Swollen liver is a expression sometimes used by the general public for a complaint that doctors call hepatomegaly. It is also often called enlarged liver. The phrases swollen liver and enlarged liver are self-explanatory. So the question becomes, what causes hepatomegaly, and how risky can it be? The goal of this article is to give you answers to those questions.

It should be pointed out that swollen liver is not a disease itself. It is a symptom of some other liver-related problem or condition.

Normally no signs of an enlarged liver appear in the early stages. But as the but as the problem behind the swelling progresses, signs and symptoms will most likely start to present themselves.

Characteristically, an adult liver weighs around 3 or 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 is often the result of one or a number 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 excessive use of alcohol.

Liver infections and cancer are frequent causes of swollen liver also. Mononucleosis and malaria are among the diseases that cause liver infections.

Another condition known as fatty liver disease can trigger lhepatomegaly. Fatty liver disease causes liver inflammation because of an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver.

Your physician's first priority in treating swollen liver will be to diagnose the root of the problem. If an enlarged liver has been caused by cancer or an infection, it's critical to treat these disorders immediately.

If swollen liver is the result of cirrhosis caused by drinking or alcohol-induced, all use of alcohol must be stopped right away. If liver swelling is not related to the use of alcohol or a liver-related disease, your doctor will undoubtedly recommend that you make some lifestyle changes. Diet and exercise are important in both treatment and prevention of a swollen liver.

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

If you drink alcohol regularly, either slow down or stop entirely. If you do not stop completely, be sure never to take drugs at the same time. Doing so may irreparably damage your liver.

Only take drugs or supplements that approved by your doctor, and never exceed the recommended doses. Also talk to your doctor before trying herbal supplements you have not taken before. Certain supplements can damage the liver. You should also be extremely careful with vitamins because some vitamin combinations can be harmful to your liver.

Be doubly careful around cleaning materials, bug sprays and other chemicals. If you work with these materials, make sure that you are in a place that's well-ventilated. Some household cleaners may be decidedly risky for the liver.