Different individuals offer different descriptions of pain in the area of the liver. Some people say the pain is extreme – it feels like like their liver is about to burst. Others say their pain in the liver area isn’t sharp at all, but is rather a dull, aching tenderness or discomfort in the area of the lower rib cage. People with pain in the liver area are also likely to complain of swelling or bloating.
Liver pain can come from the liver itself, but it can also be the secondary result of a disorder in another part of the body, particularly the gallbladder, blood vessels, or the biliary tract. Pain coming from the liver itself is generally 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 threats to your liver. There are, in fact, many different kinds of liver disease that can trigger liver pain.
But once again, pain in the liver area can also be the result of a problem elsewhere in the body or the digestive system, like an obstruction in the biliary tract or a stone. This type of liver pain, also known as biliary colic, can usually come on suddenly and may last for several hours. Biliary colic usually begins in your upper middle quadrant or upper right quadrant. It may then radiate to your shoulder or the region of your back between the shoulder blades.
Usually, you get biliary colic because you’ve just eaten a big, fatty meal and your digestive system is struggling to break down an overload of cholesterol. A number of other conditions can cause pain in the liver area. These include a liver abscess, liver cysts, and cholangitis or inflammation of the biliary duct. Poor gallbladder health can also cause what feels like pain in the liver area.
There are a number of medications that will help bring some relief from pain in the liver area. These include:
* Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are also known asNSAIDs. Some NSAIDs are available over the counter, while other’s require a doctor’s prescription. They bring down swelling and relieve pain.
* Demerol, which is also known as Meperidine.
* Morphine
Liver pain shouldn’t be ignored. Anytime you have soreness or tenderness near the bottom of your ribcage, it’s a good idea to call your doctor. Pain in this region is typical of liver and gallbladder problems, both of which deserve prompt medical attention.
Are you trying to find additional information on pains in the liver? Click on The Liver.