subject: Liver Health And The Dangers Of Liver Pains [print this page] Individuals who have liver pain frequently describe it in different ways. Some Some people describe the pain as extreme - it feels like like their liver is ready to burst. Yet others say their discomfort is more of an aching feeling - that is, tenderness or slight discomfort in or around the lower rib cage. These people who have liver pain say they feel somewhat swollen or bloated.
There are a number of possible causes for liver pain. It can be a problem with the liver itself, or it result from a problem with some other organ or part of the body that is related to the liver in some way. For example, there could be trouble with the gallbladder, biliary tract, or blood vessels near the liver. Pain coming from the liver itself is usually because of inflammation of some kind. Such inflammation can result from any number of reasons.
Cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer, liver failure and hepatitis are several of the most serious problems that can affect your liver. There are, in fact, many different types of liver disease that can result in liver pain.
If liver pain isn't coming directly from the liver, it may be due to an obstruction of the biliary tract: possinbly a stone. Doctors call this type of pain "biliary colic." It typically comes on fast, lasts for a few hours, and then fades. Biliary colic starts in your upper middle quadrant or upper right quadrant. It may then radiate to your shoulder or the area of your back between the shoulder blades.
Biliary colic typically happens because you've eaten a large, cholesterol-rich meal and your gallbladder is having trouble processing all the fat. Among the other reasons for liver pain are a liver abscess and cholangitis or inflammation of the biliary duct. Sometimes, liver cysts can also cause liver pain. Poor gallbladder health can also cause what feels like liver pain.
There are several medications that are generally good for relieving liver pain:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are also referred to asNSAIDs. Some of these are available over the counter, while other's require a doctor's prescription. They reduce swelling and relieve pain.
Demerol, which is also known as Meperidine.
Morphine
Pain in the area of the liver shouldn't be ignored. Anytime you have soreness or tenderness near the bottom of your ribcage, it would be wise to contact your doctor. Such discomfort could be a symptom of liver of gallbladder problems. These can be serious threats to your long term health and are definitely worth a call to your doctor.
