Procedures
Watchful waiting. If you have an enlarged spleen but don't have any symptoms and the cause can't be found, your doctor may suggest watchful waiting. You'll have to see your doctor for reevaluation in six to 12 months or sooner if you develop any symptoms.
Self-care
Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have enlarged liver and spleen along with other serious symptoms including: 1 Confusion or loss of consciousness for even a brief moment 2 High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit) 3 Severe abdominal pain 4 Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Nutrition
Depending upon the cause, the enlarged spleen may return to normal size and function when the underlying disease is treated or resolved. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better.
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Some underlying causes of an enlarged spleen, such as cancer, cannot be treated with antibiotics. However, an infection in the organ itself can be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics with not eliminate a viral infection, such as mononucleosis, so your doctor will not prescribe you this medication if you have that type of infection.
What should I do if my spleen is enlarged?
When to seek immediate medical care for an enlarged liver and spleen?
Can an enlarged spleen return to normal after treatment?
Can antibiotics treat an enlarged spleen?
Should I go to ER for enlarged spleen?
If you have an enlarged spleen, a less forceful trauma might cause rupture. Without emergency treatment, the internal bleeding caused by a ruptured spleen can be life-threatening.
When should I be concerned about my spleen?
feeling full very quickly after eating (an enlarged spleen can press on the stomach) feeling discomfort or pain behind your left ribs. anaemia and fatigue. frequent infections.
How urgent is an enlarged spleen?
Depending on the cause, individuals with splenomegaly may seek urgent doctor visits if they have evidence of bleeding, infection that is not well controlled at home, or severe abdominal pain.
Can you ignore an enlarged spleen?
The spleen is an important part of your immune system but you can survive without it. This is because the liver can take over many of the spleen's functions. The spleen has a few important functions: it fights any invading germs in the blood (the spleen contains infection-fighting white blood cells)
How do you know if you need your spleen removed?
Your doctor may recommend splenectomy if you have one of the following: Ruptured spleen. If your spleen ruptures due to a severe abdominal injury or because of an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), the result may be life-threatening, internal bleeding. Enlarged spleen.
Is an enlarged spleen serious?
A ruptured spleen can cause lots of blood loss and be life threatening. It's important to seek treatment for the cause of your enlarged spleen. Left untreated, an enlarged spleen can lead to serious complications. In most cases, treatment of the underlying cause of the enlarged spleen can prevent removal of the spleen.
How long does enlarged spleen last?
Peak splenic enlargement was typically seen within 2 weeks but, in some, extended to 3.5 weeks. For the majority, splenomegaly resolved in 4 to 6 weeks.
What to avoid if you have an enlarged spleen?
Additionally, limiting or cutting out the foods and drinks below can help protect against the development of diseases, including conditions linked to an enlarged spleen:Sugar-sweetened beverages: soda, milkshakes, iced tea, energy drinks.Fast food: french fries, burgers, pizzas, tacos, hot dogs, nuggets.More items...•
What is the most common cause of an enlarged spleen?
An enlarged spleen is the result of damage or trauma to the spleen from any of several different medical conditions, diseases, or types of physical trauma. Infections, liver problems, blood cancers, and metabolic disorders can all cause your spleen to become enlarged, a condition called splenomegaly.
Does Covid affect spleen?
Conclusion: Our study indicates that spleen size increases slightly-moderately in the first stages of the infection, and this increase is correlated with the COVID-19 severity score calculated on the chest CT data, and in this respect, it is similar to infections presenting with cytokine storm.
How long can you go with a ruptured spleen?
Generally, recovery from a ruptured spleen can take anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks, depending on the severity and treatment. To promote healing, rest is encouraged, along with refraining from high-impact exercise, strenuous activities, and heavy lifting until physician approval.
How do you treat an inflamed spleen?
Taking antibiotics and medications can help to rid the body of the infection while the doctor simply keeps an eye on the spleen and you monitor symptoms. If the underlying cause is unknown or places you at a high risk for rupture, the doctor may recommend surgery.
What is the best way to diagnose a swollen spleen?
