Liver swelling, caused by conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, cancer, and infections, can lead to serious medical complications. Symptoms include fatigue, lack of appetite, abdominal discomfort, and jaundice. Diagnosis is done through blood tests and physical examination. Treatment may involve medication, lifestyle changes, or a liver transplant. Prevention includes limiting alcohol intake, using protection during sexual intercourse, and avoiding sharing needles.
The liver is a vital organ that performs a number of important functions in a person’s body. A swollen liver is a serious medical condition in which the liver becomes enlarged due to illness or injury. Several conditions can lead to liver swelling, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, cancer, and infections. In some cases, a swollen liver can be treated with medications or lifestyle changes; in others, a liver transplant may be required.
Hepatitis is a class of liver disease usually caused by viruses or alcoholism. Hepatitis A, B, and C are viral infections spread by sexual contact, the use of needles, or other contact with bodily fluids. Viral hepatitis is incurable, although it can be managed with rest and proper nutrition. Chronic hepatitis can occur as a result of viral hepatitis or alcoholism. Most forms of hepatitis cause flu-like symptoms and can, if left untreated, lead to a swollen liver.
Along with hepatitis, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis occurs when scar tissue forms inside the liver, eventually hampering normal function. Obesity, diabetes and genetic diseases are further causes and complications of cirrhosis. Cancer can also result in a swollen liver and can be caused by previous liver disease or spread from cancer that has metastasized to other parts of the body.
Several types of infections besides hepatitis can cause liver swelling. These include malaria, mononucleosis, typhoid fever, brucellosis and the Espstein-Barr virus. This can be a life-threatening complication of these diseases and medical treatment should be sought in these cases.
Liver swelling is often accompanied by other symptoms of liver failure. Symptoms sometimes begin with fatigue and lack of appetite along with abdominal discomfort such as nausea and diarrhea. More serious liver conditions cause confusion, swelling, and jaundice, which is a yellowing of the eyes and skin.
Liver disease can be diagnosed with simple blood tests known as liver panels. Patients with symptoms of liver failure or other abdominal discomfort usually receive these panels along with other blood tests. A doctor can detect a swollen liver by feeling the bottom of the rib cage to the right view of the abdomen. If it’s enlarged, you can usually feel the liver swelling from under your ribs.
Patients who have symptoms of liver disease should see a doctor immediately. To avoid liver problems, a person should limit their intake of alcoholic beverages and use caution with medications containing acetaminophen. Always use protection during sexual intercourse and avoid sharing needles.
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