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