Your doctor will ask you questions and do a physical exam to diagnose an enlarged, painful spleen. This involves palpating (ex amining by touch) your spleen. You will also likely need diagnostic tests to confirm the cause of the swollen spleen. These may include blood tests, an ultrasound, or computerized tomography (CT) scan. In some cases, other tests may be needed.
What does it mean when your spleen is enlarged?
An enlarged spleen is not always a sign of a problem. When a spleen becomes enlarged, though, it often means it has been doing its job but has become overactive. For example, sometimes the spleen is overactive in removing and destroying blood cells. This is called hypersplenism.
Why don't people know they have an enlarged spleen?
Most people don't know they have an enlarged spleen because symptoms are rare. People usually find out about it during a physical exam. These are the most common symptoms of an enlarged spleen:
How does a surgeon remove the spleen?
If surgery is needed, a surgeon is likely to remove the spleen using laparoscopy rather than open surgery. This means the surgery is performed through small incisions. A laparoscope allows the surgeon to view and remove the spleen.
How do you know if you have an enlarged spleen?
These are the most common symptoms of an enlarged spleen: Being unable to eat a large meal. Feeling discomfort, fullness, or pain on the upper left side of the abdomen; this pain may spread to your left shoulder. If you have pain that is severe or gets worse when taking a deep breath, see your doctor right away.
What tests are needed for a swollen spleen?
These may include blood tests, an ultrasound, or computerized tomography (CT) scan. In some cases, other tests may be needed. Treatments for an Enlarged Spleen.
What happens if you remove your spleen?
If your spleen is removed, you cannot effectively clear certain bacteria from your body and will be more vulnerable to certain infections. So vaccines or other medications are needed to prevent infection.
What happens if you have an enlarged spleen?
An enlarged spleen can reduce the number of healthy red blood cells, platelets and white cells in your bloodstream, leading to more frequent infections. Anemia and increased bleeding also are possible.
What causes a spleen to be enlarged?
A number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged. Your spleen is an organ located just below your left rib cage. Many conditions — including infections, liver disease and some cancers — can cause an enlarged spleen, also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee).
How does an enlarged spleen affect the body?
An enlarged spleen affects each of these vital functions. As your spleen grows larger, it filters normal red blood cells as well as abnormal ones , reducing the number of healthy cells in your bloodstream. It also traps too many platelets. Excess red blood cells and platelets eventually can clog your spleen and affect normal functioning.
What is the spleen?
Your spleen is an organ located just below your left rib cage. Many conditions — including infections, liver disease and some cancers — can cause an enlarged spleen, also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee). An enlarged spleen usually doesn't cause symptoms. It's often discovered during a routine physical exam.
What to do if you have pain in your left upper belly?
See your doctor promptly if you have pain in your left upper belly, especially if it's severe or the pain gets worse when you take a deep breath.
Can anyone develop an enlarged spleen?
Anyone can develop an enlarged spleen at any age, but certain groups are at higher risk, including:
Can you remove an enlarged spleen?
Treatment for an enlarged spleen depends on what's causing it. Surgery to remove an enlarged spleen usually isn't needed, but sometimes it's recommended.
How is an enlarged spleen treated?
Treatment depends on the etiology of the splenomegaly (what is causing the spleen to become larger). In certain cases, surgery is required to remove the spleen (an operation called splenectomy ).
What is an enlarged spleen?
An enlarged spleen, a condition known as splenomegaly, is not in itself a disease. It is usually a symptom of another problem.
What is the spleen?
The spleen is an organ that is located in the upper abdomen. The spleen is normally about the size of a fist. The spleen is important because it helps filter the blood.
What organ is enlarged?
The spleen, an organ in the upper abdomen, can become enlarged from various causes. The spleen is usually as big as a fist. Splenomegaly can usually be felt during an examination by a healthcare provider.
Are there special considerations for people with enlarged spleens?
If you have an enlarged spleen, you should be careful not to play contact sports like football or hockey, due to the risk of rupture or bleeding.
How to protect enlarged spleen?
