Liver disease is often associated with drinking too much alcohol, but most cases are actually caused by something else.
Some instances are due to the build-up of fat, known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – an umbrella term for a range of liver conditions affecting people who drink little to no alcohol.
Symptoms vary from visual to almost unnoticeable, says American academic medical centre the Mayo Clinic.
How you feel when you wake up in the morning could point to NAFLD, with fatigue sometimes being a sign of the illness developing.
The NHS describes fatigue as an overwhelming tiredness that isn't relieved by sleep and rest.
We all experience weariness during the day at times, but the telltale sign there could be a real problem is waking up tired and feeling like you haven't slept a wink - despite getting a full night's sleep.
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Other red flags include:
• Pain or discomfort in the upper right of the abdomen
• Abdominal swelling
• Enlarged blood vessels beneath the surface of the skin
• Enlarged spleen
• Red palms
• Jaundice
• Unexplained weight loss
Although these are symptoms of NAFLD, they can also point to other conditions.
The NHS advises: “See a GP urgently or call 111 if you have any of these symptoms and have a liver condition.”
Should the GP suspect NAFLD, blood tests, ultrasound, and a biopsy may be done to confirm a diagnosis. Patients occasionally undergo a CT or MRI scan, too.
Top tips to look after your liver
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a balanced diet
- Take regular exercise
- Avoid toxins
- Practice safe sex
In recent months, liver disease of a different kind has drawn the attention of health experts around the world, namely an outbreak of acute hepatitis in children under five.
Originally starting in Scotland, the illness has now spread across the globe to more than 12 countries, with officials yet to identify the cause.
Potential sources include the adenovirus, household pets, Covid 19 and the resultant lockdowns.
Recently, the UK has reported an additional 20 cases, taking the toll to 222 - one of the highest in Europe.
Top medical adviser at the United Kingdom Health Security Agency Dr Renu Bindra said: “Our investigations continue to suggest an association with adenovirus, and we are exploring this link, along with other possible contributing factors including prior infections such as Covid-19.
“We are working with other countries who are also seeing new cases to share information and learn more about these infections.”
Dr Bindra added the likelihood of children developing the new form of hepatitis remained extraordinarily low.
But parents are still advised to remain vigilant for symptoms of hepatitis in their children.
Hepatitis can cause a range of issues such as muscle and joint pain, nausea, dark urine, loss of appetite, itchy skin and jaundice.
The NHS says: “See a GP if your child has symptoms of hepatitis. Good hygiene, including supervising hand washing in young children, can help to prevent infections that can cause hepatitis.”
