Hepatomegaly: drugs, causes, symptoms. etc. & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is hepatomegaly?

Hepatomegaly is a condition when the liver enlarges from its normal size. This abnormally enlarged liver can be a sign of a serious disease, such as liver disease or congestive heart failure.

There are various things that can cause an enlarged liver, including bacterial or viral infections, genetic diseases, to leukemia or lymphoma.

The liver is the largest organ on the inside of the body and is located on the right side of the stomach. An adult's liver normally weighs between 1.2 and 1.5 kilograms and has an average width of 15 cm.

If you exceed that, there is a possibility that you experience hepatomegaly which can be a symptom of a disease.

How common is this condition?

Hepatomegaly is a fairly rare condition. The reason is, liver enlargement tends to occur in elderly patients. However, a swollen liver can also be found in children with certain conditions, such as burns.

An enlarged liver can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of an enlarged liver?

Some patients may not experience any symptoms when the liver is swollen. However, hepatomegaly due to liver disease may cause symptoms such as:

• abdominal pain in the upper right,
• feel tired,
• nausea,
• muscle pain (myalgia),
• decreased appetite,
• weight loss, as well
• yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult a doctor.

When to see a doctor?

If you experience any of the symptoms listed or any other questions, discuss it with your doctor. Each person's body is different, so it requires special care according to the conditions experienced.

Causes and risk factors

What causes hepatomegaly?

The cause of an enlarged liver is usually related to the liver or surrounding organs. There are various health conditions that can cause hepatomegaly, including:

• alcoholic fatty liver disease (ALD),
• fatty liver (fatty liver),
• hepatitis virus (A, B, C, D, or E),
• polycystic liver disease,
• heart cancer.

Apart from impaired liver function, there are other diseases that are relatively rare, but can cause liver enlargement, such as:

• congestive heart failure,
• cancers, such as colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung cancer,
• benign liver tumor,
• Budd-Chiari syndrome,
• genetic diseases, namely Gaucher disease and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency,
• obesity or diabetes, as well
• metabolic disorders, such as disorders of glycogen metabolism.

What increases the risk of developing this condition?

If you have liver disease, you most likely have an enlarged liver. In addition, the factors below can also increase the risk of liver problems which can be a cause of hepatomegaly.

Drink excessively alcohol

Drinking excessive alcohol is one of the habits that can damage liver function. As a result, the risk of an enlarged liver cannot be avoided.

Take large doses of medications, vitamins, or supplements

Taking vitamins, supplements, or medications in doses greater than recommended risks damage to the liver. Paracetamol overdose is one of the causes of acute liver failure which can cause hepatomegaly.

That is why, always take medication or supplements in accordance with applicable regulations to prevent liver damage.

Use of certain herbal medicines

Herbal remedies, such as black cohosh, ma huang, or valerian, include drugs that can damage the liver and cause an enlarged liver.

High SGPT and SGOT levels

ALT and AST are enzymes that can indicate liver damage. If the AST and AST enzyme levels are high, there is a possibility that you may experience liver damage and hepatomegaly.

Complications

What are the complications of hepatomegaly?

If the cause of an enlarged liver is not diagnosed and treated promptly, it can certainly lead to the risk of various complications. Look, untreated liver disease can lead to complications such as:

• permanent liver damage (liver failure),
• spread of infection,
• hepatocellular carcinoma, as well
• spread of cancer to other parts of the body.

In some cases, complications of liver disease can also interfere with the function of other organs, such as the kidneys. As a result, this can certainly have an impact on your daily life.

Diagnosis and treatment

How to diagnose this condition?

When you consult your doctor, they will ask you about your symptoms, alcohol and drug use, and your sexual history.

In addition, be sure to report your medical history and your eating and exercise habits. If the doctor thinks you have hepatomegaly, there are several additional procedures that need to be undertaken, namely:

• blood tests to determine liver enzyme levels,
• imaging tests, such as a CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI,
• magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), as well
• liver biopsy.

How to treat hepatomegaly?

Treatment of hepatomegaly is based on the underlying causes, such as:

• antiviral drugs to treat hepatitis,
• chemotherapy drugs or surgery to treat an enlarged liver due to cancer, as well
• replace drugs if hepatomegaly is caused by the use of certain drugs.

Home remedies

Apart from doctor's care, lifestyle changes are also needed to speed up the healing process. Here is a lifestyle that needs to be lived to help overcome an enlarged liver.

Healthy diet

For people who have liver disease, of course, they need to change their diet to be healthier. You can start with a diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

If you are confused, consult a doctor or nutritionist to determine what dietary pattern suits your needs.

Stop alcohol consumption

Alcohol is one of the causes of liver damage. By stopping drinking alcohol, of course you can prevent more severe hepatomegaly.

Maintain weight

If your body weight is ideal, keep it. If you need to lose weight, reduce your daily calorie intake and exercise routine.

Ask your doctor about healthy ways to lose weight according to your health condition.

Follow the recommended drug rules

Always follow the instructions for medications and vitamins given by your doctor. Excessive consumption or use of drugs can actually slow down the healing process of hepatomegaly.

Use herbal supplements with caution

Before using herbal supplements, you should consult your doctor regarding the benefits and risks of these supplements. The reason is, there are a number of alternative treatments that can harm your liver.

Limit your exposure to chemicals

Try to use aerosols, insecticides, and other chemicals in a well-ventilated area. In addition, wear gloves and a mask when using it to prevent severe hepatomegaly.

If you have further questions, please contact your doctor to get the right solution.