According to the American Liver Foundation, an estimated 30 million people have some form of liver disease. Although there are more than 100 types of liver disease, the number of cases of hepatitis C, liver cancer and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is on the rise.
Even more frightening, an estimated 6 million children suffer from NAFLD. NAFLD is responsible for the most cases of chronic liver disease in children and adults.
Learning what risk factors apply to this family of potentially life-threatening diseases and identifying whether you may be in danger is the first step to proactive health care.
Are you at Risk for Liver Disease?
While some cases of liver disease are genetic and therefore not preventable, there are other cases in which liver disease is a direct result of lifestyle choices and habits. Understanding which risk factors you can control and avoid can help you make smart decisions for your health and eliminate some of the potential for developing liver disease. Those risk factors that may affect you but that you can’t change (such as heredity) are still important to know about so that you can monitor your health and seek medical advice when necessary.
Here are some of the risks of developing liver disease.
- Alcoholism: Alcohol-related liver disease occurs as a result of the excessive consumption of alcohol. This is probably the best-known and most preventable form of liver disease.
- Toxins: There is some risk of liver disease that has been linked to exposure to certain chemicals or toxic substances, either through the mouth, via inhalation or through skin absorption. An example of this type of liver disease is toxic hepatitis.
- Obesity: Because being overweight can cause an over-accumulation of fat cells in the liver, obesity is a major concern when it comes to liver disease. The acids these fat cells secrete can kill healthy cells and scar the liver, causing sclerosis and liver damage. This condition is known as fatty liver disease, or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.