Enlarged liver, which doctors call "hepatomegaly" or simply "swollen liver," is not technically considered to be a disease. It's more of a symptom or warning sign that an individual's liver isn't functioning properly. Unless action is taken to treat the underlying cause, irreversible damage is likely to occur. The liver is essential to life. When liver damage leads to liver failure, the only option to save the patient is a liver transplant.
There are more than a dozen likely causes of an enlarged liver. They include hepatitis, liver cancer, cirrhosis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is a buildup of fat in your liver not due to excessive alcohol consumption.
Unfortunately, there are usually no obvious early warning signs of liver enlargement. Symptoms don't present themselves until the liver has undergone substantial damage. So regular physical check ups that include liver screening tests are important. Liver trouble can be detected sooner by blood tests, a CT scan, or a liver biopsy.
When warning signs of an enlarged liver DO appear, they would include a combination of the following.
* Pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. Discomfort can range from mild to acute.
* Abdominal distention or swelling, as fluids accumulate near the liver -- a condition known as ascites.
* Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. This is one of the most obvious symptoms of liver disease.
* Nausea and vomiting due to disruptions in digestion and metabolism. Vomit contents appear yellowish.
* Aching muscles.
* Itchy skin.
* Lower appetite and desire for food.
* A feeling of fullness in the stomach.
* Heartburn that radiates to the back.
* Unplanned weight loss.
* Frequent fatigue and lack of energy.
* Urine becomes noticeably darker.
* Changes in appearance of bowel movements. Stools appear pale, tarry, or streaked with blood.
The purpose of this video has been to provide quick, basic information about the dangers and warning signs of an enlarged liver. To learn more about related topics, click on the links above.
And remember, you should always rely only on advice from a medical professional for a diagnosis of any symptoms you may be experiencing.
Related:
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Liver Failure Signs And Symptoms
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