Keep Your Liver Healthy..!

Hepatology is the branch of medicine that incorporates the study of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas, as well as the management of their disorders. Although traditionally considered a sub-specialty of gastroenterology, rapid expansion has led in some countries to doctors specializing solely in this area, who are called hepatologists.

Diseases and complications related to viral hepatitis and alcohol are the main reasons for seeking specialist advice. More than two billion people have been infected with the hepatitis B virus at some point in their lives, and approximately 350 million have become persistent carriers. Up to 80% of liver cancers can be attributed to either the hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus. In terms of mortality, the former is second only to smoking among known agents causing cancer. With more widespread implementation of vaccination and strict screening before blood transfusion, lower infection rates are expected in the future. In many countries, however, overall alcohol consumption is increasing, and consequently, the number of people with cirrhosis and other related complications is commensurately increasing.