Medanta Draws Attention to the Worrying Trend in Siliguri's Paediatric Liver Diseases

News Desk, News Nation 360 : Medanta - The Medicity, which Newsweek has named the finest private hospital in India for six years running, held a special awareness event in Siliguri as a major step to address the city's expanding paediatric health issues. The purpose of the workshop was to draw attention to important gaps in the region's diagnosis and management of paediatric liver disorders. Under the direction of Dr. Neelam Mohan, Senior Director and Head of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Liver Transplant at Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, the event brought together young doctors, paediatricians, and experienced medical professionals for a thorough discussion on the growing incidence of lifestyle-related liver diseases in children as well as frequently disregarded paediatric liver conditions. Pediatric liver issues are sharply on the rise in India. MASLD (Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), previously NAFLD, impacts approximately 35% of youngsters and teens. This is from poor nutrition, excess salt, and inactive lifestyles. Siliguri and the North-East exhibit the same surge because of urbanisation, poor diet, less physical activity, and more television viewing. These act adversely upon the liver and lead to premature diabetes and hypertension. Liver conditions such as fatty liver, biliary atresia, and childhood pancreatitis are often underdiagnosed. This comes with a delay in treatment. Low awareness among Siliguri doctors and parents was reported by Dr. Neelam Mohan. This contributes to late diagnosis, notably biliary atresia in jaundiced neonates older than two weeks. Delayed diagnosis aggravates liver disease. In addition, pediatric pancreatitis is usually undiagnosed. Dr. Mohan is worried about the misuse of antibiotics, notably self-treatment. This compromises liver function and immunity. Parents require greater education. 18 to 25 pediatric patients with liver and gut disorders are treated during monthly OPDs in Siliguri. Siliguri requires greater education, early screening, and timely referrals for pediatric liver disease. Medanta's campaign seeks to generate awareness, encourage good habits, and enhance pediatric liver health in India. They aspire to provide better treatment and a better future for children.

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