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Published on: Apr 04, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

COVID-19 LOCKDOWN !

As the cases continue to increase worldwide more and more countries have begun to take drastic measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In some places it is clear containment is no longer achievable, as too many people have become infected and the natural exponential increase in number of cases is inevitable. Now the focus switches to damage mitigation.

We first saw this in Wuhan, with city wide quarantine measures. Then Italy enacted similar measures, now extending across the country with all non-essential services and businesses closed for the foreseeable future. The Italian health service has become strained with the rising patient load, with reports of drastic measures taken in hospitals including conversion of operating theatres into intensive care bays. We have previously discussed the effect this has had on the Italian economy.

A NEW EPICENTRE

With Europe now seen as the “epicentre” of the pandemic, other countries have begun following suit. Spain is the second hardest hit country in Europe, with 6,000 infections and nearly 200 deaths. After a lengthy meeting of the government cabinet, the Spanish PM has enacted a partial lockdown of the country, with the use of armed forces on standby to assist. This includes closure of all shops except those selling food and basic necessities, reduction in medium-distance rail traffic to stem the spread of people around the country, and economic measures to support business workers.

France has also shut down all non-essential businesses, with food shops, chemists, banks and petrol stations remaining unaffected. The PM urged a reduction in travel amongst the population, and to enact “social distancing”. Germany has 3,800 cases but remarkably has only had 8 deaths so far. Berlin has banned all public and private events with more than 50 participants, with similar bans occurring in other cities across the countries.

So what do they hope to achieve with such measures? At first people were advised to take measures to wash hands, practice basic hygiene, self-quarantine if developing symptoms. But it became apparent this was not enough. Social distancing and lockdowns further reduce the spread of the virus by drastically reducing the number of people out in public, the number of interactions they can have. Schools and universities act as breeding grounds for infections, large congregations amongst which respiratory infections can spread like wildfire.

SHUT DOWN EVERYTHING

Lockdown also carries great political power. People respond well to drastic action, rather than soft recommendations to slightly change their daily habit with washing hands and increased hygiene. This is why masks have been so popular amongst the populous. It is decisive, it is visible. It is however NOT recommended by the WHO and most governments to wear as it is unnecessary unless around infected patients, and increased demands is straining supply for medical professionals and those who truly need it.

Similarly, Lockdown is a decisive action. It reassures the population that something is being done, that the government is taking the IT seriously. But it is not a cure to COVID. It is a plaster, a temporary stopping measure, one that cannot continue indefinitely. Shutting businesses can seriously affect the economy, affect people’s income and subsequently prevent them from paying off mortgages or loans. Forcing children to stay at home can affect their education, parents have to choose whether to work or look after their unsupervised kids.

It’s true that lockdown is now a necessity in some countries, and the lockdown of the Hubei province and parts of China was credited with significantly slowing down the spread of COVID. But it will not stop the viral spread completely. For this reason the UK has adopted an alternate strategy, one that we will discuss in our next blog.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, London UK

Head Of Products, Second Medic Inc

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Fatty Liver Disease Symptoms: Early Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Fatty liver disease is one of the fastest-growing liver disorders worldwide and is increasingly common in India due to lifestyle changes, sedentary habits and rising metabolic disorders. Despite its growing prevalence, many individuals remain unaware of the condition because fatty liver disease symptoms are often subtle or absent in the early stages.

Understanding the symptoms of fatty liver disease is essential for early detection, timely intervention and prevention of long-term liver damage.

What Is Fatty Liver Disease?

Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells. Normally, the liver contains small amounts of fat, but when fat makes up more than 5–10 percent of the liver’s weight, it is considered abnormal.

There are two main types:

non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
alcoholic fatty liver disease

NAFLD is now the most common form in India.

Why Fatty Liver Disease Is Increasing

According to Indian Council of Medical Research and NFHS-5 data:

obesity rates are rising
diabetes prevalence is increasing
physical inactivity is common

These factors directly contribute to fatty liver development.

