Between 15,000 and 20,000 people die of liver ailments every year in Andhra Pradesh, and at least 30 per cent of the state’s population either suffers from fatty liver disease or is in the high-risk zone, according to medical experts.
Though alcoholic liver diseases and Hepatitis-B are the most common liver ailments among people in AP, instances of fatty liver disease due to a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes and obesity are rapidly increasing and will top the list of liver ailments in the next two decades, doctors warned. “Three or four of every 10 patients suffering from liver ailments are affected with fatty liver disease, or fat deposition in liver,” Dr I. Srivenu, senior consultant gastroenterologist at KIMS, said on the eve of World Liver Day, to be marked on Thursday. “Sometimes, these can progress to cirrhosis,” he said.
Dr K. Ravindranath, CMD, Global Hospitals, said, “Early detection is desirable. But a lack of awareness about the causes and symptoms is leading to late diagnosis of the condition among patients.” He said an estimated 2 lakh people die from liver diseases every year in India. In AP it’s largely due to high diabetese and obesity cases and diet revolving around fried foods coupled with sedentary lifestyle, he said. Unlike Hepatitis-B or jaundice, fatty liver disease doesn’t have prominent symptoms. “Some people may have heaviness on the right side of the upper abdomen,” Dr Srivenu said. “It’s advisable to undergo periodic ultrasound scans, especially for diabetic and obese people.” To keep fatty liver disease under control, avoid alcohol, red meat, excess salt and food that is too oily, say doctors.