The Facts On Enlarged Liver And Spleen Problems

Most people are acquainted with a ailment called enlarged liver. Fewer have probably heard of an enlarged spleen. Fewer still probably know about a condition in which both of these medical challenges crop up at the same time.

An enlarged liver is called hepatomegaly by doctors. Enlarged spleens are referred to as splenomegaly. Enlarged liver and spleen now and then come about at the same time, in which case the condition is called hepatosplenomegaly. Most people simply call the affliction enlarged liver and spleen disease.

It should be noted, though, that neither an enlarged liver nor an enlarged spleen are regarded as diseases themselves. Instead, they are a symptom of some other problem.

So, why do you get an enlarged liver and spleen? And what's the danger if you have them?

In general, an enlarged liver is the result of an infection. It can also be due to toxins like illegal drugs, alcohol, or harmful substances in your environment. Often liver enlargement is triggered by some other medical problem. It could also be due to a metabolic problem.

An enlarged spleen, on the other hand, occurs because of conditions or diseases that trigger destruction of red blood cells in the spleen.

Hepatosplenomegaly, the combination of enlarged liver and spleen, is normally caused by a disease or affliction involving the kidneys, liver or red blood cells. These would consist of viral infections, such as chronic hepatitis C, cirrhosis, typhoid, kidney and liver infections and blood diseases. If an individual has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma for example, the liver and spleen grow in size as the cancer progresses. This can produce intense discomfort in the liver region. A number of hereditary conditions as sickle cell anemia also cause spleen and liver enlargement.

Enlarged liver and spleen may well be difficult for doctors to diagnose because symptoms are not plain. But there are some clues. These include pain in the liver region and trouble digesting large meals. Your may need to undergo a variety of tests to get a firm diagnosis.

As mentioned above, symptoms of enlarged liver and spleen are usually not pronounced, so in many cases, you won't even know the enlargement is taking place. Mild pain when you touch or put pressure on the area around the liver may be one of the first outward signs.

If you're currently experiencing such soreness, be sure to consult your doctor. Treatment typically depends on identifying the fundamental cause and will focus on decreasing the swelling. The main goal will be to cut down the swelling and irritation. Antibiotics will be appropriate some of the time, but not all of the time.

You generally do not have to worry about a spleen rupture. But it is not out of the question, and when it occurs, it frequently causes a sizeable blood loss. A ruptured spleen can be fatal. For this reason, enlarged liver and spleen should be speedily treated by a medical professional.

By: Neal Kennedy

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Learn more by clicking on enlarged liver and spleen disorder and symptoms of enlarged liver. Neal Kennedy is a retired radio and television reporter with a special interest in health and fitnerss issues.