Early Fatty Liver Disease Symptoms

Persistent Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the earliest and most common symptoms.

People often feel:

constant tiredness
low energy
reduced stamina

This occurs due to impaired liver metabolism.

Mild Abdominal Discomfort

Some individuals experience:

dull pain or heaviness
discomfort in the upper right abdomen

This reflects liver inflammation or enlargement.

General Weakness

Muscle weakness and reduced physical endurance may occur due to metabolic imbalance.

Symptoms as Fatty Liver Disease Progresses

As the condition advances, symptoms may become more noticeable.

Unexplained Weight Changes

Weight gain is common, but some individuals experience unexplained weight loss in advanced stages.

Loss of Appetite

Digestive discomfort and liver inflammation can reduce appetite.

Nausea and Indigestion

Fatty liver may interfere with digestion, leading to bloating and nausea.

Elevated Liver Enzymes

Although not a symptom felt physically, abnormal liver enzymes are often the first detectable sign during blood tests.

Advanced Fatty Liver Disease Symptoms

If untreated, fatty liver can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Advanced symptoms include:

abdominal swelling
jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
dark urine
pale stools
swelling of legs
confusion or memory issues

These signs require urgent medical attention.

Risk Factors Associated with Fatty Liver Disease

Common risk factors include:

obesity and abdominal fat
type 2 diabetes
high cholesterol or triglycerides
high blood pressure
sedentary lifestyle
poor dietary habits

Even people with normal body weight can develop fatty liver due to metabolic dysfunction.

Why Fatty Liver Disease Often Goes Undetected

Fatty liver disease is often discovered incidentally during:

routine blood tests
ultrasound examinations

Lack of early symptoms leads many people to delay diagnosis until complications develop.

Impact of Fatty Liver on Overall Health

Fatty liver disease affects more than just the liver.

It increases the risk of:

cardiovascular disease
insulin resistance
type 2 diabetes
chronic kidney disease

According to Lancet studies, fatty liver is closely linked to metabolic syndrome.

How Fatty Liver Disease Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis involves:

liver function blood tests
ultrasound or imaging studies
clinical evaluation of risk factors

In some cases, advanced imaging or biopsy may be required.

Importance of Early Detection

Early-stage fatty liver disease is reversible.

Early diagnosis allows:

lifestyle intervention
prevention of liver inflammation
reduced progression risk

Delayed diagnosis increases the likelihood of irreversible liver damage.

Managing Fatty Liver Disease After Diagnosis

Management focuses on:

weight reduction
healthy diet
regular physical activity
blood sugar control
lipid management

There is no single medication cure; lifestyle modification is the cornerstone of treatment.

Role of Preventive Health Checkups

Preventive screenings help detect:

abnormal liver enzymes
metabolic risk factors
early fatty liver changes

According to NITI Aayog, preventive health checkups play a vital role in reducing non-communicable disease burden in India.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

persistent fatigue
abdominal discomfort
unexplained weight changes
abnormal blood test results

Early consultation prevents disease progression.

Long-Term Outlook

With timely diagnosis and lifestyle changes:

liver fat reduces
liver function improves
progression to cirrhosis is prevented

Most individuals recover well with sustained effort.

Conclusion

Fatty liver disease symptoms are often subtle and easily overlooked, especially in the early stages. Persistent fatigue, abdominal discomfort and metabolic changes should not be ignored, particularly in individuals with lifestyle risk factors. Early detection through preventive screening and proactive lifestyle modification can reverse fatty liver disease and protect long-term liver health. Awareness and timely action remain the most effective tools in preventing serious liver complications.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Liver Disease and Metabolic Health Studies
World Health Organization (WHO) – Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Metabolic Risk Factor Data
Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology – Fatty Liver Disease Progression Studies
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and NCD Reports
Statista – Global Fatty Liver Disease Prevalence Trends

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