Hepatomegaly Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Hepatomegaly is a condition of enlargement of the liver. This organ, which is located in the upper right abdominal cavity, has many functions.
Some of the functions of the liver include producing proteins and blood clotting factors, neutralizing ammonia toxins, digesting fat, storing carbohydrate reserves, and fighting infections in the body. The condition of an enlarged liver indicates that there is a disturbance in the liver.
Symptom
Hepatomegaly does not necessarily cause symptoms. However, if hepatomegaly is caused by certain diseases that injure liver cells, symptoms will be felt in the form of:
- Eyes and skin look yellow
- Feeling tired easily
- Itchy skin
- No appetite, nausea, vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Swollen lower limbs
- Bruises on the skin
- The belly is getting bigger
Reason
Hepatomegaly is generally a sign that the liver is experiencing certain disorders. Disorders that can cause the size of the liver to enlarge, include:
- Cancer
- Fatty liver ( fatty liver )
- Alcohol abuse
- Cirrhosis or liver failure
- Hepatitis infection (hepatitis A, B, or C)
- Heart failure
- Side effects of regular consumption of certain drugs
Diagnosis
Hepatomegaly can be known by a doctor from a physical examination when touching the abdominal area. Under normal circumstances, the liver is not palpable from the outside. If the liver can be felt in the upper right side of the abdomen, this indicates that the liver is enlarged.
To be able to find out the cause of an enlarged liver, routine blood tests (Hb, leukocytes, platelets) are generally required, examination of liver enzymes (SGOT and SGPT), and sometimes an ultrasound or CT scan is also needed.
Treatment
Treatment for enlarged liver depends on the cause. Some of the treatments commonly used for hepatomegaly are:
- Antiviral drugs to treat hepatitis B and hepatitis C
- Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery in liver cancer
- Liver transplant if the cause is liver failure
- Stop consuming alcohol
Prevention
To prevent hepatomegaly, try to live a healthy lifestyle to maintain liver health. Some things that need to be done are:
- Maintain ideal body weight and avoid obesity.
- Control blood sugar if you have diabetes.
- Avoid or very strictly limit alcohol consumption.
- Avoid taking routine medications on your own initiative without doctor’s supervision
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis and check the condition of your liver regularly.