Enlarged Liver: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

The size of the liver is quite large and it weighs nearly 3.5 pounds. In fact, it is the largest gland present in our body. The liver carries out several vital functions of the body. It is responsible for metabolizing cholesterol, fatty substances and carbohydrates obtained from food. It secretes an essential digestive juice called bile that helps in proper absorption of fats in the intestines. It also removes all the toxic substances that enter the body because of pollution, drugs or alcohol consumption. When there is liver inflammation, it gives rise to a lot of complications. Usually, it is found in middle-aged people.

Causes of Enlarged Liver
Enlarged liver is also referred to as hepatomegaly. It is not a disease in itself. Rather, it is a probable symptom of a number of underlying health conditions. The most prevalent cause behind the enlargement is accumulation of fat in the liver cells. This problem of collection of fat in the liver is a common occurrence after heavy consumption of alcohol for a long period time. However, it has also been found in some people who do not drink alcohol. This condition is known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. It has a striking similarity with alcoholic fatty liver disease. This could be triggered due to obesity and diabetes. Though, it is not at all necessary that every overweight person will develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Other key causes of enlarged liver are viral infections like hepatitis A, hepatitis B or hepatitis C, iron deposition in liver, inadequate diet, side effects of some drugs, etc. Serious ailments like tuberculosis, liver cancer, congestive heart failure or leukemia can also be responsible this kind of inflammation.

Symptoms of Enlarged Liver
The liver has the in-built capacity to renew the cells that get damaged by any disease, injury, or other harmful substances. If the destruction of liver cells continues for a long time, then the glandular organ fails to regenerate those damaged cells. As a result, the impairment becomes permanent and there is a collapse in the liver function. Usually, there is no symptom of the inflammation mainly because the liver does not have any nerves. When it becomes too large, pain is experienced if the abdomen area is touched. Some discomfort arises as the liver puts pressure on the surrounding organs and nerves because of the swelling. In case, the liver stops functioning normally due to its enlarged state, it leads to jaundice which can be identified with yellowing of the skin and white part of the eyes.

Treatment of Enlarged Liver
The doctor can estimate the approximate size of the liver by touching it. Physical examination would also reveal if any lumps have formed inside it. X-rays, CT scan and ultrasound are done to confirm the diagnosis. If required, blood tests and biopsy of liver are also conducted. Treatment of enlarged liver can start only after identification of its exact cause. Anyone who has developed enlarged liver due to alcoholism, should stop intake of alcohol immediately or else it could be fatal. A patient who is suffering from hepatitis, is given medication to bring down the inflammation in the liver. In case it is a nonalcoholic fatty liver problem caused by obesity, the patient must opt for a proper weight loss program that include regular exercising. Diabetic patients must control their blood sugar and cholesterol. For liver cancer and leukemia, the treatment involves chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

As you can see from this article, people who consume excessive alcohol for a prolonged duration are at the highest risk of developing enlarged liver. Other risk factors are abnormally high level of cholesterol, excessive weight gain and uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Even sharing of needles or injecting or snorting of narcotic drugs may contribute towards this problem. Whatever be the cause behind inflamed liver, if you are diagnosed with this medical condition, then it has to be treated under the supervision of a physician only.