As a busy GP, I’ve seen a worrying rise in recent years in the number of patients with liver disease.
Nationally, liver disease deaths have risen by more than 10 per cent in recent years and, if this trend continues, deaths are expected to double in the next 20 years.
Twice as many people now die from liver disease as in 1991, and liver disease is the fifth biggest killer in England and Wales after heart disease, cancer, stroke and respiratory disease.
Locally, 139 people from Eastern Cheshire were admitted to hospital from A&E with liver disease in 2013, rising slightly to 141 in 2014.
Between January and October this year, 113 people were admitted to hospital with liver disease – meaning we are likely to see similar levels of admittance as in previous years, with the majority of these cases caused by alcohol misuse. It’s not all bad news though, as although rates of alcohol-related liver disease in Eastern Cheshire were far above the national average between 2011 and 2013, levels declined dramatically in 2014 and we now sit below the national average.
Moreover, the liver is a remarkably durable organ that can return to normal in as little as 24 hours – as long as no lasting damage has been done.
There are three simple steps that people can take to knock their livers back into shape quickly:
Keep off alcohol for two or three days in a row – even though the festive period is approaching
Take more exercise and stay fit
Cut down on sugar and fat.
Not drinking for two to three days running gives the liver time to recover and eating well and exercising regularly will prevent people getting overweight and developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Cutting down on daily food treats and not overloading on sugary drinks will help improve liver function.
On top of that, I would urge people feeling constantly tried to visit their GP and request a liver function test, especially if they have been pushing the boundaries regularly with alcohol or fatty foods.
And as jaundice can indicate liver damage, anyone noticing yellowing of their eyes or skin should visit their GP straightaway.
Prevention is better than cure, for patients and the NHS.
That’s why I’m calling on people to look after their livers and stay healthy for a long and happy life.
