Hepatomegaly (Fatty Liver) – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

What is Hepatomegaly?

Hepatomegaly is the condition of enlargement of the liver due to underlying health conditions. An enlarged liver can indicate cancer, liver disease, heart failure and other diseases.

The enlargement can be swelling or an inflammation. It can be caused due to cancer or chronic liver diseases.

The major role of the liver is to filter the toxins and other materials that can be harmful to the body. If the toxins increase in our body, it can overload the liver and can lead to inflammation in the liver.

The enlargement of the liver can be a warning sign of liver diseases and will require immediate medical attention.

According to a research paper published in NCBI, titled “Liver disease in women: The influence of gender on epidemiology, natural history, and patient outcomes”, stated that men are two-fold more likely to get affected by liver diseases when compared to women.

Causes of Hepatomegaly

Hepatomegaly can be caused to various reasons. Age, sex and weight of a person can also determine the damage caused to the liver. Some of the causes are listed below.

Obesity

Being overweight or obese is always an invitation to any health problems. When a person is obese, excess fat deposition may occur in the liver. Obesity is related to non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD).

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with various liver damage for people who do not consume alcohol. It is not necessary that if you do not drink alcohol, you will be safe from liver diseases.

The truth is if you consume excessive sugary and fatty foods, they affect the liver the same way as excessive consumption of alcohol.

Fried and fatty foods can add empty calories and also causes fat deposition in the liver. So, when a person is obese, it can increase the risk of liver diseases.

Autoimmune disease

Autoimmune disease is a condition where the body’s defence mechanism attacks their own cells instead of attacking foreign pathogens.

There are two types of autoimmune liver diseases—Type1 autoimmune Hepatitis and Type 2 autoimmune Hepatitis.

The most common autoimmune liver disease is type 1 autoimmune Hepatitis. Type 1 autoimmune Hepatitis can affect anyone at any age. People affected with type 1 autoimmune Hepatitis have other conditions like celiac disease and ulcerative colitis.

Type2 autoimmune Hepatitis is common in children. However, young adults also develop this condition. The autoimmune liver disease is more common in females when compared to males.

People affected with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease are prone to autoimmune liver diseases.

Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that affect your essential organs. The metabolic syndrome increases the risk of stroke and other heart diseases.

The most common metabolic liver diseases are Wilson disease, hereditary hemochromatosis and alpha-I antitrypsin deficiency (AATD).

Alpha-I antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a condition that causes liver diseases. This is a rare condition and can occur to anyone of any age. People affected by this condition have excessive production of protein in their bodies. The excessive protein will get accumulated in the liver and can damage and cause scarring in the liver.

Toxins

Toxins are chemical substances that can damage the liver. The foods that are difficult to digest can be toxic to the liver. Foods like alcohol, processed meat and soda can be bad for the liver.

Some people may have occupational damage to the liver. People who work in the chemical industry have exposure to chemicals like carbon tetrachloride, vinyl chloride, paraquat and other industrial chemicals like polychlorinated biphenyls can be toxic to the liver.

Genetic Disorders

Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder. It is caused due to iron overload. The body absorbs the iron and stores the excess iron in the body. The excess iron can get accumulated in the pancreas, liver and pituitary. The stored protein can cause progressive damage to the liver.

Hepatitis B, C

Hepatitis B and C are liver infections caused by viruses. Hepatitis C can spread through unsafe sex. However, it is less common and not like HIV.

Hepatitis B and C infections can cause liver damage. The Hepatitis B and C infection can damage your liver and cause inflammation. It can extensively damage your liver which can lead to cirrhosis. This might impair the functions of the liver.

Chronic Hepatitis can damage your liver for years, and the infection will be silent without any symptoms until the virus reaches your liver and causes enough damage.

Symptoms of Hepatomegaly

When you have Hepatomegaly or enlarged liver, a person will not notice it until a doctor identifies the condition.

A person can experience bloating or fullness without consuming any heavy foods, pain in the upper abdomen and nausea.

These symptoms may be considered common, but the underlying reasons will be diagnosed by a doctor.

Yellowing of the skin or eyes

The yellow colour of the skin and eyes indicates that the bilirubin levels are high. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced during the breakdown of red blood cells.

When the bilirubin level increases in your blood, it can indicate that a person can have jaundice. This condition can reduce the activity of the liver and cause damage to the liver.

