Warning as 'silent killer' disease with few symptoms sending tens of thousands to hospital

Liver Disease: Expert discusses risks and symptoms

Health experts have issued a stark warning about a potentially deadly condition that often remains "silent" in its early stages, that is sending tens of thousands of Brits to hospital every year. According to the data, hospital admissions for liver disease rose by 22 per cent in just one year.

Figures from the NHS showed there were 82,290 admissions due to liver disease in England in 2022 compared to 67,458 in 2021. And compared to 10 years prior, there was an increase in liver disease admissions by a shocking 47 per cent.

As a result, the British Liver Trust has demanded urgent action to address rising rates of liver disease across England. According to the charity, liver disease often remains silent in its early stages, "exhibiting minimal to no symptoms". 

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

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

Record numbers are being admitted to hospital with liver disease, figures have shown (Image: Getty)

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."

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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."

Symptoms

The NHS warns that most types of liver disease “do not cause any symptoms in the early stages”. The health body says: “Once you start to get symptoms of liver disease, your liver is already damaged and scarred. This is known as cirrhosis.”

Symptoms of cirrhosis include:

• Feeling very tired and weak all the time
• Loss of appetite – which may lead to weight loss
• Loss of sex drive (libido)
• Yellow skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Itchy skin
• Feeling or being sick.

If you experience any symptoms of cirrhosis you should speak to your GP.

Prevention

The three main causes of liver disease are:

• Obesity
• An undiagnosed hepatitis infection
• Alcohol misuse.

You can reduce your risk of many types of liver disease with some simple lifestyle changes such as:

• Trying to maintain a healthy weight
• Not drinking too much alcohol.
• Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. These are recommended if you're at risk.