Think liver disease is only caused by alcohol? Myths doctor wants you to stop believing

If you ask someone what causes liver disease, chances are you'll hear the same answer: alcohol. It's a belief so deeply rooted that many people assume their liver is perfectly fine as long as they don't drink or don't drink much. But the liver isn't that straightforward, and neither is liver disease.Each disease comes with its own set of myths, and so does liver disease. Ask anyone what leads to liver disease, and the answer is bound to be the same – alcohol consumption. This very myth is also one of the reasons why many cases go undiagnosed until they develop into something far more serious. In fact, viral hepatitis, obesity, diabetes, malnutrition, and metabolic disorders are currently responsible for the growing incidence of liver disease in India. Ahead of World Hepatitis Day on July 28, here are five common myths about the liver that should be put to rest. Myth: All liver diseases have symptomsThe reason why the liver is known as a silent organ is because some liver diseases can exist without causing any symptoms at all. Fatty liver disease can continue to progress over several years without exhibiting any obvious symptoms. Symptoms only start appearing once the disease reaches a certain level.Myth: An all-clear blood test means a good liverAn LFT (Liver Function Test) is an excellent starting point; however, it gives only part of the information. Elevated levels of enzymes could be perfectly fine, whereas there may already be a significant build-up of fat in the liver. Further investigations, such as ultrasound and other types of scans, may become necessary to diagnose fatty liver at an early stage.Myth: Only people who drink a lot develop liver diseaseNon-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has become the most prevalent liver disease nowadays, and it is not caused by excessive drinking. It is strongly associated with obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol levels, all of which have become increasingly common due to the increasingly inactive lifestyle and unhealthy diets, especially among the younger generation. If neglected, NAFLD might turn into Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), resulting in inflammation and liver damage. About 20% of all cases of NASH advance to cirrhosis and, eventually, liver cancer.Myth: Damage done to the liver cannot be repairedThis is another myth that must be clarified because liver disease can actually be reversed when the problem is detected at an early stage. In some cases, NAFLD and even some phases of fibrosis can actually be cured by losing weight, exercising and maintaining good nutrition, along with any treatment required for any existing underlying problems like diabetes. This is the reason that timely diagnosis and early treatment of these conditions is so critical.Myth: Hepatitis and vaccinations should not cause concernHepatitis B and C viruses are major causes of chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Vaccines against Hepatitis B are safe and highly effective and are especially needed by those who did not have their vaccines in their early years of life. There is no available vaccine yet against Hepatitis C; however, it is highly treatable.The bigger pictureIn addition to being medically detrimental, there is also an economic and social price of delayed detection and treatment. Long-term treatment of liver disease, including liver transplant in the case of severe liver condition, imposes a huge economic burden even on middle-class families. The silver lining is that it does not take much effort or money to detect the disease. Regular LFTs or an ultrasound, particularly in the case of patients who suffer from diabetes, obesity or have a family history of metabolic disorders, will do the trick.The key takeaways from World Hepatitis Day are simple: hepatitis affects people of all age groups, lifestyles and drinking habits. Regular testing, early diagnosis, timely treatment and lifestyle modification are the key to liver protection and damage recovery.Medical experts consulted This article includes expert inputs shared with TOI Health by: Dr Bilal Thangal T M, Medical Lead, NURA - AI Health Screening Center Inputs were used to discuss the myths that affect liver health.