The liver is located below the diaphragm, on the right side of the abdomen. It is responsible for digesting food, storing energy, and eliminating toxins from the body, among other functions. When this organ becomes inflamed, it can be a symptom of various diseases, some of which are serious, such as liver problems, heart problems, or some type of cancer.
“The liver is one of the largest organs, its size is comparable to that of a rugby ball. It measures approximately 10 centimeters and weighs 1.6 kilograms. When it becomes enlarged it is a sign of an underlying problem, such as liver disease, heart failure, or cancer, among many other problems,” says Carlos Cabrera, a gastroenterologist.
This organ is responsible for producing bile, which helps break down fats for digestion and absorption; it also processes blood into its components and creates the body’s nutrients; and it stores and releases glucose as needed.
In addition, it purifies drugs and other harmful substances from the blood, regulates blood clotting, and creates resistance to infections that occur in the body.
Enlargement of the liver is called hepatomegaly. “The lower edge of the liver usually reaches just to the lower edge of the ribs on the right side. It is thin and firm, and cannot be felt with the tips of the fingers below the edge of the ribs, except when taking a deep breath. If the doctor can feel it in this area, then the organ is said to be inflamed,” adds Cabrera.
Symptoms of an inflamed liver
An inflamed liver itself does not generate any symptoms. The other signals that the body sends to warn that something is not right depend on the disease that caused the enlargement.
Therefore, people are unlikely to visit the doctor for having this inflamed organ, but rather they go to the doctor when they have symptoms such as tiredness or fatigue, pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, nausea, loss of appetite, and, in some cases, yellowing of the skin.
“Because the liver has many functions when it does not function properly, several symptoms appear that can be confused with other diseases. People may also experience intense itching of the skin, constipation, bad breath, gastric reflux, dizziness, and feel more irritated and nervous,” says Carolina Salazar, an internist.
Diagnosis of an enlarged liver involves a physical examination by the doctor, who will try to palpate the liver by pressing on the right side of the abdomen. If he or she believes that the liver is enlarged, he or she will prescribe an abdominal ultrasound, a topography, or an MRI.
Why does the liver become inflamed?
The causes of liver inflammation can be various and of varying severity since most liver diseases cause this symptom. Among the most common are:
- Cirrhosis
- Cancer metastasis
- Heart failure
- Hepatitis A, B, or C
- Leukemia
- Fatty liver disease
Inflammation in the liver can also be caused by a poor diet with increased consumption of fats and a lack of vegetables and fruits, excessive alcohol consumption, liver cysts, and obesity or being overweight.
How to reduce liver inflammation
Treatment for an inflamed liver will depend on the cause and symptoms and will be determined by your doctor. However, there are some habits that could help this organ return to its normal size. For example, avoiding excessive alcohol, medications, and vitamin supplements, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a balanced diet.
It is also recommended to avoid the consumption of red meat, foods rich in sugar, and caffeinated beverages.
Although there are foods that should be avoided, there are others that, due to their properties, help reduce liver inflammation, so their consumption is recommended. These include apples, garlic, broccoli, lemon, and avocado.