Inflamed liver: symptoms, causes, treatment and natural recommendations

With the name of hepatomegaly it is known medically to the inflammation of the liver. That is, when there is a Enlargement or enlargement of the liver beyond what is considered as its normal size. In this way, its edges exceed its limits considered normal, and may cause certain nuisances. However, it does not always cause symptoms, so in many cases it may not be possible to know that the liver is really enlarged until it does not progress to more serious stages.

In fact, if the inflammation is allowed to progress and remains in time, fibrosis can occur, until it progresses to hepatic cirrhosis, an even more serious condition.

If we take into account the great diversity of functions of the liver, in which precisely this important organ of our body participates actively, we realize in reality that there are many ailments that can affect it, and that ultimately can cause the presence of a inflamed liver. In fact, it is a condition very related to the fatty liver, being one of its main complications.

Normally the lower edge of the liver reaches just below the lower edge of the ribs, on the right side. This edge is usually in most cases thin and firm, not being possible to feel it with the tips of the fingers when they are located below the edge of the ribs (unless you take a deep breath, in which case yes it would be possible). So, the liver is inflamed or enlarged if the doctor can feel it in this area.

What is the inflamed liver? What does it mean?

As we mentioned at the beginning of this note, we are facing a health problem more common than you think, which is medically known by the name of hepatomegaly. It basically consists of the liver inflammation(or inflammation of the liver), which means that This organ has a larger size than the one considered normal.

When the liver becomes inflamed it is usual that it is caused by another more serious illness, as for example it could be as a result of an excessive accumulation of fat in this organ, or by an infection contracted by any of the viruses that cause hepatitis. However, in most cases it is not easy to identify the original cause that is causing the inflammation of the liver.

Symptoms of inflamed liver

When the inflammation of the liver is not serious, in most cases it tends not to produce symptoms. Why? Very simple: fundamentally because the liver does not have nerve endings. But when the liver has grown a lot, it is possible to notice some discomfort or symptoms, especially when it begins to invade other organs, such as the stomach or the pancreas.

Be that as it may, when we talk about the symptoms of inflammation of the liver, we can mention the following:

  • Feeling unwell.
  • Muscle pain.
  • Nausea, with vomiting or dizziness on occasion.
  • Intense pain.
  • Abdominal distension.
  • Sensation of heaviness, located in the abdomen of the right side.
  • When the swollen liver progresses, jaundice (consisting of the yellowish / orange coloration of the skin) occurs.
  • Change in the color of stool or urine.

What are the causes of inflamed liver?

The causes can be extremely diverse, given that we must take into account not only the very great diversity of functions in which the liver participates and what it does, but also that there are many ailments, diseases and pathologies that affect it.

Therefore, causes of liver inflammation they may be the following, especially the most common:

  • Consumption of alcohol, which usually generates fatty liver (known medically as alcoholic hepatic steatohepatitis).
  • Overweight and obesity.
  • Hepatitis: A, B and C.
  • Congestive heart failure.
  • Glycogen storage disease.
  • Infectious mononucleosis
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • Reye syndrome.
  • Primary biliary cirrhosis.
  • Leukemia.
  • Niemann-Pick disease.
  • Hereditary fructose intolerance.
  • Steatosis (fatty liver caused by obesity, diabetes and high triglycerides).

How the inflamed liver is treated

We must bear in mind that the treatment of the inflamed liver it must happen in the first place because of the diagnosis; that is, to know what is the cause that has caused the enlargement of the liver. Once known, a treatment is established whose objective is to solve it or alleviate its symptoms.

Let's take an example.In case of fatty liver, it is possible to revert it following a healthy and low fat diet, practicing regular physical exercise, avoiding alcohol consumption and losing weight. In fact, in case that fatty liver has been produced by the consumption of alcohol, it is essential to leave it so that it does not continue to be damaged.

Natural remedies for inflamed liver

From a natural point of view, it is possible to help the liver to deflate and return to its normal size. In many cases, especially when there is accumulation of fat, a useful option is to cleanse the liver.

For this, there are certain medicinal plants that can be very helpful:

  • Artichoke: help in the natural process of liver cleansing. It is also recommended in case of poor digestion of fats, jaundice and lazy liver.
  • Milk thistle: contains silymarin, which helps when it comes to protecting liver cells. In addition, it helps in the process of regeneration of liver cells.
  • Dandelion: helps when it comes to treating inflammation of the liver, thanks to the fact that it is a purifying and very diuretic herb. It acts as a tonic, with a slight laxative effect and also helps increase the production of bile.
  • Licorice: it exerts an interesting anti-inflammatory effect, at the same time that it is hepatoprotective (that is, it protects the liver naturally, especially the liver cells).
This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesLiver diseases Liver

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