Our healthcare system is facing significant issues as a result of Covid-19’s rapid spread. The majority of deaths occur as a result of respiratory failure caused by substantial lung injury.
We also learned that the virus could harm the food pipe, liver, stomach, pancreas, intestine, and other digestive system areas. A renowned liver specialist in Mumbai provides facts about the liver and how a Covid-19 infection might affect it.
How does the Covid-19 virus affect the liver?
By attaching to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE-2) receptor, the virus infects human cells. These receptors are also found in the colon, bile duct, and liver cells, making these organs vulnerable to virus harm.
In Covid-19, what are the liver and gastrointestinal symptoms?
Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain have been observed in up to 15% of Covid-19 infection patients, in addition to respiratory problems. According to a leading liver transplant surgeon in Mumbai, patients who report gastrointestinal symptoms have been observed to have a more extended hospital stay and a more severe course of illness than those who do not.
As per current data, 19% of Covid-19 patients have elevated levels of liver enzymes during the course of the disease. However, liver damage is usually minor and transitory in most people, but significant liver damage has been seen.
What is the treatment for Covid-19 infection in patients with pre-existing liver disease?
Hepatitis B & C, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol misuse, and autoimmunity are prominent causes of chronic liver disease. These patients’ immune systems are weakened, so they must be extremely cautious because the virus poses a greater danger of severe illness.
In patients with pre-existing chronic liver disease, the virus can cause liver injury, which can lead to acute or chronic liver failure: the more serious the Covid infection, the more severe the liver damage. Most drugs used to treat Covid-19 have a tendency to harm the liver, necessitating regular monitoring and dosage adjustments as needed.
In case of liver failure, contact a liver specialist who provides one of the best liver transplant in Mumbai.
What effects does Covid-19 have on patients who have had a liver transplant? Is it safe to perform a liver transplant at this time?
There have been doubts that organ transplant recipients on drugs that lower body immunity may be more susceptible to Covid-19 infection or have a more severe condition. Most of these drugs have now been proven to be safe and may help prevent severe Covid symptoms by preventing the cytokine storm.
In organ transplant recipients, the outcome of Covid-19 infection is the same as in the general population. It is no surprise that, despite early reservations, transplant activity has restarted in Mumbai for those who need it most. It is excellent for patients undergoing liver cancer treatment in Mumbai.
Should patients with chronic liver disease and those who have had a liver transplant get the Covid-19 virus vaccine?
The vaccination’s safety in this group has now been confirmed. All of these people who are eligible must get the immunization as soon as possible. They should not pick and choose their vaccines or wait for the right one. The vaccine’s efficacy in immunosuppression patients is thought to be slightly lower than in the general population, but there are no additional complications.
What precautions should individuals with liver conditions take to avoid infection with Covid-19 and bad outcomes?
Patients with underlying liver disorders fare badly with Covid-19 as compared to healthy people. As a result, every effort must be taken to maintain the liver’s health. The fatty liver disease presents an unfavourable environment for the virus to thrive.
For the benefit of the liver, avoid eating sweets, fatty foods, and fast food. Also, exercise regularly for 30 minutes five days a week. It would be best if you avoid excessive alcohol consumption at all costs. Patients with chronic hepatitis or autoimmunity must take their medications on a regular basis.
The availability of vaccines has given hope that we can bring the pandemic under control soon. However, social distancing and following covid protocol will continue to be necessary.
For any liver-related issues, you can contact Dr. Gaurav Gupta, a renowned liver transplant surgeon in Mumbai.