Fatty liver disease is becoming common among children and youth, causing concern among parents. Previously, this condition was seen in individuals aged 40 and older, but now it is affecting students aged 12 to 21.
This disease is no longer limited to alcohol; it is rapidly increasing among school children, young people, and the general population. The most worrying aspect is that government hospitals, including Ambedkar Hospital, lack the necessary machinery for liver examination. The disease is being diagnosed through blood tests or sonography.
According to doctors, the primary reasons for this disease in children and youth include spending excessive time sedentary with mobile phones, and consuming junk food and oily meals.
Case-1: A 14-year-old student was taken to a private hospital after experiencing indigestion and mild swelling in his legs. A sonography of the abdomen was performed based on the symptoms. The report was alarming, revealing fat accumulation around the liver. Doctors diagnosed the condition as fatty liver and advised the parents to keep the child away from junk food and mobile phones.
Case-2: A 21-year-old college student, who was heavier than his peers and spent a lot of time on video games and mobile phones, developed a severe issue of fluid accumulation in his abdomen. His medical history revealed that he also consumed alcohol frequently with friends. The family is administering regular medication. Reduced outdoor games, decreased physical activity, and being overweight are also major contributing factors.
Over 250 patients are being treated daily in the paediatrics and medicine departments of private hospitals and Ambedkar Hospital, who are confirmed to have fatty liver. Their treatment is ongoing and lengthy. Doctors state that with the necessary diet and medication, many patients are recovering.