From fatty liver to hepatitis C

Organized by the Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver (AEEH), the Week of Liver Diseases was held, an annual event that on this occasion was held in Castile and León and reflected in Palencia, where at the University Complex of Care Kaupa received a day to identify hidden liver diseases. So, a screening for hepatitis C was carried out – a finger prick reveals previous exposure to the virus – and a test called fibroscan, which allows you to assess the degree of liver fibrosis.

In this context, Marta Cimavilla Román, medical specialist at the Digestive System Service, noted the increase in the incidence of liver diseases, with “a clear increase in fatty liver of metabolic origin, which is also closely related to cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension.” , diabetes, dyslipidemia, and which has a clear connection with lifestyle, diet and sedentary lifestyle. “To prevent it, a balanced Mediterranean diet and regular exercise are essential, as no diet will be beneficial without exercise,” he added.

Some key points that are not always taken into account are that, according to this doctor, “it is often difficult to maintain a healthy diet because the industry and its marketing of selling foods with excessive sugar and alcohol often cause us to fall, and it is difficult to avoid daily. As for exercise, “it is difficult to find a moment in the life we ​​lead, although desire is strength.”

In the initial stages, liver disease is “asymptomatic” and in most cases there is a disease that “cannot cause serious problems,” he pointed out, immediately emphasizing that “the problem arises when it progresses and becomes “it causes cirrhosis of the liver.” which in the later stages can cause very serious problems, even an incurable disease.”

In a chapter on prevention and early detection, Martha Cimavilla noted that “in many cases it is as simple as follow-up in primary care; “A simple test can detect changes in liver parameters possibly related to underlying disease.”

As the specialist explained, these are diseases that “manifest over the years”; It is “normal” that “young people have healthy livers”, but it is “important” to develop healthy lifestyle habits from adolescence when drinking begins. “It’s part of society and overconsumption is often not perceived as a problem, but has the potential to cause one over time,” he said.

Regarding hepatitis C, Marta Cimavilla stated that today “it is a virtually eradicated disease” and that “in recent years there has been a very intensive treatment and active search for all patients.” The most common today is liver disease caused by alcohol consumption and fatty liver disease, as well as another autoimmune type that can affect the liver. As for fatty liver, “it is estimated that 25% of the population has it. Almost always this is unlikely to cause a problem, but of course, of this 25%, part ends up in our consultations,” concluded Cimavilla.