Your liver is an important organ that is located just below your rib cage and grows up to 6 inches. It helps you properly digest your food and detoxifies your body by filtering out harmful substances. However, there are many types of infections and diseases that can affect the liver and your overall health.
MIMS Today reported last 2016 that liver diseases in the country remains a “silent pandemic” since cases of cirrhosis (irreversible scarring of the liver), fatty liver, and hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) continue to be on the rise. According to WHO, around 1 out of 10 Filipinos suffer from chronic hepatitis B, while 6 in 1,000 have hepatitis C.
Unfortunately, most of these patients may not be even aware that they are sick until they start manifesting severe symptoms.
Symptoms
What makes liver diseases deadly is that the symptoms are hardly obvious. Once you start manifesting symptoms, your case might already be severe. Here are a few signs of liver disease:
- Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes (jaundice)
- Unusual urine color (too dark)
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained physical weakness
It is important to immediately consult a doctor once you start showing any of the symptoms above.
Risk factors
Your liver is susceptible to many kinds of infections like hepatitis A, B, and C which can eventually lead to liver disease. In general, an unhealthy lifestyle can also greatly increase your chances of suffering from liver disease—particularly alcohol abuse. Other common causes include:
- Obesity
- Autoimmune disease
- Genetics
- Cancer
- Drugs (illegal and prescribed)
- Engaging in unprotected sex
Prevention
You can greatly reduce your chances of developing liver disease by maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Getting vaccinated against hepatitis is one of the best ways to protect you from any form of the virus. Other preventive measures you can do include:
- Having regular check-ups with your doctor and taking annual physical tests
- Taking medications as prescribed by your doctor
- Reducing or eliminating alcohol intake
- Cooking your food properly
- Exercising regularly
- Eating healthy meals
It is best to consult your doctor if your current health condition puts you at risk of developing liver disease.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
Sources:
PH must act to eliminate hepatitis
Liver problems - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Common Characteristics of Liver Disease | Johns Hopkins Medicine