To prevent it from rupturing: Avoid hard physical activities such as contact sports. Always wear a seat belt to prevent any injury to your spleen in the event of an accident. Ensure your vaccinations are up to date as your risk for infections is greater.
What Causes an Enlarged Spleen?
Known as splenomegaly, an enlarged spleen may be temporary and can be caused by a variety of diseases and infections or by overworking to keep up the demand of its use. The most common enlarged spleen causes include:
Why does the spleen work overtime?
Many cases go undiagnosed as there may not be any major symptoms to cause alarm. As a vital defender against infections and viruses, the spleen can work overtime before signaling an issue. It is usually the size of the fist; however, it increases in size when it is in trouble or detects a serious health concern.
What is the danger of having an enlarged spleen?
The danger of having an enlarged or damaged spleen is the risk of contracting infections or illness as your defense system will be down. The spleen would not be able provide essential functions such as producing and protecting white and red blood cells for energy nor would it provide platelet production for blood clotting.
Why does the spleen produce antibodies?
It manages and stores excess red blood cells and platelets and produces antibodies to prevent infections, viruses and harmful pathogens from attacking our body. Sometimes, the spleen cannot manage all toxins or demand of white blood cells and becomes enlarged.
What is the function of the spleen?
Its primary role is to filter blood as it destroys damaged cells.
Is there a pain in the spleen?
There is no direct spleen pain. It is usually discovered during a routine exam. For those that experience symptoms, they can vary from mild to severe. If you have severe pain in your upper left abdominal cavity, especially when taking deep breath, it is crucial you seek immediate medical attention.
Why is it important to treat an enlarged spleen?
Treating an enlarged spleen is essential to prevent the possibility of a ruptured spleen, which can cause life-threatening complications .
What is the procedure to remove an enlarged spleen?
Surgery to address an enlarged spleen is called a splenectomy, and it involves the entire removal of the organ. Your body learns how to adapt without the organ, but spleen removal will put you at an increased risk of infection for the remainder of your life, so it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. Many patients who undergo a splenectomy live completely normal lives, although they may take medications to help reduce their infection risk.
What causes a spleen to be enlarged?
The most common cause of an enlarged spleen is a viral or bacterial infection. As the epicenter of white blood cell production, it makes sense that the spleen would be affected by the presence of an infection. Common infections that can lead to an enlarged spleen include mononucleosis, syphilis, endocarditis and parasitic infections like malaria. However, infection is not the only cause of an enlarged spleen. The condition can also develop as a result of other diseases, especially conditions that affect the liver, like cirrhosis, or blood disorders like anemia. Certain blood cancers and metabolic disorders can also cause the organ to inflame.
Can a spleen be enlarged?
However, identifying the presence of an enlarged spleen is only half the battle. Your specialist also needs to uncover what’s causing the enlargement so that the root cause can be treated, which in turn allows the spleen to return to normal size. Sometimes this cause can be identified with the CT scan or MRI, but sometimes additional blood or bone marrow tests are required to figure out exactly what’s going on.
What to do if you have an enlarged spleen?
1. Take antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection. If you have an enlarged spleen, it may be that a bacterial infection in the organ is causing it to expand. If this is the case, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic medication.
How to help your spleen recover faster?
You can also help your spleen recover faster by doing stress-reducing activities, such as meditation and yoga.
Why is the spleen important?
This article has been viewed 28,467 times. The spleen helps to filter and maintain healthy red and white blood cells and platelets and also plays a role in the function of the immune system . If you have an enlarged spleen, these body processes will not function correctly and you need to get the problem treated.
What causes a spleen to become enlarged?
Follow the specialized plan that your doctor creates for you. Some cancers that can cause your spleen to become enlarged include: Leukemia , which is a type of blood cancer. Treatment for leukemia usually includes a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, and a stem cell transplant.
How to recover from a spleenectomy?
Your doctor may recommend eating a nutrient-rich diet, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest.
How to protect yourself from disease?
