Swollen liver is a phrase some people use to characterize what doctors call doctors call hepatomegaly. It is also frequently called enlarged liver. The phrases swollen liver and enlarged liver are self-explanatory. So the question becomes, what causes enlarged liver, and how much of a risk to liver health is it? Those are questions that will be answered in this article.

It’s important to note that that swollen liver is not a disease itself. It is a sign of some other liver-related problem or condition.

As a rule liver problems don’t present symptoms in the early stages, and this is true of liver swelling. But as the disorder that’s causing the enlargement progresses, symptoms are likely to show up.

Characteristically, an average liver weighs approximately 3-4 pounds or 1.5 kg. It is shaped somewhat like a wedge, and and is about as big as a small American football. It can be found near the bottom of the ribs on the right side of the body.

Swollen liver occurs frequently due to one or a combination of causes. Hepatitis is often one of the underlying problems. Hepatitis is usually caused by a virus, but can also be caused by excessive use of alcohol. The other most common cause, cirrhosis, is usually the result of drinking too much alcohol.

Liver infections and cancer are frequent causes of swollen liver also. Liver infections are likely to occur when you have a disease like malaria or mononucleosis.

Fatty liver disease is another condition that triggers liver swelling. Fatty liver disease, also known as fatty liver syndrome, is the result of excessive fat accumulation on the liver

The first step in treating swollen liver will be to determine the fundamental problem. If liver swelling is the result cancer or an infection, it’s critical to treat these disorders as soon as possible.

When cirrhosis resulting from too much drinking or alcohol-induced hepatitis is the cause, any use of alcohol must stop right away. If an enlarged liver is not related to alcohol abuse or a liver-related disease, your doctor will undoubtedly recommend that you make some lifestyle changes. Diet and exercise are important in both treating and preventing an enlarged liver.

If you believe you are at risk for an enlarged liver, here are some suggestions for avoiding it.

If you drink alcohol a lot, either slow down or stop. If you do not stop completely, never to take medicine at the same time. Doing so may irreparable damage to the liver.

Never take medcine or supplements unless they are approved by your doctor, and always take the recommended doses. Also talk to your doctor before trying herbal supplements you have not taken before. Certain supplements are capable of damaging the liver. You should also be extremely careful with vitamins because a number of vitamin combinations can be harmful to your liver.

Be particularly careful around detergents, sprays, insecticides and other chemicals. If you work with such substances, be sure that you are in a place with good ventilation. Some household cleaners could be particularly risky for the liver.

For more information on swollen liver and related topics, click on swelling of the liver and liver enlargement.