Liver Disease Causes, Symptoms & Prevention

Liver Disease Statistics: UK and Poland

Liver disease is a growing public health issue in many countries, including the United Kingdom and Poland.

United Kingdom

In the UK, liver disease is one of the few major conditions where mortality rates are rising. Over 11,000 deaths occur each year, and half of these affect people aged 45–64. Men are nearly twice as likely to die from this disease as women. Alcohol misuse, obesity, and viral hepatitis account for the majority of preventable cases. 

Non-alcoholic fatty foods are increasingly common, reflecting the country’s obesity epidemic. Liver disease also disproportionately affects people living in deprived areas, highlighting significant health inequalities.

Poland

Poland also faces a serious liver disease burden, with 7,912 deaths recorded in 2020. Alcohol-related problems are highly prevalent, and rising alcohol consumption since the 1990s has contributed to increasing mortality. Non-alcoholic fatty food is common but often underdiagnosed, as testing is usually triggered only by abnormal liver enzyme levels. 

Socioeconomic factors and educational inequalities influence liver disease mortality, with lower-educated populations being more affected. Additionally, genetic disorders like Wilson’s disease are present in Poland, and untreated cases can result in severe disability or death.

Complications of Liver Disease

Untreated the disease can lead to severe complications. Cirrhosis, or irreversible liver scarring, often develops after years of ongoing damage. Liver failure, a life-threatening condition, may require urgent medical intervention or transplantation. 

Chronic liver disease also increases the risk of liver cancer, infections, bleeding disorders, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen and legs. These complications underscore the importance of early detection, preventive care, and effective treatment strategies.

Prevention of Liver Disease

While genetic and autoimmune liver diseases cannot always be prevented, many forms of this disease are avoidable. Limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, following safe practices to prevent infections, and adopting a balanced diet are key strategies. 

Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, careful use of medications, and protection against environmental toxins can also reduce risk. For individuals at higher risk, regular liver function tests and screenings can detect early disease, allowing timely interventions to prevent severe damage.

Although some liver diseases are genetic or autoimmune and cannot be prevented, many cases are avoidable through lifestyle modifications and awareness:

• Limit alcohol intake: Up to one drink per day for women and two for men
• Maintain a healthy weight: Prevent obesity and the non-alcoholic fatty!
• Practice safe behaviors: Use condoms, avoid sharing needles, choose clean tattoo and piercing studios
• Vaccination: Protect against hepatitis A and B
• Safe medicine use: Follow dosage instructions and avoid mixing drugs with alcohol
• Hygiene and food safety: Wash hands, drink safe water, and avoid contaminated food
• Protect against chemicals: Wear gloves, masks, and protective clothing when handling toxins

Diagnosis and Treatment

Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management of liver disease. Liver function tests, imaging scans, and sometimes liver biopsies help identify the severity and type of liver damage. 

Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause: lifestyle modifications for obesity and alcohol-related disease, medications for viral hepatitis or autoimmune disorders, and in severe cases, liver transplantation. 

Proactive monitoring and timely treatment can significantly improve survival and quality of life.