Liver Diseases: A Guide to Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Insurance

The liver is the powerhouse of our body. Tucked away under the rib cage on the right side of the abdomen, it silently performs hundreds of tasks. It filters toxins from our blood, produces proteins, breaks down fats, and performs other essential functions to keep the body running. However, liver disease is a growing concern in India. According to Dr Jitendra Singh, a diabetologist and our Union Minister, one in three adults is affected by some type of liver disease.

Read on to learn more about symptoms, causes, treatment, and insurance for liver diseases.

Common Types of Liver Diseases

There are various types of liver diseases. Some of the most common ones are as follows:

• Viral hepatitis: Caused by viruses like hepatitis A, B, and C.
• Alcoholic liver disease: Prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption can harm the liver, leading to conditions such as fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): A buildup of fat in the liver, not caused by alcohol, can lead to inflammation and scarring.
• Cirrhosis: This advanced stage of liver disease is characterised by extensive scarring. It affects the liver’s ability to function correctly.
• Autoimmune hepatitis: The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy liver cells, causing inflammation and damage.

Liver Diseases Symptoms 

Timely diagnosis is essential for receiving appropriate treatment for liver diseases. While some may not experience any symptoms initially, here are some liver disease symptoms to watch out for:

• Abdominal pain 
• Swollen legs and ankles
• Itchy skin
• Dark urine 
• Pale stool
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Constant fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Bruising easily

Liver Diseases Reasons 

There could be several reasons for liver diseases, some genetic and some lifestyle-related. Here are some top reasons for liver diseases:

• Virus: Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common viral culprits for liver damage.
• Alcohol abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption over time is a leading cause of liver damage.
• Obesity: Fatty tissue buildup in the liver due to obesity can result in NAFLD.
• Genetics: Certain genetic conditions can predispose individuals to liver diseases.
• Autoimmune disorders: In autoimmune hepatitis, the body’s immune system attacks healthy liver cells.
• Medications and toxins: Certain medications and exposure to environmental toxins can damage the liver.

Understanding these underlying causes allows you to take the necessary steps to prevent them.

Liver Diseases Treatment

Treatment for liver diseases varies based on the type and severity of the condition. In the early stages, lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and abstaining from alcohol, may be sufficient. Medications can help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and slow disease progression. Antiviral drugs are common for viral hepatitis. For advanced cases, such as liver failure, liver transplantation and other surgical interventions, may be necessary. 

Prevention Of Liver Diseases

Here are some measures you can take to prevent liver disease:

• Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• The hepatitis B virus can survive outside the body for up to seven days, so avoid sharing toothbrushes and razors
• Make sure your tattoos and piercings are done with sterile, single-use needles to avoid infection.
• Wash hands thoroughly before eating.
• Follow safety guidelines when handling toxic chemicals.

Health Insurance For Liver Diseases 

The treatment cost for liver diseases in India ranges from ₹10 lakhs to ₹36 lakhs. To protect yourself from these high costs, comprehensive health insurance for liver diseases and critical illness coverage has become necessary. The comprehensive health insurance policy will cover hospitalisation expenses, pre and post-hospitalisation care, medications, and surgeries (including liver transplants). Critical illness insurance provides a lump-sum payout upon diagnosis of a critical illness like liver cirrhosis, which can be used for advanced treatments, lost income, or household expenses.

When considering health insurance, note the treatment limits and waiting and survival periods, which range from a few months to a few years. There might also be a clause for pre-existing liver conditions that might not be covered and exclusions for liver diseases caused by alcohol and drug abuse. Consider adding a rider to reduce these periods or cover the exclusions. 

While filing a claim, a comprehensive policy offers cashless claims at network hospitals or requires you to submit bills for reimbursement to non-network partners. On the other hand, critical illness plans require filing a claim with medical documents after diagnosis, followed by a lump-sum payout upon approval.

Today, everyone is susceptible to liver disease. But those with risk factors like diabetes, obesity, or hepatitis should prioritise having health insurance for liver diseases.

Key Takeaways

Liver diseases include a range of conditions that can affect liver function and overall health. Symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, and fatigue can indicate liver issues, and early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Health insurance can provide financial protection for liver disease treatments, but it’s essential to understand the coverage, limitations, and specific clauses in your policy to ensure comprehensive care. Consider platforms like PhonePe for a hassle-free insurance purchase experience.