World Liver Day: 4 Common Myths About Liver Disease

1. Only alcoholics develop liver disease

Anybody can develop fatty liver however, it's more common amongst alcoholics.

Other causes of liver diseases are viral hepatitis B and C, fatty liver due to various causes, genetic diseases like wilsons disease which is due to excess copper accumulation.

2. Fatty liver is normal

Fatty liver is common but not normal! Up to 30% of patients with fatty liver can have progressive liver disease and may end up with irreversible condition called liver cirrhosis.

Also, fatty liver is associated with other metabolic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, cancer, obesity and others.

3. Fatty liver is irreversible

Once there is fatty liver, some of them can progress to next stages called NASH (Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) and later to cirrhosis. Only cirrhosis is irreversible.

Fatty liver/ NASH is reversible with lifestyle modifications and medications. However, liver transplant may be the only curative option for liver cirrhosis.

4. There is no treatment for liver disease

Liver disease is definitely treatable depending on the cause. Various medications are available

Inputs by: Dr Adarsh C K, Chief Consultant Medical Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist & Advanced Endoscopist, Gleneagles BGS Hospital