Different people experience pain in the liver area in different ways. Some people feel extreme discomfort – they describe it by saying it feels like their liver is ready to explode. Other patients describe a dull ache and tenderness in the vicinity of the lower rib cage. These people who have pain in the area of the liver say they feel somewhat swollen or bloated.

Liver pain can come from the liver itself, but it can also be triggered by a disorder in another part of the body, particularly the gallbladder, blood vessels, or the biliary tract. When the pain is actually being caused by the liver itself, it often means the liver has become inflamed due to a variety of possible reasons.

Cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer, liver failure and hepatitis are just some of the direct threats to your liver. There are, in fact, many different types of liver conditions that can cause liver pain.

If pain in the area of the liver isn’t coming directly from the liver, it may be due to condition of the biliary tract, like a stone. Doctors refer to this type of problem as biliary colic. It frequently comes on fast, causes several hours of discomfort, then subsides. Pain of this type starts in your upper middle or upper right quadrant. It may extend to your shoulder, or to the area between the shoulder blades in your upper back.

Biliary colic typically occurs after you’ve eaten a large fatty meal. Other causes of pain in the area of the liver include a liver abscess and cholangitis or inflammation of the biliary duct. Liver cysts may also cause pain in the area of the liver. Poor gallbladder health can also cause what feels like pain in the area of the liver.

Several medications are available that will help relieve pain in the area of the liver. They include:

* 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 bring down swelling and relieve pain.

* Demerol, which is also called Meperidine.

* Morphine

Liver pain 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 the result of liver of gallbladder problems. These can be serious threats to your long term health and deserve the attention of a medical professional.

Do you need additional information on pain caused by the liver? Click on liver diseases.

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