Pune (Maharashtra) [India], May 30: The liver, one of the body’s most vital and resilient organs, is now facing a modern health crisis. With increasing exposure to processed foods, alcohol, sedentary lifestyles, and chronic stress, liver diseases—once typically associated with aging—are now being diagnosed in people as young as their 20s and 30s. At the heart of this paradigm shift is Dr. Ksheetij Kothari, a distinguished gastroenterologist, who is leading efforts in awareness, prevention, and treatment of liver dysfunction through advanced diagnostics and lifestyle-centered care.

As a trusted gastroenterologist in Pune, Dr. Kothari emphasizes that the liver’s regenerative capacity is remarkable but not limitless. “The problem is that liver disease is often silent until it’s advanced. By the time symptoms appear, significant damage may have occurred,” he explains. “Today, it’s not uncommon to see fatty liver, fibrosis, or even early cirrhosis in individuals under 35—especially among urban professionals.” This marks a striking public health shift, driven largely by environmental and lifestyle stressors.

According to a Lancet study on liver disease burden in India, India has one of the highest rates of liver disease mortality globally, contributing to over 260,000 deaths annually. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common cause, affects 25–30% of India’s urban population, and is projected to become the leading cause of liver transplants in the next decade. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology reported that one in five Indian adolescents already show signs of fatty liver on ultrasound—a concerning trend linked to processed diets and reduced physical activity.

At Dr. Kothari’s Digestive and Liver Care Clinic, patients are increasingly presenting with:

  • NAFLD and NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis)
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  • Alcoholic Liver Disease
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  • Viral Hepatitis (B and C) 
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  • Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI)
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  • Autoimmune Hepatitis
  •   Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension 

What’s even more worrying is that 70% of patients with early-stage liver disease show no symptoms, making routine liver screenings such as Liver Function Tests (LFTs), FibroScan, and Ultrasound crucial tools for early detection. “We need to shift our mindset from reactive to preventive liver care,” Dr. Kothari insists. “Regular screening should be as common as checking blood sugar or cholesterol.”

One such case involved 29-year-old Tejas, a tech professional in Pune, who reported fatigue and abdominal heaviness. Routine tests at Dr. Kothari’s clinic revealed elevated ALT and AST levels—key liver enzymes. A FibroScan confirmed stage 2 fibrosis due to NAFLD. With structured dietary changes, exercise, and hepatoprotective medication, Tejas reversed his condition within six months. “Without early intervention, this could have progressed to irreversible cirrhosis in his 30s,” Dr. Kothari notes.

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 2 million people die annually due to liver diseases, with liver cirrhosis and cancer being among the top 10 causes of death worldwide. Hepatitis B and C alone account for 1.1 million deaths globally each year, despite being largely preventable or manageable with early diagnosis and treatment.

At his Pune-based clinic, Dr. Kothari offers personalized care protocols that combine:

Advanced diagnostics: FibroScan, ultrasound, viral load testing
 
Medication: Antivirals, hepatoprotective agents
 
Lifestyle restructuring: Customized dietary and fitness plans
 
Preventive strategies: Hepatitis vaccinations, alcohol cessation counseling
 
Monitoring protocols: Long-term follow-ups and regular testing 

Importantly, Dr. Kothari advocates that liver health isn’t just about medicine—it’s about habits. “Patients often ask for a pill to fix fatty liver. But the reality is, healing the liver often begins in the kitchen, on the treadmill, and with reducing stress.”

He adds that even common over-the-counter painkillers and unregulated herbal supplements can contribute to drug-induced liver injury (DILI). In fact, a 2022 study by AIIMS Delhi found that nearly 20% of acute liver failure cases in India were linked to herbal supplements or unmonitored medications.

Beyond treatment, the clinic also offers patient education sessions to promote liver health literacy. Key indicators that should prompt a liver check-up include:

  • Persistent fatigue
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  • Jaundice (yellowing of eyes/skin)
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  • Abdominal pain or bloating
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  • Itchy skin or dark urine
  • Unexplained weight loss or appetite changes

Dr. Kothari’s mission extends to high-risk groups, including:

  • Diabetics and obese individuals (over 50% are at risk of NAFLD)
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  • Alcohol users 
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  • People on long-term medication
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  • Individuals with family history of liver disease 

 

His clinic also emphasizes vaccination against Hepatitis A and B, lifestyle counseling, and coordination with dietitians to build sustainable liver-friendly routines. In advanced cases, Dr. Kothari assists in liver transplant planning and referral, ensuring comprehensive care.

The takeaway “Your liver may not speak up until it’s in crisis. But if you listen early—through screening, smart habits, and professional guidance—it can continue serving you silently for a lifetime,” Dr. Kothari says.

For expert consultation on liver health, early screening, or treatment of liver conditions in Pune, visit:
https://www.clinicspots.com/gastroenterologist/pune/dr-ksheetij-kothari
https://sahyadrihospital.com/doctors/dr-ksheetij-kothari/

Dr. Ksheetij Kothari – Digestive and Liver Care Clinic
Consultant Gastroenterologist, Sahyadri Hospital, Pune
[Email & Phone as per clinic standard]
Services: Liver disease treatment, Endoscopy, GERD, IBS, Pancreatitis

About Dr. Ksheetij Kothari:
Dr. Ksheetij Kothari is a highly respected gastroenterologist in Pune, with specialized expertise in liver disease, pancreatic disorders, and advanced endoscopy. Known for his precise diagnostics and patient-centered care, he has helped thousands of individuals reclaim digestive and liver health. He currently practices at Sahyadri Hospital and heads his own Digestive and Liver Care Clinic.