Knowing the Signs and Risks of Developing Liver Disease
More than 100 million people in the United States have some type of liver disease, with 4.5 million having been diagnosed with liver disease but an estimated 80-100 million having fatty liver disease. Many of them, though, do not know they have it.
The health risks of liver disease can be dire, with 51,642 adults in the U.S. reported to have died from it in 2020. That same year, chronic liver disease/cirrhosis was the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the American Liver Foundation.
Many factors such as infections, genetics, cancer and immune system abnormalities can cause liver disease while heavy alcohol use, obesity, type 2 diabetes and family history of liver disease can increase risk.
Raising awareness on this serious and possibly deadly disease, South Texas Health System is focusing on liver disease in the next installment of its “Let’s Talk Your Health” series as part of its commitment to helping the community take control of their health. This special online seminar will help people recognize the signs of liver disease and bring awareness to the risks that could lead to developing the disease.