Hepatomegaly

Hepatomegaly: understanding, causes and treatment

Hepatomegaly, also known as liver enlargement, is a condition in which the liver becomes enlarged in size. This is a sign of various diseases and conditions that affect the function of this important organ. In this article, we will look at hepatomegaly in more detail, discussing its causes and available treatments.

Hepatomegaly can be caused by various factors. One of the most common causes is cirrhosis of the liver, a chronic disease in which healthy liver tissue is gradually replaced by scarring. Alcohol abuse, hepatitis B and C viruses, and some genetic disorders can lead to the development of cirrhosis and, consequently, hepatomegaly.

Another common cause of hepatomegaly is fatty liver disease. This condition is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, causing it to become enlarged. Fatty liver disease can be caused by obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and other factors.

Hepatomegaly may also be associated with certain infectious diseases, such as malaria or tuberculosis, which can cause liver inflammation and enlargement. Some types of cancer, such as liver cancer or leukemia, may also be associated with hepatomegaly.

To diagnose hepatomegaly, your doctor may do a physical examination, including palpating the liver and measuring its size. Additional diagnostic tests may include blood tests, ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging of the liver. The results of these studies will help determine the cause of hepatomegaly and select appropriate treatment.

Treatment for hepatomegaly depends on its cause. If hepatomegaly is caused by cirrhosis, supportive care may be required, including lifestyle changes, diet, and medications to reduce inflammation and improve liver function. For fatty liver disease, weight control, eating healthy foods, and physical activity are recommended.

If hepatomegaly is caused by an infectious disease, treatment will be aimed at eliminating this infection. If a tumor is found in the liver, surgery or chemotherapy may be required to remove the tumor and restore the liver to normal size.

It is important to note that self-medication or ignoring hepatomegaly is not recommended. If you have signs of an enlarged liver, such as pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and determine the cause.

In conclusion, hepatomegaly is a condition in which the liver becomes enlarged. It can be caused by a variety of causes, including cirrhosis of the liver, fatty liver disease, infections and tumors. Diagnosis of hepatomegaly includes physical examination and various instrumental methods. Treatment depends on the cause and may include lifestyle changes, medications, surgery, or chemotherapy. If symptoms of hepatomegaly occur, it is important to consult a doctor for professional advice and treatment.

Hepatomegaly is a condition characterized by an enlarged liver. Normally, the liver occupies the right hypochondrium - the part of the abdominal cavity located directly below the diaphragm on the right. It usually occupies ¼ of the entire abdominal cavity. In humans, there is the middle lobe of the liver (the seat of the right half) and the middle part (the left half).

Causes of liver enlargement

Hepatomegaly is caused by various pathologies, as well as lifestyle changes. For example, the condition may be caused by an addiction to alcohol or the ingestion of heavy metals and chemical compounds into the body. We will look at this in more detail.

**Diseases** 1. Diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts, for example cholelithiasis. In addition to hepatomegaly, it causes fever and other symptoms. 2. Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver. Also enlarges the liver. Hepatitis often occurs without symptoms. But if treatment is not started promptly, the disease can eventually lead to cirrhosis of the liver. 3. Infections: malaria, leptospirosis, cytomegalovirus or other infections. 4. Poisoning. Most often, alcohol poisoning occurs when the liver is destroyed by exposure to alcohol.