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Rs 500 Test Could Save Your Life From Liver Disease
13 Apr
Summary
- Early liver damage is reversible and detectable with a simple blood test.
- India sees 18% of global liver disease deaths due to alcohol and fatty liver.
- Late-stage liver disease treatment, like transplants, costs upwards of Rs 35 lakh.
Early detection of liver disease is paramount, as it is completely reversible when diagnosed in its initial stages. A simple Liver Function Test, costing less than Rs 500, can identify damage before symptoms manifest, potentially averting severe health crises and significant financial burdens.
Experts highlight that India contributes over 18% of global liver disease deaths, primarily due to alcohol consumption and the rising incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The liver's resilience means symptoms often appear only in advanced stages, such as jaundice or fluid accumulation, by which time treatment becomes complex and costly.
Advanced treatments like liver transplants can range from Rs 20 lakh to over Rs 35 lakh, excluding post-operative care and medications. Lifestyle changes and early intervention for conditions like Hepatitis B and C are crucial. Routine annual screenings are recommended for all adults, with more frequent checks for those with risk factors like obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Prioritizing preventive screening over costly treatments makes significant financial sense. Health insurance providers are urged to include routine liver screenings in their coverage to encourage early diagnosis and reduce long-term healthcare expenditures, promoting proactive health management.
