Given the current scenario where alcohol abuse is high, the prevalence of liver diseases is rising. According to the UK health security agency, most liver ailments are preventable, and over 90% are due to alcohol, viral hepatitis, and obesity. Chronic liver diseases have multiple etiologies, have a complex diagnosis, and require regular follow-up.
Even though the blood tests and biopsies are accurate, they have multiple disadvantages. However, the LFT (liver function test is effective, but it does not define liver health and is thus a misnomer.
With the increase in liver diseases, there was a need for a diagnostic test that was quick and accurate!
And the scientists found their answer as the biomarker – the breath!
Our body and its internal organs are the best markers of our overall health. Right from the fever to sneezes, the body can indicate any potential infection. The same happens when we talk about the detected liver disease.
If ignored, liver infection or fatty liver can turn into Liver Cirrhosis. However, if the disease is detected early, there are chances that the liver can be saved.
As an early detection method, researchers are now trying to develop breath technologies. Using the breath for the diagnosis will be a perfect biomarker as it is quick, safe, and cheap compared to other tests. They have suggested that the presence of Limonene, an agent found in citrus fruits, in the breath can be used as a biomarker to detect liver disease. The researchers think that the presence of Limonene in the breath is because the diseased liver cannot metabolize Limonene.
If a person is suffering from fatty liver disease, there will be no filtration or detoxification of the chemicals, which is the main functioning of the liver. When the liver does not filter out the toxic substances, they can make their way to other parts of the body and the respiratory system. It can make your breath smelly, and Dimethyl Sulfide (a chemical present in the breath) gives the distinct smell of fetor hepaticus, also known as the breath of the dead.
However, it is impossible to tell which volatiles are associated with the disease as there is a presence of Methanol, 2-pentanone and Limonene.
Apart from the breath, doctors use a few other markers associated with the breath to detect liver diseases.
Apart from bad breath, the body shows a few other signs when your liver isn’t functioning properly. Here are some other ways that are suggestive of liver diseases.
Having bad breath in the morning or after eating a certain food with highly volatile chemicals. The problem arises when the smell persists for a long time or the whole day, even after cleaning. Based on the smell and other symptoms, you should visit a liver specialist at the earliest to rule out the possibility.
Upon physical examination, the doctor may recommend tests to confirm whether you are suffering from fatty liver disease and whether it can be treated or progressed. Only after confirmation the doctor will recommend the treatment and assess the prognosis.
Here are a few things that the doctor may suggest to you to keep your liver healthy
Liver diseases result from infection, inherited conditions, obesity, or toxic substances like alcohol. However, if taken care of on time, the liver disease progression may halt, and the recovery can start. But, if you are unaware and continue to be slack about your health, the condition may worsen, and the fatty liver can turn into cirrhosis or cancer.
Liver expert Dr. Vivek Vij at AILBS india can diagnose and treat effectively with medication, surgery (if required), and lifestyle changes.
If you think you are on the verge of getting a liver disease or are suffering from liver disease, you can contact the liver transplant expert at AILBS India and take the appropriate treatment on time.
