What happens inside the body when the liver grows in size?

The liver is an essential organ in the body’s many activities. The average size of a woman’s liver is 7 cm, whereas a man’s liver is 10.5 cm. It’s considered abnormal if the liver spreads 2 to 3 cm more or less than these levels.

What is an enlarged liver?

An enlarged liver, also known as hepatomegaly, is swollen beyond its average size for any reason.

Rather than a disease, an enlarged liver is a sign of an underlying problem, such as liver disease, congestive heart failure, or cancer. Treatment involves identifying and controlling the cause of the condition.

What are the reasons for a swollen liver?

The liver can expand due to a variety of diseases or disorders. An enlarged liver can occur in certain persons due to taking too many toxins, such as alcohol, drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol), or vitamins. Cirrhosis (liver scarring) can be caused by long-term exposure to high amounts of harmful chemicals (including alcohol), drugs, or supplements.

The following diseases and medical situations might cause the liver to enlarge:

• Cancers of the liver and cancers of other organs that have metastasized (spread) to the liver, such as colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung cancer.
• Benign (non-cancerous) tumours of the liver
• Congestive heart failure or other disorders affecting the heart valves can cause blood backflow from the heart.
• Budd-Chiari syndrome is a condition that affects a person (blood clots in the blood vessels that drain the liver)
• Recurrent alcohol consumption causes liver inflammation.
• Obesity, alcoholism, or diabetes can all cause excess fat in the liver.
• Gaucher disease and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are two genetic (inherited) illnesses that cause fatty or sugary substances to build up in the liver.
• Polycystic hepatitis (PCH) is a type of liver disease (several benign cysts in the liver)
• Pregnancy-related fatty liver (abnormal fat accumulation in the liver during pregnancy)

What are the signs and symptoms of a swollen liver?

The majority of the time, an enlarged liver is asymptomatic. Doctors frequently identify it while treating a patient for a different, unrelated ailment.

If the underlying reason is primary liver disease, an enlarged liver may appear alongside other symptoms. These signs and symptoms could include:

• Jaundice Fatigue
• Vomiting and nausea
• Abdominal pain in the upper centre or upper right side
• After meals, quickly filling up
• Contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they continue.

How can you know if you have an enlarged liver?

A physical examination and imaging tests, such as a

• CT scan,
• Ultrasound
• MRI,

It can help a doctor detect an enlarged liver. The doctor will most likely request specific blood tests to figure out what’s causing the liver enlargement. A liver biopsy may be required in some instances.

What is the treatment for a swollen liver?

The cause determines the treatment for an enlarged liver. When liver enlargement is caused by fat accumulation in the liver or alcoholism, lifestyle adjustments can help. Lifestyle changes include:

• Getting in Shape
• reducing or decreasing alcohol consumption
• Eating a well-balanced diet
• Increasing physical activity and exercise

Treatment for different types of liver enlargement is determined by the underlying condition.

Can you feel if your liver is swollen?

If your liver is somewhat enlarged, you probably won’t notice any symptoms. If it’s extremely swollen, you could be suffering from a feeling of fullness.  You’re feeling uneasy in your stomach.

Is it possible to reverse an enlarged liver?

No treatment can reverse the fat build-up in your liver if you have NASH. In certain circumstances, liver damage can be stopped or even reversed. In some instances, however, the sickness is still progressing. Controlling any diseases that may contribute to fatty liver disease is critical if you have NASH.

What foods should you avoid if you have a swollen liver?

If you have fatty liver disease, there are six foods you should avoid.

Alcohol. Alcohol is a significant contributor to fatty liver disease and other liver illnesses.

One should avoid sugar and sugary foods such as candies, cookies, sodas, and fruit juices.

Deep-Fried food.

Salty food.

Pasta, white bread, and rice

Red Meat.

When should I call the doctor about symptoms of an enlarged liver?

Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms that could indicate an enlarged liver, such as upper abdominal pain, recurrent nausea, and vomiting, or jaundice.