The liver is one of the largest organs in the body and is what helps the body digest food, store energy and eliminate toxins. When this organ becomes enlarged, it is called hepatomegaly, a condition that usually does not cause any symptoms.
In general, the size of the liver tends to vary according to age, sex and body dimensions; but many liver diseases are the cause of the enlargement of this organ. For example, the most common liver diseases are cirrhosis, hepatitis caused by a virus, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a genetic disorder, noncancerous liver tumors, and gallbladder obstruction.
When liver enlargement is caused by liver disease, Mayo Clinic points out that different symptoms can occur such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and yellowing of the skin and eyes.
On the other hand, experts assure that cancer can also be a factor that generates this problem, especially when it comes to leukemia, liver cancer or any cancer that spreads to the organ.
Other factors of liver enlargement or inflammation are some heart problems. For example, if the person suffers from Budd-Chiari syndrome, heart failure or pericarditis, it can influence the liver condition.
How is an enlarged liver diagnosed?
According to portal information Top Doctors, the diagnosis of this condition must be given by a digestive specialist. Initially, you should do a physical exam, in which the inflamed liver is palpated by pressing on the right side of the belly to verify the hardness and size of the organ.
To this, an abdominal ultrasound must be added that allows obtaining images of the state of the liver and if necessary, the specialist can opt for a computed tomography (CAT) or an MRI.
When these exams have been carried out, it is likely that the specialist will choose to perform some additional tests such as clinical tests to assess the levels of liver enzymes and the presence of viruses such as hepatitis. According to the diagnosis, the treatment will refer to a change of healthy habits and the restriction of alcohol consumption.
How to prevent enlarged liver?
- Avoid drinking alcohol: This is one of the main causes that the liver can become noticeably enlarged.
- Eat a healthy diet: When a person tends to eat foods high in fat or sugar, they may be at increased risk of liver disease. It is for this reason that the consumption of fruits, vegetables and cereals is recommended.
- Avoid large doses of medications and vitamin supplements: For example, an acetaminophen overdose is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States, according to Mayo Clinic.
- Eliminate the consumption of medicinal herbs: Experts advise once morest consuming herbs such as mistletoe, comfrey or Ma Huang, because they can increase the risk of liver damage.
- Keep a healthy weight: In general, people who are overweight or obese tend to have a higher risk of their liver becoming more inflamed than normal.
- Avoid contact with chemicals: Experts recommend avoiding handling aerosols, insecticides or other chemicals
