Surviving John

Symptoms that someone’s liver is becoming enlarged frequently indicate that there is inflammation of the liver as a result of one of several possible developing liver disorders. An individual who has symptoms of liver enlargement should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Usually, by the time symptoms of liver enlargement present themselves, consequential liver damage has probably already happened. If the deterioration in function is not slowed, it might in the long run cause liver failure. Once liver failure has occurred, the single way to stay alive is by getting a liver transplant.

The word doctors use for enlarged liver is hepatomegaly.

Enlarged liver should not be considered a disease. It is more a telltale indication that a liver condition is growing.

There are no early signs of liver enlargement. But if the underlying problem is not diagnosed and treated, the liver will eventually get so big that the following indications will start to present themselves.

* pain in the lower stomach area

* A feeling of fullness in the stomach and abdomen

* buildup of fluids in the abdomen (a problem referred to as ascites)

* lowered appetite for food

*tender joints and muscles

* a cough that’s not due to a respiratory malady

* A change in bowel habits, with episodes of constipation or diarrhea

* uncommon tiredness along with feelings of weakness

* episode of queasiness and vomiting, now and again accompanied by fever

* urine may possibly start to look dark or cloudy

Patients who have indications of liver enlargement often have an abnormal sensitivity to light called photophobia. The patient’s ability to smell may possibly be heightened too, and a variety of odors can become disagreeable or even offensive.

Jaundice, or yellow appearance to the skin and whites of the eyes, is a specific sign of liver problems. Jaundice is caused by the abnormal buildup of a bile pigment called bilirubin. Too much bilirubin destroys liver cells, which causes indications of liver enlargement.

There are quite a few other ailments which indicate that some form of liver disease or damage has started. One is cholestasis, which happens when the transmission of bile from the liver is blocked for some reason. Another example is portal hypertension, which is characterized by high blood pressure in the portal vein. This blood vessel carries blood from the intestines to the liver.

Tests are often desirable to ascertain how far liver enlargement has progressed. Such tests usually include a liver biopsy, liver function tests, an ultrasound or a CT scan.

Now and again both the liver and spleen become enlarged at the same time. When this takes place, the condition is called hepatosplenomegaly.

For more information on this and related topics, click on signs of an enlarged liver and enlarged liver.

The feeling of pain in the area of the liver comes to different people in different ways. Some patients feel extreme discomfort – they describe it by saying it feels like their liver is ready to explode. Others describe their pain as “just an occasional discomfort.” They feel an aching sensation when they breathe in or cough. These people who have pain in the area of the liver say they feel somewhat swollen or bloated.

There are a number of possible causes for pain in the area of the liver. It can be a problem with the liver itself, or it result from a problem with some other organ or part of the body that is related to the liver in some way. For example, there could be trouble with the gallbladder, biliary tract, or blood vessels near the liver. Pain coming from the liver itself is usually due to inflammation of some kind. Such inflammation can result from any number of reasons.

Cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer, liver failure and hepatitis are several of the most serious problems that can affect your liver. There are, in fact, many different types of liver problems that can trigger liver pain.

If the pain doesn’t actually originate in the liver, it may be due to an obstruction of the biliary tract, like a stone. This type of liver pain, which is also known as biliary colic, can usually come on quickly and may last as long as several hours. Pain of this type begins in your upper middle or upper right quadrant. It may extend to your shoulder, or to the region between the shoulder blades in your upper back.

Biliary colic usually happens after you’ve eaten a large fatty meal. Other causes of pain in the area of the liver include a liver abscess and cholangitis or inflammation of the biliary duct. Sometimes, liver cysts can also cause pain in the area of the liver. Poor gallbladder health can also cause what feels like pain in the area of the liver.

Several medications are available that will help relieve pain in the area of the liver. They include:

* Drugs known as NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which reduce pain and inflammation. Some NSAIDs require a doctor’s prescription, but you can get other forms over the counter.

* Demerol, which is also known as Meperidine.

* Morphine

Liver pain shouldn’t be ignored. Anytime you have soreness or tenderness near the bottom of your ribcage, it’s a good idea to call your doctor. Such discomfort could be the result of liver of gallbladder problems. These can be serious threats to your long term health and merit a call to your doctor.

Do you need more information on pain caused by the liver? Click on liver trouble.