Liver disease rise 'due to drink'

A diseased liver is knobbly in appearance and has a tawny colour

The number of 25 to 29 year old women being treated for chronic liver disease has risen seven-fold over the past 20 years, official figures have revealed.

The highest death rate for the disease was among people aged 30 to 39, with an almost five-fold increase since 1984.

Rates of liver disease have trebled in Scotland since 1984, at a time when it is falling in most European countries.

It can have several causes but drinking trends suggest the rise in sufferers is largely down to alcohol abuse.

Scotland sees on average 115 hospital discharges a day as a result of alcohol misuse - an increase of 9% in the past nine years.

The NHS needs to be prepared for another surge in chronic liver disease Ross Finnie Lib Dem health spokesman

Alcohol-related discharges rose by 22% for 30-34 year olds and by 19% for 35-39 year olds.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "These shocking statistics make grim reading and provide yet more evidence that we must turn the tide of alcohol harm.

"Most worrying is the increase in alcohol-related problems among young people, who are putting themselves at risk of serious health problems.

"Cheap alcohol is making a serious situation even worse. By linking price to product strength, minimum pricing will put an end to the sale of high-strength alcohol for less than the cost of bottled water."

'Human cost'

Dr Brian Keighley, chairman of the BMA in Scotland, said the rise highlighted "the true human cost of alcohol misuse in Scotland".

"Today's figures show a shocking rise in the death toll caused by a drinking culture that is out of control," he said.

"Scotland is awash with alcohol and the consequences are crippling the health service."

"Legislation on price is the only proven way to help change behaviour and end the heavy drinking culture that is blighting our health service."

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Ross Finnie said: "The NHS needs to be prepared for another surge in chronic liver disease. The government must make sure that the right staff are in place and the resources are there to make sure that health boards are ready."