A damaged liver rarely speaks up early. By the time your body sends clear signals, you may already be facing cirrhosis—a stage that’s difficult to reverse.
Recently, a man in his early 30s arrived at Apollo Hospital with persistent fatigue, jaundice, loss of appetite, and bloating. According to Dr. Chatterjee, an internal medicine specialist at Apollo Hospital in Delhi, India:
“The patient reported unexplained weight loss, mild abdominal pain, swollen legs, and general weakness—all classic signs of early-stage cirrhosis.”
The root cause was identified as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition increasingly common due to sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits. NAFLD progresses silently over years, with fat accumulating in the liver, triggering chronic inflammation and eventually scarring—leading to cirrhosis, a potentially irreversible condition.
Cirrhosis Isn’t Just Caused by Alcohol
Contrary to popular belief, cirrhosis doesn’t only affect heavy drinkers. Doctors note that it can develop over 10–20 years in individuals with fatty liver, especially when compounded by risk factors like diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol. These cases often go unnoticed due to vague or absent early symptoms.
Dr. Chatterjee warns: “The liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate, which is why many people remain unaware of their condition until liver function is severely compromised. When symptoms like jaundice, leg swelling, abdominal distension, or confusion appear, the liver is often already seriously damaged.”
Early Detection Is Challenging
Diagnosing early-stage cirrhosis remains difficult. Standard tests like ultrasounds or liver enzyme checks may not detect mild to moderate damage. In many cases, only a liver biopsy or elastography can provide accurate results—but these are typically reserved for patients with clear clinical suspicion.
Prevention Is Key
Dr. Chatterjee emphasizes that lifestyle changes are crucial for patients with fatty liver to prevent cirrhosis. Avoiding alcohol, managing blood sugar, losing weight, and maintaining a healthy diet can improve liver function and even reverse early damage.
A diet rich in leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, and low in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats is strongly recommended. Regular health checkups and imaging tests are also vital to monitor liver progression.
Fatty liver is no longer a “benign” condition if left undetected and unmanaged. Awareness and timely action are the only ways to protect your liver.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.