Is it Possible to See a Swollen Liver?
At the age of 32 and standing at 6 feet tall with a weight of 87 kg, I come from the UK and have previously struggled with alcoholism. Recently, I’ve been contemplating the visibility of a swollen liver beneath the rib cage. After a period of excessive drinking, I've observed that when I remove my shirt, there appears to be noticeable swelling on the right side of my rib cage, which seems more pronounced compared to the left side. Interestingly, I have not experienced any other symptoms typically associated with liver damage, and overall, I feel quite healthy. Having decided to quit drinking, I am curious to see if this swelling will reduce over time. What I want to know is whether a healthcare professional would be able to discern this swelling during an examination, or if it might just be my body's fat distribution playing tricks on me. I also cannot feel my liver when I inhale deeply, and my percussion test indicates that my liver is positioned above the rib cage. I appreciate any insights on this matter!
Answers (1)
6/28/2025, 9:40:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that you're committed to quitting drinking and exploring your health. To address your concern, while it is possible for a healthcare professional to assess liver swelling during an exam, the visibility of a swollen liver can vary and may not always be evident.
Explanation
The liver is located on the right side of your body, just beneath the ribcage. Normally, it is not palpable (able to be felt) unless it is significantly enlarged due to various health issues like cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, or hepatitis. In many cases, changes in liver size may not present any noticeable symptoms, particularly at early stages.
Your observation of swelling might be attributable to factors such as fat distribution or muscle tone rather than liver enlargement. Additionally, your report of not feeling your liver during deep inhalation and percussion results suggesting that it is above the rib cage indicate that, for now, the liver may not be swollen.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Body: Keep an eye on any changes in your abdomen, especially the appearance of any new symptoms such as pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes), or fatigue.
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Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Continue to avoid alcohol and consider incorporating a balanced diet and regular physical activity into your routine, which can be beneficial for liver health and overall well-being.
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Hydration: Drink plenty of water. Adequate hydration supports liver function.
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Document Changes: Keep a journal noting any changes in your body or feelings of discomfort over the coming weeks.
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Follow-Up: If you're still concerned about the swelling or if any symptoms arise, consider scheduling a visit with a healthcare professional for a thorough examination and possibly imaging tests to evaluate liver size and health more accurately.
Stay positive and continue prioritizing your health! If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to ask.
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