Do You Have Swollen Liver?
Swollen liver is a phrase sometimes used by the general public for a condition that doctors call hepatomegaly. It is also often called enlarged liver. The words swollen liver and enlarged liver are self-explanatory. So the question becomes, why does a liver become swollen, and how dangerous can it be? The goal of this article is to give you answers to those questions.
One of the things you need to know is that swollen liver is not a disease itself. It is a symptom of some other liver-related problem or condition.
Most liver problems don’t present symptoms in the early stages, and this is true of an enlarged liver. But as the underlying disorder or condition gets worse, signs and symptoms will in all probability start to materialize.
Normally, the typical human liver weighs approximately 3-4 pounds or 1.5 kg. It is shaped somewhat like a wedge, and is approximately the size of a small American football. It can be found near the bottom of the rib cage on the right side of the body.
Enlarged liver is often the result of one or a combination of causes. The presence of hepatitis and cirrhosis are among the most common. Hepatitis is usually caused by a virus, but can also be caused by excessive use of alcohol. The other most common cause, cirrhosis, is usually the result of excessive use of alcohol.
Liver infections and cancer are frequent causes of swollen liver also. Liver infections are likely to occur when you have a sickness like malaria or mononucleosis.
Fatty liver disease is another condition that triggers an enlarged liver. Fatty liver disease, also known as fatty liver syndrome, is the result of excessive fat accumulation on the liver
The first thing your doctor will want to do in treating swollen liver will be to determine the underlying problem. If an enlarged liver has been triggered by cancer or an infection, your doctor will undoubtedly want to deal with these disorders as soon as possible.
When cirrhosis resulting from drinking or alcohol-induced hepatitis is the cause, all use of alcohol must cease right away. If liver swelling is not related to alcohol abuse or a liver-related disease, your doctor will almost certainly recommend that you make some lifestyle changes. Diet and exercise are important components in both treating and preventing liver swelling.
If you suspect you are at risk for liver swelling, there are some things you can do immediately to prevent it.
If you use alcohol a lot, either limit your consumption or stop. If you do not stop completely, be sure never to take medicine at the same time. Doing so may seriously damage the liver.
Only take drugs or supplements that approved by your doctor, and never take more than the recommended doses. Also ask your doctor before you try herbal supplements you have not taken before. Certain supplements can damage the liver. You should also be extremely careful with vitamins because some vitamin combinations can be harmful to your liver.
Be doubly careful around cleaning materials, insect sprays and other chemicals. If you work with these substances, ensure that you are in a well-ventilated area. Some everyday household cleaners and chemicals could be especially dangerous for the liver.
For more information on swollen liver and related topics, click on swelling in the liver and enlarged liver.
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