Why Are More Young People Getting Liver Cirrhosis? Doctor Explains Prevention

Liver cirrhosis was previously believed to be a condition that predominantly afflicted older adults who had long-standing alcohol consumption or persistent infections. But times are changing. Increasing numbers of youths are currently being diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, and it is becoming an emerging issue. The liver is an important organ that aids in digestion, detoxifies toxins, and maintains the body in equilibrium.

When it gets scarred and damaged over time, its functions to operate normally begins to deteriorate. If further damage is done, it may develop severe issues such as liver failure.

What is causing this health crisis?

A major reason for this change is the emergence of unhealthy lifestyles among young people. A major reason is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), where excess fat accumulates in the liver. It is usually associated with obesity, a bad diet, physical inactivity, and diseases such as diabetes or high cholesterol. What makes it dangerous is that sometimes it does not have symptoms until the later stages. Most people do not know they have it until the damage is too far.

Another reason is alcohol. Although daily consumption has decreased among some age groups, binge drinking on weekends or at parties has become the new norm. The liver can only process so much alcohol at one time. Drinking lots of it all at once puts a strain on it and can cause inflammation, damage, and in time, cirrhosis, even in non-daily drinkers.

Infections such as hepatitis B and C are also responsible. They have the ability to silently damage the liver for years without being overtly manifest. Unless detected early, they cause long-term damage to the liver. In most instances, teenagers do not realise they are infected until the virus has already created serious issues.

There are also other risks lurking in the background. Some individuals consume over-the-counter medications, gym supplements, or herbal products without knowing their effects on the liver. Some drugs or protein powders, particularly when consumed without advice, are liver-damaging if consumed for a long period.

Prevention

The best news is that liver cirrhosis can be prevented in many cases with simple lifestyle modifications and early intervention. Regular physical activity, healthy eating, refraining from junk food, and maintaining normal body weight can go a long way. Drinking water instead of sweetened beverages, using less oil while cooking, and adding more greens and fruits to the diet help the liver.

Reducing alcohol or drinking sensibly is a crucial step. Paying attention to how much and how often one drinks can save the liver from stress. It's also prudent to steer clear of experimenting with strange pills or supplements without thorough research.

Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B and attending regular health checks, particularly if there is a family history of liver disease or if one is feeling unwell and unusually tired, can help catch problems early. Just a simple blood test can indicate whether the liver is under stress and enable early treatment.

Liver cirrhosis among youth is a dangerous problem, but it does not have to keep going up. With healthier everyday habits, knowledge of risk factors, and a commitment to taking care of the body early in life, it's possible to maintain a healthy liver and keep it running well for years to come.

Authored by Dr. Manish Dodmani, Consultant Medical Gastroenterology, KIMS Hospitals, Thane