COVID-19 And Liver Health: What Is The Link Between Them?

With the healthcare system of the entire world still reeling from the effects of
consecutive waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resulting stress and correlating
research studies have baffled the world. There have been a number of after-effects of
being infected and then treated for the Coronavirus infection that has been studied so
far. In fact, a majority of severe cases of the infection have shown significant injury to
the lungs as the cause behind most COVID-19 related deaths.

However, the lung is not the only organ affected by this deadly disease. The
coronavirus affects all parts of the digestive system and thus, has many implications in
how it is diagnosed, managed, and spreads to other people. However, the virus also
has a deep-seated impact on the liver. This blog takes a detailed look at this
connection.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Liver Health

Research studies reflect that 4 out of 5 people diagnosed with COVID-19 show only
mild symptoms. However, people with underlying conditions, especially related to liver
health tend to get more seriously ill. The liver is often associated with the overall quality
of our health as it regulates our hormones and helps in the synthesis of the drugs we
intake.

The coronavirus enters the body through its entanglement with the Angiotensin
Converting Enzyme (ACE-2) receptor. Aside from the lungs, this receptor can also be
found in the cells of the liver and the bile duct, which may lead to severe injury to these
organs in the long run. The data suggests that 19% of COVID-19 patients have
abnormal levels of these liver enzymes

In the case of existing liver disease, a person’s immune system is already
compromised, which increases the risk of catching the virus in the patient. On top of
this, the medicines used in the treatment of COVID-19 also tend to injure the liver by
overloading it. Such scenarios often need close medical monitoring and adjustments of
the dosage to avoid or prevent them.

So how can someone stay safe in times like these and protect their liver and overall
health? Here are a few tips for you to follow.

1. Stay in touch with your doctor regarding your medical appointments. Ask them if
   it can be postponed or can be had over the phone/internet.
2. Keep a steady stock of your prescription medicines but try to avoid panic buying.
   In fact, to stay safe, get them delivered to you through online channels.
3. Avoid close contact with people, especially the ones who appear to be sick.
4. Avoid fatty food, sweets, and fast food.
5. Exercise daily for at least 30 minutes.
6. Excessive consumption of alcohol should be avoided at all costs.

For any queries related to liver transplant surgery and
post-operative care tips from the leading expert on liver health in India, Dr Vivek Vij.

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