Definition
The term "hepatomegaly" describes a pathological condition characterized by an evident enlargement of the liver, compared to the standard size. It should be emphasized, however, that hepatomegaly is NOT a disease, but rather the expression of an underlying pathological condition. When there is an abnormal growth of the liver and spleen, we speak of hepatosplenomegaly.
N.B. Do not confuse enlarged liver with fatty liver: the latter clinical condition, also known as fatty liver disease, delineates a pathological accumulation of fat and triglycerides in the liver tissue.
Causes
Hepatomegaly may be favored by some diseases, such as cirrhosis, hemochromatosis, hepatitis, congestive heart failure, mononucleosis, liver cancer and leukemia.
- Risk factors: brucellosis, sclerosing cholangitis, Hodgkin's and non-Hodking's lymphomas, excessive use of paracetamol, macrolide antibiotics and statins.
Symptoms
In most cases, hepatomegaly does not involve any appreciable symptoms; in case of severity, large liver can cause fatigue, alteration of the skin color and ocular sclerae (yellowing of the skin and eyes / jaundice), digestive difficulties, pain abdominal, clear stools, loss of appetite.
The information on Hepatomegaly - Medicines for the Treatment of Hepatomegaly is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Hepatomegaly - Medicines for the Treatment of Hepatomegaly.
Medicines
Considering that hepatomegaly cannot be defined as a disease in all respects, to cure the disorder it is necessary to trace the triggering cause, therefore the underlying pathology that reflects the symptom. As for most morbid conditions, prevention is essential to escape from liver enlargement: those who are predisposed to it should put into practice some simple rules, summarized below.
- Limit your alcohol intake or completely avoid drinking it
- Not smoking
- Maintain your ideal weight
- Take medications within the doses set by your doctor
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise consistently
- Pay attention also to natural "do-it-yourself" treatments
When hepatomegaly depends on alcohol abuse, it is understandable how stopping drinking is essential not only to prevent an enlarged liver, but also and above all for the patient's general health. We have in fact analyzed that cirrhosis is a predisposing factor " hepatomegaly, as well as alcoholism; therefore, it is recommended to follow a targeted therapy aimed at treating the underlying pathologies.
Recommended reading: drugs for the treatment of alcoholism and drugs for the treatment of cirrhosis.
Often times, however, liver enlargement cannot be prevented: this is the case with leukemia-dependent hepatomegaly and liver cancer. In such situations, it is recommended to undergo specific cancer therapy.
For further information: drugs for the treatment of leukemia; liver cancer medications
To conclude, there are no drugs aimed at treating hepatomegaly, since the disorder in question is simply an alarm bell that the body sends to alert the individual; the only way to restore the normal size of the liver is to cure the disease that arises at its origins.
Other useful articles
- Medicines for the treatment of cholangitis
- Medicines for the treatment of mononucleosis
- Medicines for the treatment of brucellosis
- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treatment Drugs
- Medicines for the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Medicines for the treatment of hepatitis