Liver disease usually develops gradually. It may begin with fatty liver, a condition commonly linked to unhealthy diet, obesity, diabetes, or excessive alcohol consumption. If ignored, this stage can progress to liver fibrosis, where scar tissue begins to form inside the liver. Over time, severe scarring can lead to cirrhosis, a serious condition where the liver loses its ability to function properly.

Early symptoms of liver disease are often subtle and easy to ignore. People may experience fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, mild abdominal discomfort, or weakness. As the disease advances, warning signs such as yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice), swelling in the abdomen, easy bruising, and unexplained weight loss may appear.

When the liver becomes severely damaged and can no longer perform its vital functions, a liver transplant may become the only life-saving option. In this procedure, the diseased liver is replaced with a healthy liver from a donor. With modern surgical techniques and advanced post-transplant care, liver transplantation today offers many patients a new chance at a healthy and active life.

However, the encouraging news is that many liver diseases are preventable.