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An enlarged liver can be a symptom of various disease states developing in the human body. It is not uncommon that the enlargement of the liver itself is the only symptom, therefore the diagnosis of the disease may be difficult. What are the most common causes of an enlarged liver and how is this pathological condition manifested?
Enlarged liver – characteristics
An enlarged liver in medicine is called hepatomegaly and is not a disease, but rather a symptom of disease states. The enlarged liver can be felt during the initial examination by the patient himself. The liver lies in the right hypochondrium, just below the diaphragm, passing partly into the upper epigastric and left hypochondrium. The state of an enlarged liver can be signaled by the presence of hepatic suppression when tapping the chest and abdomen.
An enlarged liver is often associated with liver impairment, which can be a serious threat to the patient’s health. It should be remembered that the main functions of the liver include: protein synthesis, secretion and production of bile, neutralization of toxins, participation in the metabolism of nucleic acids, participation in thermoregulation, as well as the storage of vitamins and carbohydrates.
Enlarged liver – causes
Enlarged disease is a symptom that most often appears as a result of a disease state developing in the body. The diseases that contribute to the aggravation of the disease include:
- cirrhosis of the liver – apart from enlargement, the edges of the liver become hardened and sharpened;
- liver cancer – the liver additionally becomes hard;
- hepatitis – viruses are most often responsible for this disease;
- hepatic vein thrombosis – ascites and spleen enlargement also appear;
- liver abscess – an additional symptom is high fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, sweating and the general poor condition of the patient;
- liver cyst – severe epigastric pain appears;
- drug-induced damage – for example, in the case of paracetamol overdose.
Enlarged disease can also be caused by factors other than disease. Overweight, obesity and alcohol abuse contribute to the enlargement of the liver.
Enlarged liver – symptoms
Liver changes are difficult to recognize as they usually do not result in external discomfort. The liver is difficult to examine by physical examination, as much of it is hidden behind the ribs. In addition, the liver itself does not cause pain, so you need to focus on other possible symptoms. The enlarging liver can put pressure on the organ capsule or other structures in the vicinity and radiate pain from them.
Therefore, a disturbing symptom may be prolonged pain on the upper right side of the abdomen. In the case of a significantly enlarged liver, the pain may spread to larger areas of the abdomen.
Digestive problems and clotting disorders are common symptoms with an enlarged liver. Each of these ailments should be diagnosed and consulted with a doctor. To counteract liver disease, take lecithin supplementation. Lecithin supports digestive processes, thanks to which the liver functions properly and is not overloaded.
Enlarged liver – diagnosis
The diagnosis of an enlarged liver is based on an imaging examination, especially an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. The tests that the doctor may order in the case of suspected enlargement of the disease also include:
- testing of the portal pressure level;
- examination of blood vessels and heart;
- biliary obstruction assessment;
- determination of tumor markers;
- metabolic research;
- liver biopsy;
- determination of bilirubin and liver enzymes.
One of the tests performed to assess the risk of liver and lung disease is alpha1-antitrypsin protein mail order, which you order from Medonet Market.
Enlarged liver – treatment
The decision on the method of treatment of an enlarged liver depends mainly on the cause of this symptom. Treatment of an enlarged liver also focuses on developing dietary principles that will help stabilize the functioning of this organ. In the liver diet, eat easily digestible meals with a limited amount of fat. The diet excludes fried foods and soups. Importantly, during the liver diet, you should completely give up stimulants, especially alcohol.
At Medonet Market you can buy a dietary supplement to support liver function and good digestion. Liver Health Formula, thanks to the turmeric content, strengthens the liver, and the burdock root contributes to increasing the digestive comfort.
Also read:
- Symptoms that tell you that your liver is malfunctioning
- Is this a symptom of a diseased liver? A symptom to watch out for
- Liver spots – what do the dark spots on the skin mean?
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