| The liver is one of the largest organs in the | | | | and portal hypertension (High blood pressure |
| human body, second only to the skin. The | | | | in the portal venous system that carries |
| liver is also one of the most | | | | blood from the intestine, spleen and pancreas |
| multi-functional organs, performing dozens of | | | | to the liver). |
| tasks that are necessary to human health. The | | | | |
| liver aids in the absorption of food. The | | | | Various diagnostic tests can help determine |
| liver also removes a number of toxic | | | | the cause of enlarged liver: |
| substances from the body. | | | | |
| | | | Blood tests of liver function |
| Usually, an adult liver is approximately the | | | | |
| size of a small football. Sometimes, however, | | | | Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen |
| the liver becomes enlarged. This is known as | | | | |
| hepatomegaly. | | | | Liver biopsy |
| | | | |
| An enlarged liver is not a disease. It's a | | | | Ultrasound of the liver |
| sign of an underlying problem. When an | | | | |
| enlarged liver is present, prompt medical | | | | X-ray of the abdomen |
| attention is needed. | | | | |
| | | | Treatment of an enlarged liver depends on the |
| Treatment of an enlarged liver depends on the | | | | cause. If the enlarged liver is |
| cause--and the causes can be many. In fact, | | | | alcohol-related, it's essential to stop |
| there are more than 90 known causes of an | | | | drinking. If alcohol is not a factor, then |
| enlarged liver. The most common include: | | | | exercise and weight control are critical. |
| | | | It's also important to keep a close watch on |
| Alcoholic liver cirrhosis | | | | cholesterol levels. |
| | | | |
| Chronic hepatitis B | | | | As with most health problems, prevention is |
| | | | easier than treatment. To avoid getting an |
| Fatty liver (see Liver symptoms) | | | | enlarged liver: |
| | | | |
| Hepatitis | | | | Drink alcohol in moderation, or not at all. |
| | | | alcohol can lead to fat accumulation, |
| Hepatitis A | | | | inflammation and scarring in the liver. If |
| | | | drinking continues, liver damage may be |
| Hepatitis B | | | | fatal. |
| | | | |
| Hepatitis C | | | | Don't mix alcohol with other drugs. |
| | | | |
| Liver cirrhosis | | | | Be careful when taking multiple medications, |
| | | | and be especially careful to take only the |
| Liver cysts | | | | recommended doses. Talk to your doctor before |
| | | | mixing herbal supplements with prescription |
| Liver infection | | | | or nonprescription medications. Be cautious |
| | | | with supplements. Some supplements can damage |
| Polycystic liver disease | | | | the liver, including kava, comfrey, chaparral |
| | | | and pennyroyal. Avoid high doses of vitamins |
| Viral hepatitis | | | | A, D, E and K. |
| | | | |
| Certain forms of cancer, notably leukemia, | | | | Limit contact with toxins. Use aerosol |
| and some common infections such as malaria | | | | cleaners, insecticides and other toxic |
| and mononucleosis can also cause an enlarged | | | | chemicals only in places that are well |
| liver. | | | | ventilated. When using chemicals of any sort, |
| | | | wear appropriate protective clothing, |
| There are usually no symptoms associated with | | | | including a mask if needed. |
| a slightly enlarged liver, but a grossly | | | | |
| enlarged liver causes a feeling of discomfort | | | | Finally, be smart about your diet and |
| that some people describe as "feeling too | | | | exercise regularly. Eating healthy foods and |
| full." Someone with an enlarged liver may | | | | getting some exercise can help you control |
| also suffer jaundice, ascites (fluid in the | | | | your weight, which helps your liver function |
| abdomen), cholestasis (failure of bile to | | | | at it's maximum efficiency. |
| flow from the liver through the bile ducts), | | | | |