Liver Diseases: Causes, Diagnosis & Precautions

Is liver disease only caused by excess alcohol consumption, viruses, contaminated water, or regular bingeing on street food? Well, liver conditions are not limited to these habits or factors. It can go far beyond just these factors. And what’s worrying is how silently it spreads, often without showing any immediate symptoms. In my neighbourhood, there was an uncle who consumed a lot of alcohol and one day, he was diagnosed with a serious liver disease. His liver was severely damaged, and the doctor said that he needed a liver transplant or else he could die anytime soon. After this story, I thought that excess alcohol is the only root cause of liver conditions among people and only heavy drinkers are prone to liver diseases, but I was wrong. Liver problems are also common among people who don’t consume alcohol at all.

Back in 2017, I was diagnosed with jaundice. My eyes turned yellow, my appetite was poor, and I could not digest anything properly. One day, I fainted. I was confused about why my body was showing such tantrums. While recovering from jaundice, I was on a strict diet for almost a month. Now, when I look back, I think it likely started with contaminated water or street food. Liver is such a sensitive organ, I must say. We need to be very careful about what we eat and drink. After my diagnosis, I started reading about liver conditions, which are very common among us and how the condition can harm our bodies. The results showed that about one in three people in India, or approximately 33% population, suffer from fatty liver disease. While reading further, I discovered that a fatty liver is a condition in which fat accumulates excessively in the liver cells. There are two types of fatty liver: Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Obese individuals are more prone to this condition, known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). The condition has raised concern among gastroenterologists and hepatologists regarding the increased number of patients. 

But is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease just limited to people who are obese? Well, not really, it also affects those who have type 2 diabetes, sit at a desk for long hours with little activity, maintain a sedentary lifestyle, and those who live in constant stress, which can indirectly contribute to an increase in risk.

Some individuals look fit from the outside and have a normal, maintained BMI level but show signs of liver fat accumulation due to metabolic imbalances and poor gut health. So even if you are going to the gym daily, don’t assume that you are fit from the inside. NAFLD does not always show early symptoms. Sometimes you feel a little fatigued, or have mild discomfort in your upper abdomen, or sometimes nothing at all. Most people discover it accidentally during a routine health check. But by then, some degree of liver damage might have already occurred. That is why routine health checkups play an important role in taking care of yourself in a true sense. 

But before we talk about tests, let’s understand why non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is more dangerous than it seems. If left unchecked, it can progress into more serious liver conditions like:

• NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis): When the fatty liver becomes inflamed and starts damaging liver tissue.
• Fibrosis: Scarring of the liver due to repeated inflammation.
• Cirrhosis: Severe scarring and permanent liver damage.
• Liver Cancer: In advanced cases, NAFLD can increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

This entire progression can happen silently over 5–10 years. No major symptoms. Just fatigue, sluggish digestion, or a mild discomfort, symptoms you might easily neglect. That’s why early detection is not optional; it’s essential.

Here are a few liver-related tests that can help detect issues early:

1. Liver Function Test (LFT)
2. Ultrasound Whole Abdomen (Including Liver Fat Assessment)
3. FibroScan (Transient Elastography)
4. Lipid Profile + HbA1c

LFT is a common liver health checkup. So why don’t more people get tested? What stops them? Is it the hassle of booking a test, or the lack of transparency for the cost of booking a liver test? Are you one of those who are also delaying your liver health checkup for these reasons? Taking charge of your liver health shouldn’t be this complicated. That is where Flebo.in offers a simple solution for these roadblocks. Whether it’s your first health check or a follow-up test, Flebo.in helps you compare top labs across India, check ratings, review prices, and choose the right liver-related tests. You can make a home sample collection booking or even schedule a lab visit for your tests. 

Your liver won’t ring alarm bells; it works silently, even when under stress. But ignoring it now could mean bigger trouble later. Don’t wait for symptoms to show up. Book your liver health tests with Flebo.in and take the first step towards a healthier, smarter you.