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