Fatigue and weakness

Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms in people with liver diseases. Fatigue is a clubbed term for exhaustion, lethargy and malaise. However, these symptoms can vary from one person to another.

Nausea

People affected with Hepatomegaly can have symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

Weight loss

Weight loss will be the first manifestation of Hepatomegaly.

Treatments of Hepatomegaly

Treatment of Hepatomegaly depends on the severity of the liver damage.

• Liver damage caused due to Hepatitis B and C can be treated with drugs like entecavir, lamivudine, interferon, ribavirin and sofosbuvir.

• With adequate rest and nutrition, Hepatitis can be controlled. Avoid the consumption of alcohol to reduce the damage caused to the liver.

• Liver transplant can be used as an option in case of liver damage.

Diagnosis of Hepatomegaly

The diagnosis of Hepatomegaly will be made by your doctor. First, there will be a physical examination. When the doctor finds any enlargement or you feel pain near your upper abdomen and correlating to your symptoms, the diagnosis will be carried out.

CT Scan

CT scan is computed tomography. The CT scan will help in the diagnosis of the organs that is present inside our body. It is a combined technology that uses imaging and X-rays to produce the image of the diagnostic organ.

When a person is affected with Hepatomegaly, the CT scan will captured an image of the liver. The shape or enlarged liver will be capture by the CT scan technology.

MRI Scan

MRI is magnetic resonance imaging. MRI will give a detailed image of the affected organ. MRI technology does not use any x-ray and is usually considered safe.

The MRI will help to detect the blood flow and other defects in the organ. MRI can also detect defects in the vascular system.

Ultrasound Scan

Ultrasound is also called a sonogram. The ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of the internal organs. Ultrasound technology is usually used to monitor an unborn baby.

Ultrasound is also used to diagnose conditions like liver diseases. The ultrasound waves produce image of the enlarged liver.

Abdominal X–ray

An abdominal x-ray helps to view the inner organs of the human body. It is usually suggested by the doctor when patients have symptoms like nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

An abdominal x-ray will assess the problem in the organ like the kidney, liver, bladder and gallbladder.

Risk Factors of Hepatomegaly

The risk factor of Hepatomegaly increases with these habits.

Drink lots of alcohol

Consumption of alcohol affects organs like the liver and kidneys. They also cause cirrhosis which eventually leads to Hepatomegaly.

Have an infection caused by a bacteria or virus

Infections caused by bacteria or a virus can increase the risk of Hepatomegaly. For example, an infection caused by Hepatitis B and C can cause the liver to enlarge.

Take more than the recommended amount of vitamins

Overdosing of any vitamin can be very harmful and can cause adverse side effects. So, it is always advised to take vitamin supplements that are prescribed by the doctor.

Take herbal supplements

Herbal supplements can be toxic to the liver. Do not consume such supplements without a doctor’s advice.

Eat an unhealthy diet

People who consume fatty foods, alcohol and processed meat in high amounts have a higher risk of getting affected with liver diseases.

Preventions of Hepatomegaly

Hepatomegaly can be prevented by certain habits.

Eat a healthy diet

Consume foods that are good for the liver. Try to cut down on foods that can add empty calories. Consume foods like grapes, blueberries and citrus fruits. These foods are good for the liver and also help to repair the damage caused to the liver.

Drink alcohol in moderation

Alcohol consumption can be injurious to health. Alcohol in any quantity can damage the liver. So, it is advised to avoid alcohol in any quantity.

Limit contact with chemicals

Limit the exposure to chemicals. Chemicals can have a major impact on the liver. If you have any symptoms consult your doctor immediately.

Maintain a healthy weight

Consuming healthy foods and keeping your weight in check will help you to be away from any disease. Consume foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Quit smoking

Smoking can cause various diseases like cancer and lung diseases, which can also damage the liver. If you have the habit of smoking, try to stop the habit.

Use supplements with caution

Do not use any supplements on your own. Consult your doctor before using any supplements. Be aware of the time period you are using the supplements.

When to see a doctor?

An enlarged liver can be a sign of an underlying liver condition. Consult your doctor when you have symptoms like

• Nausea and vomiting for a prolonged time,
• Fatigue,
• Abdominal pain and
• Feeling full even if you eat small meals.

FAQs