Liver Enlargement

Liver Enlargement is one of the conditions of many systemic and pulmonic chronic diseases. Liver enlargement is known in the medical industry as hepatomegaly. Some of the disorders that contributes to liver enlargement are cirrhosis or the end stage of chronic liver disease, heart failure and leukemia. The number one cause of liver enlargement is too much intake of alcohol. The other causes are smoking, substance abuse such as amphetamines and cannabis sativa, improper intake of medications and unhealthy diet.

In cirrhosis, there may be abdominal pain in the epigastric region particularly in the right upper quadrant of because of liver enlargement or this is what they call Glisson's capsule. When the liver is enlarged there is a dull, sensation of fullness and aching when being examined or palpated by a medical practitioner. In heart failure, liver function is impaired and hepatic cells will die due to congestion of the portal circulation and this will lead to ascites or accumulation of fluid in the stomach causing liver enlargement. In leukemia, because of decrease carbohydrates and proteins in the body the metabolic rate will also decreased causing weight loss or anorexia. Anorexia will cause a decrease oncotic pressure leading to fluid accumulation resulting in edema that will result in liver enlargement. Another factor that causes liver enlargement is the conversion of bilirubin in the liver because of too much fat the liver cannot metabolize other substances leading to Jaundice.

The manifestations of liver enlargement are diarrhea, hypertension, abdominal pain and even bleeding disorders. There are a lot of diagnostic tests that must be performing before finalizing a diagnosis of liver enlargement. Serum levels of liver enzymes are used to assess if there is an enlargement of the liver. If the enzyme is elevated it is abnormal. Health practitioners will also perform computed tomography scanning .Other tests are, magnetic resonance imaging, liver biopsy which uses suction, cutting, or spring loaded cutting needle. Laparoscopic liver biopsy means examining abdominal masses, evaluating ascites and staging liver cancers.

Modified healthy lifestyle is needed to avoid enlargement of the liver, such as the diet should be low fat. Low fat diet means not consuming foods high in fats like pork, cakes, ice creams, chicken (skin part) and a lot more. A meal should also be a balanced diet like a cup of rice, more servings of vegetables and fruits. Avoid consuming alcoholic drinks because according to recent studies alcohol is not only causing liver enlargement but also renal problems. Always exercise for about three times a week; the best exercise is simply walking for 30 minutes. It is very important to drink water and consumed 6-8 glasses a day or a 2000cc in a recommended diet program.