Swollen liver: what it is, symptoms, causes and how to treat it

A swollen liver is a condition in which the liver is enlarged from its normal size, usually so that it can be felt by palpating the space just below the rib on the right side. This increase in liver size is also called hepatomegaly.

An enlarged liver usually causes no symptoms and may just be a sign of fatty liver. However, if there are symptoms such as abdominal pain, yellow skin and eyes, pale stools, fever or malaise, the swollen liver may be related to diseases such as hepatitis, heart failure, cirrhosis or tumors.

If liver swelling occurs, especially if other symptoms are present, it is important to consult a general practitioner, gastroenterologist or hepatologist for a more detailed evaluation.

Main symptoms

A swollen liver does not normally cause symptoms, however the following may be present:

• Dor abdominal;
• Lack of appetite;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Tiredness;
• Yellow skin and eyes;
• Pain at the time of palpation.

These symptoms are generally related to the cause of the swollen liver and, if they are present, it is important to consult a general practitioner, gastroenterologist or hepatologist so that an evaluation can be carried out, which may involve blood tests, such as the measurement of liver enzymes and bilirubin, and imaging, such as ultrasound or abdominal tomography. Find out more about the tests that evaluate the liver.

Liver problems online test

If you think you may have a liver problem, check the symptoms you present to find out what your chances are:

Possible causes of swollen liver

The main causes of a swollen liver are:

• Hepatic steatosis;
• Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages;
• Heart diseases;
• Hepatitis;
• Cirrhosis;
• Leukemia;
• Cardiac insufficiency;
• Nutritional deficiencies, such as marasmus and Kwashiorkor;
• Metabolism diseases, such as lipidosis and Wilson’s disease;
• Infections by parasites or bacteria;
• Tumors.

As liver swelling can have very varied causes and be related to serious diseases such as cirrhosis and tumors, it is important to consult a general practitioner, gastroenterologist or hepatologist for a detailed evaluation, especially when other symptoms such as abdominal pain or yellowing of the skin and eyes are present. .

How the treatment is carried out

The treatment of a swollen liver involves treating the cause related to the swelling, and may involve the use of antiparasitic, antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medications, for example, and it is important that they are used in accordance with medical advice.

However, it is always recommended that people adopt a healthier lifestyle, engaging in physical activity regularly, eating a healthy and balanced diet and avoiding the consumption of alcoholic beverages. See what your diet should be like if you have a liver problem.