. Various factors that harm the liver include alcohol consumption, smoking, not drinking enough fluids, excessive sodium intake, viral infections, and taking certain medications for a long period of time. Health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol levels can increase the chances of developing liver-related problems.
Dr Uday Sangrodkar, Hepatologist and Clinical Lead, Liver and Transplant ICU, Gleneagles Hospital Parel, said: “We have seen a significant increase in serious liver-related conditions like acute viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver and NASH (non-alcoholic fatty liver) related chronic liver disease among young people aged 23-35 years, with a gender ratio (almost twice as many men as women at 2:1). The numbers have skyrocketed in the last few years due to unhealthy lifestyle habits and excessive drinking which is considered the norm in society. Common complaints among these young people are jaundice – yellowing of the skin and eyes, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, weakness, swollen legs, enlarged spleen and retention of fluid in the stomach (ascites). In my routine practice, I have seen an increase in the numbers compared to the last five years. One in five patients I see are young adults with liver disease. Not compared to last year, but compared to the last five years.”
Expanding
Cirrhosis is a serious disease that can damage the liver and leave tissue permanently scarred. These scar tissues actively take over healthy tissue present in the liver. Over time, a healthy liver begins to store excess fat, causing the healthy liver tissue to swell and scar over time. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH) is a disease in which excess fat accumulates around the liver in people who only occasionally or never drink (this is the early stage of cirrhosis).
“Hepatitis occurs when there is severe inflammation of the liver caused by various factors such as viruses (Hepatitis A, B, C, E), toxins, chemicals, drug abuse, alcohol use, genetic disorders, and certain autoimmune diseases. “There are different types of hepatitis such as Hepatitis A (spread through contaminated water and food), Hepatitis B (spread by contact with an infected person through blood contact or unsafe sex), Hepatitis C (spread by blood-to-blood contact), Hepatitis D (occurs only in people diagnosed with Hepatitis B), and Hepatitis E (spread through contaminated water). It has been found that people suffering from hepatitis infections do not receive the hepatitis vaccine. 60% of patients being treated for hepatitis infections do not receive the hepatitis vaccine. This infection can be easily prevented by getting vaccinated against hepatitis. “There are now vaccines for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B which all high-risk individuals above the age of 18 should get. You can keep your liver healthy by taking medication, eating a nutritious diet, avoiding processed foods, exercising and abstaining from alcohol. However, extreme liver damage due to cirrhosis may necessitate a liver transplant,” stressed Dr Sangrodkar.
Prakash Kurane, MD & HPB Surgeon, Apollo Spectra Mumbai, said, “The increase in liver diseases among young people aged 20-36 is due to alcohol consumption, which leads to conditions like fatty liver disease and alcoholic hepatitis. Improper dietary habits high in processed foods and sugar can also cause liver damage in young people. Unprotected sex with infected people and sharing of needles for drug abuse are also important causes of the increasing incidence of liver diseases. Another important cause of hepatitis is consumption of drugs which are toxic to the liver, especially fake drugs disguised as Ayurvedic medicines. 60% of patients presenting for treatment of hepatitis infection have not been vaccinated against hepatitis. Generally, men have a higher incidence of hepatitis than women. However, the severity of Hepatitis E-related complications is higher in pregnant women.”
Dr. Klane added, “Common symptoms of hepatitis are fever, malaise, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Treatment of liver disease includes adopting a healthier diet, abstaining from alcohol and exercising regularly. Medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms such as jaundice and abdominal pain and prevent further damage to the liver. It is important to raise awareness about the risk of liver disease among young people and encourage early intervention to prevent long-term complications that may require a liver transplant. Moreover, getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B is equally important to prevent this deadly infection. By taking proactive measures, young people can keep liver disease at bay.”
