Liver Disease: A Silent Threat Closer Than You Think!
Liver disease is a common health problem and one of the leading causes of death among Thai people, especially Fatty Liver, a condition where fat accumulates in the liver exceeding 5% of the liver’s weight. If left untreated, it may progress to chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and eventually develop into liver cancer.
What makes liver disease dangerous is that in the early stages, it often shows no symptoms. Many patients are unaware they have a problem until it reaches a severe stage. Liver health screening is therefore a method that helps you “know early, prevent early.”
Causes and Risk Factors of Liver Disease
- Eating habits – Consuming high-fat, high-sugar, and high-calorie foods leads to fat accumulation in the liver.
- Obesity and high blood lipids – People with a body mass index above the standard are more likely to develop fatty liver than the general population.
- Alcohol consumption – Drinking large amounts of alcohol continuously is a major cause of liver cirrhosis.
- Diabetes – Insulin resistance affects fat accumulation in the liver.
- Continuous use of medications or herbs – Some drugs and herbs, if used for a long time, may affect the liver.
- Hepatitis B and C virus infections – Important factors causing chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.
Symptoms to Watch For
People with early-stage liver disease often do not show clear symptoms, but as the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal fullness, bloating
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Abdominal swelling with fluid accumulation
- Easy bleeding or bruising
Observing these symptoms may help you recognize the problem, but it is best to have regular liver health check-ups, especially for at-risk groups.
Complications of Liver Disease
- Liver cirrhosis: A condition where liver cells are destroyed and replaced by scar tissue, causing liver function deterioration.
- Esophageal varices: Risk of rupture and severe bleeding.
- Liver cancer: The most severe condition, mostly resulting from untreated chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Liver Examination Using Transient Elastography Technology
This technology works similarly to ultrasound by sending waves to assess “liver stiffness” and “amount of fat accumulation,” allowing doctors to accurately diagnose chronic liver disease.
Advantages of the Examination
- Fast, convenient, and immediate results
- Safe and harmless to the body
- Painless and can be repeated to monitor changes
Preparation Before the Examination
- Fasting from food and drink for at least 3-4 hours
Groups That Should Not Be Examined
- People with implanted medical devices such as pacemakers
- People with ascites
- Pregnant women
Who Should Get a Liver Check-Up?
- Those with a family history of liver cancer
- People infected with hepatitis B or C viruses
- Patients with obesity, high blood lipids, or diabetes
- People who have consumed alcohol continuously for a long time
- Those who use medications and herbs continuously
Guidelines for Liver Disease Care and Prevention
- Maintain a healthy weight within the standard range
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Exercise regularly
- Choose nutritious foods and reduce fried, fatty, and very sweet foods
- Have annual health check-ups, especially liver examinations for at-risk groups
Get Your Liver Checked Today to Protect Your Future
Liver disease is a silent threat that may show no symptoms until it reaches a dangerous stage. Early detection allows doctors to plan treatment and prevent progression to severe conditions such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.
For more information, please contact
Gastroenterology and Liver Disease Center
Building 1, 3rd Floor, Phyathai 1 Hospital
Tel. 02-201-4600 ext. 2176
