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What Are The Causes Of Liver Enlargement

Swollen liver, which is also known as hepatomegaly, is not in reality a liver disease. It's a sign that there's some type of liver disorder in progress - a problem that could be dangerous or even fatal. This article has details.

Author: Neal Kennedy
Date: Mar 1, 2011 - 3:07:21 PM

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Swollen liver is a name 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, what causes enlarged liver, and how serious can it be? Those are questions that will be answered in this article.

It should be pointed out that swollen liver is not a disease itself. It is a sign of some other liver-related problem or condition.

Most liver problems don't present symptoms in the early stages, and this is true of a swollen liver. But as the but as the problem behind the swelling gets worse, signs will most likely begin to appear.

Frequently, a human liver weighs approximately 3-4 pounds or 1.5 kg. It is wedge-like in shape, and is approximately the size of a small American football. It is located on the right side of the body near the bottom of the rib cage.

Swollen liver is often the result of one or several causes. Hepatitis is often one of the underlying problems. 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.

Cancer in or around the liver is another common cause, as is a liver infection. Liver infections often accompany diseases such as malaria and mononucleosis.

Fatty liver disease, in which fat accumulates in the liver and damages it, is another common cause of an enlarged liver.

Your physician's first priority in treating swollen liver will be to diagnose the fundamental problem. If a swollen liver has resulted from cancer or an infection, it is important to treat these disorders right away.

When swollen liver is the result of cirrhosis caused by drinking or alcohol-induced, any use of alcohol must be stopped immediately. If an enlarged liver is not linked to alcohol or a liver-related disease, your doctor will probably suggest that that you make some lifestyle changes. Diet and exercise are important components in both treatment and prevention of an enlarged liver.

If you believe you are at risk for a swollen liver, here are some recommendations for helping you prevent it.

If you drink alcohol heavily, either limit your consumption or stop all together. If you don't stop completely, never to take drugs at the same time. Doing so may irreversably damage the liver.

Only take medications or supplements that approved by your doctor, and never take more than the recommended doses. Also consult your doctor before you try herbal supplements you have not taken before. Certain supplements are capable of damaging your liver. You should also take great care with vitamins because some vitamin combinations can hurt the liver.

Be particularly careful around household cleaners, bug sprays and other chemicals. If you work with such substances, ensure that you are in a place with good ventilation. Some common household chemicals and cleaning materials could be decidedly risky for the liver.

For more information on treatment of swollen liver and related topics, click on liver swelling symptoms and enlarged liver treatment.

Neal Kennedy is a former radio talk show host with a special interest in health-related subjects.

For more information on treatment of swollen liver and related topics, click on liver swelling symptoms and enlarged liver treatment. Neal Kennedy is a former radio talk show host with a special interest in health-related subjects.

View all articles by Neal Kennedy

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