Young adults more at risk of liver function abnormalities, says survey
New Delhi, April 19: Owing to a sedentary lifestyle coupled with non-adherence to a balanced diet, an increasing number of young adults below 40 are facing liver function abnormalities, which if not attended to early can lead to liver diseases, finds a survey.
The findings, by SRL Diagnostics, showed that young adults had more abnormalities in liver enzymes, known as aminotransferases, which include alanine transaminase (ALT or SGPT) and aspartate transaminase (AST or SGOT).
The function of these enzymes is to help speed up (catalyse) the routine and vital chemical reactions in the liver.
Both SGPT, SGOT levels were found to be higher in the age group of 31-45 years.
Levels of another enzyme called alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were also found to be higher in young adults.
Young adults aged between 16-30 also had increased levels of bilirubin -- a waste product of the red blood cells.
There has been a paradigm shift in the dynamics of liver cirrhosis, with about 10 lakh new patients being diagnosed with it every year in India contributing markedly to the global burden of morbidity, mortality and increased death rate year-on-year, the survey showed.
"Liver abnormalities are increasing in India, because of rising obesity, alcohol abuse and liver infections. Also, liver disease is no longer restricted to age, as people below the age of 40 are also witnessing incidence of liver diseases," B.R. Das, Advisor and Mentor - R&D, SRL Diagnostics said in a statement.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), liver diseases are the tenth most common cause of death in India. Since the liver is a multi-functionary organ, it is susceptible to viruses, toxic substances and contaminants present in food and water.
An unhealthy lifestyle and eating patterns and viruses such as hepatitis A, B and C can damage the liver. Increased consumption of alcoholic drinks along with high cholesterol-inducing junk foods, obesity and Type 2 diabetes can also trigger the disease. It can also be inherited or be genetic.
Besides playing a key role in digestion, the liver also regulates blood sugar, removes toxins from the body and manages the cholesterol level.
Inflamed or injured liver cells leak higher than normal amounts of certain chemicals, including liver enzymes, into the bloodstream, which can result in elevated liver enzymes on blood tests.
"Followed by the brain, the liver is the second largest solid organ in the human body and performs a long list of complex functions to keep the body hale and hearty," said Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director, Apollo Hospitals.
However, "the liver is an uncomplaining worker and often does not show any significant signs of damage. But at the same time, more than a 100 disorders can affect the liver," he added.
Because "the symptoms of liver disease usually do not appear till the disease is well advanced, early diagnosis is the key," Das said.
Regular health check-ups can catch any anomaly at a relatively early stage, which will allow for easier treatment and increased chances of managing the disease with medication and lifestyle changes.
Liver tests, which measure the levels of ALT, ALP, albumin -- the main protein made by the liver -- and bilirubin, can help determine if your liver is working correctly, the experts suggested.
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and maintain a healthy diet with grains, protein, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and fats, fibres, washing hands after going to the bathroom, saying no to alcohol, smoking and drugs, and importantly exercising regularly can keep your liver healthy, said Arvind Khurana, Director and Head, Department of Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.
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London, Nov 22: A bomb disposal squad deployed as a “precaution” to the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport concluded an investigation into a "security incident" on Friday after making a “suspect package” safe.
The South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow, which was briefly shut owing to the incident reopened following the incident.
The Gatwick is around 45 km south of London.
Two people detained during the enquiries have since been allowed to continue their journey as the airport was opened.
“Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport. Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator,” Sussex Police said in an updated statement.
“Two people detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys. There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel,” the statement added.
Earlier on Friday, the incident caused severe disruption at the busy airport’s South Terminal, while the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport remained unaffected.
“Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday (November 22) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” a Sussex Police statement said.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with. As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” it said.
Footage on social media taken outside the airport showed crowds of frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building.
Gatwick said it was working hard to resolve the issue.
“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the airport said in a social media post.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train and bus services that serve the airport were also impacted while the police carried out their inquiries.
In an unrelated incident in south London on Friday morning, the US Embassy area in Nine Elms by the River Thames was the scene of a controlled explosion by Scotland Yard dealing with what they believe may have been a “hoax device”.
“We can confirm the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a post on X.
“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” it added.
