Silent killer with very few symptoms sending 82,000 Brits to hospital

06 July 2023 , 08:17

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Liver disease often remains silent in its early stages (Stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

A condition whose symptoms often remain silent at first has raised alarm among health experts after putting more than 82,000 Brits in hospital last year.

Liver disease rates have gone up across England - and hospital admissions where the primary diagnosis was the condition rose by 22 per cent in the financial year ending in 2022.

There were 82,290 admissions in 2022 compared to 67,458 in 2021, according to the latest NHS data.

It follows an increasing trend that has seen hospital admissions due to liver disease increase by almost 47 per cent compared to 10 years ago, Birmingham Live reports.

Experts say people in more deprived areas, like many parts of the West Midlands, are likely to be more at risk of developing liver disease.

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The British Liver Trust says liver disease often remains silent in its early stages, "exhibiting minimal to no symptoms".

It adds the condition is "almost entirely preventable" with the major risk factors alcohol, obesity and hepatitis B and C accounting for up to 90 per cent of cases.

The NHS explains that once you start to get symptoms of liver disease, your liver is already damaged and scarred.

Three-quarters of people are diagnosed with cirrhosis, the most severe form of liver disease, when it is often too late for effective intervention or treatment.

Full list of symptoms

• Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice)
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Itchy skin
• Dark urine color
• Pale stool color
• Chronic fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Tendency to bruise easily

Vanessa Hebditch, director of policy at the British Liver Trust, said: "These figures once again demonstrate how action is needed.

"The British Liver Trust is calling for a prompt and comprehensive review of adult liver services to address the huge variation and inequalities in liver disease treatment outcomes and care.

"The surge in hospital admissions emphasises the urgent need for immediate action to tackle the growing burden of liver disease on the NHS and society as a whole."

The trust is calling on the Government to "prioritise investment in prevention and early diagnosis of liver disease".

Ms Hebditch added: "Addressing the root causes of liver disease, such as alcohol misuse and obesity, should be at the forefront of the Government's agenda.

"By allocating resources to education, raising awareness, and promoting healthier lifestyles, we can collectively work towards reducing the burden of liver disease and improving the well-being of individuals across the country."

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