Hepatomegaly - what is it and how is it manifested?

The liver is the most important organ of the human body, performing a number of vital functions. When uncharacteristic changes occur in this organ, hepatomegaly arises. What it is? This deviation, characterized by a pathological increase in the liver, which can accompany almost all diseases of this organ. In severe cases, the weight of the liver can reach 20 kg and occupy the main part of the abdominal cavity.

Signs of hepatomegaly

This pathology is characterized by such symptoms as discomfort, densification, a feeling of squeezing in the right hypochondrium. Also, the patient can observe external changes in the body, when the liver reaches a large size and becomes noticeable on the abdominal wall. Heartburn, nausea, stool changes, bad breath - all this can be observed with such a deviation as hepatomegaly. What is this serious condition, which requires immediate consultation of an experienced specialist, should not cause any doubt. In addition, such specific signs as jaundice of sclera and skin, itching of mucous membranes and skin can be seen. You should know that such a minor hepatomegaly can be observed in young children. This is considered a variant of the norm. As a rule, with age, the liver acquires normal dimensions.

Hepatomegaly: what is it and what are its causes?

There are three main groups of diseases that can cause a pathological change in this important organ.

Diseases of the liver

In diseases of it, direct destruction of cells occurs, which can lead either to swelling of the tissues, or to a rapid regeneration process. And if in the first case the normal state of the liver can be returned, eliminating the inflammatory process, then the second option is somewhat more complicated. If the formation of new tissues occurs faster than the death of the old, then only a part of the destroyed hepatocytes is replaced, and the liver itself grows in size and acquires a knobby form.

Metabolic disease

In this case, the increase in the liver occurs as a result of the accumulation of various substances (carbohydrates, fats, glycogen, iron, etc.). This can provoke such diseases as fatty hepatosis, hemochromatosis, amyloidosis, hepatolenticular degeneration. Some of these ailments are hereditary and do not depend on lifestyle. But mostly such deviations arise through the fault of man and develop as a result of obesity or abuse of alcoholic beverages or medications.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system

Swelling of the organs can occur as a result of insufficient blood circulation, which leads to stagnation of blood. Especially in this situation, the liver suffers. After all, edema provokes squeezing and death of the hepatocytes, in the place of which connective tissue is formed , which leads to hepatomegaly.

Treatment of ailment

With hepatomegaly, therapy is carried out in a complex and exclusive manner under the supervision of a specialist. The increase in the size of the liver is only a manifestation of another disease, so the drug treatment is aimed, first of all, at eliminating the cause of the pathology. In addition, successful recovery involves a certain diet. It consists in the organization of a rational and balanced diet, which reduces the amount of carbohydrates and fats.

If you are diagnosed with hepatomegaly, what it is, what are the causes and signs of rejection, you now, after reading the article, you know. Do not delay contacting your doctor if you have any of the symptoms described - and be healthy!