Get your vaccinations on time. If you have a damaged spleen or you have your spleen removed, it's important to protect yourself from disease in the future. Get a flu shot every year and a tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis booster every 10 years. [26]
How to take care of yourself after a splenectomy?
If you have to have a splenectomy, you’ll need to take care of yourself at home in order to heal properly. Home care instructions usually include a combination of keeping the incision site clean, managing your pain and discomfort, and monitoring for signs of infection. Also, take your medication on schedule and care for your body properly .
What Are the Symptoms and Signs of an Enlarged Spleen?
Splenomegaly does not have any specific symptoms. Vague abdominal pain and bloating are the most common, but still nonspecific, symptoms of an enlarged spleen. Some individuals with a very enlarged spleen may complain of early satiety ( anorexia) and gastric reflux symptoms because of the stomach displacement and pressure on the stomach as a result of the enlarged spleen.
What Causes an Enlarged Spleen?
The causes of splenomegaly vary widely and range from malignancy (cancers), infections, congestion (increased blood flow), infiltration of the spleen from other diseases, inflammatory conditions, and blood cell diseases.
Why does the spleen enlarge?
The spleen can enlarge by performing its normal functions in response to another medical condition. Certain infections, diseases affecting blood cells, increased splenic blood flow, and diseases invading the spleen are some common reasons for the spleen to enlarge.
What are the best ways to prevent a splenic rupture?
Preventive measures against a possible rupture of spleen are noteworthy. Avoiding contact sports and wearing seat belts are important measures to take in the prevention of splenic rupture. Proper vaccination in patients with splenectomy is also of great significance as noted earlier.
How much does a spleen weigh?
A small percentage of the normal American population may have a palpable or enlarged spleen. A spleen weighing up to 500 grams (1.1 pounds) or between 11 to 20 cm (4.3 to 8 inches) in its longest dimension is considered enlarged.
What diseases can a spleen cause?
An enlarged spleen can cause liver disease, lupus, and mono.
What is the function of the spleen?
The functions of the spleen normally include clearance of invading organisms in the blood (bacteria) from the circulation, production of antibodies for the immune system, and removal of abnormal blood cells.
What causes a spleen to be enlarged?
Hepatic ( liver) causes of enlarged liver and spleen. Enlarged liver and spleen can also be caused by hepatic (liver) disorders including: Biliary atresia (blockage in the tubes that transport bile from the gallbladder to the liver) Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
What causes enlarged liver and spleen?
Enlarged liver and spleen has a variety of causes including infections, blood disorders, liver disease, and cancers.
What are the symptoms of an enlarged liver?
Enlarged liver and spleen may accompany other symptoms including: Abdominal distension. Abdominal mass. Belching and hiccupping. Easy bleeding or bruising. Fever or chills. Inability to digest large amounts of food. Loose, fatty stools.
What causes a large spleen and liver?
Enlarged liver and spleen can also be caused by medical conditions including: Amyloidosis (rare immune-related disorder characterized by protein buildup in organs and tissues that can cause serious complications) Congestive heart failure (deterioration of the heart’s ability to pump blood)
What is the enlarged liver?
The liver is a large accessory organ in the digestive system, responsible for a number of functions including bile secretion to break down food, storage of iron and vitamins, production of blood proteins, ...
What is the spleen?
The spleen is part of the lymphatic system, which plays a role in immunity and maintenance of healthy blood cells. It is an important organ and is affected by disorders of the blood, liver, and immune system. An enlarged spleen is known as splenomegaly. Although hepatosplenomegaly often produces no symptoms, it is known to cause abdominal pain in ...
Can hepatosplenomegaly cause abdominal pain?
Although hepatosplenomegaly often produces no symptoms, it is known to cause abdominal pain in the upper portion of your abdomen. S eek prompt medical care if upper abdominal pain is persistent and its severity increases upon taking deep breaths or eating.
How to get rid of enlarged spleen?
To get relief from enlarged spleen, you need to find out ways to control your diet and help to reduce inflammation. For this you need to have food that is more easily digestible and provides more energy to the body in lesser duration of time frame. An unhealthy spleen is related to many health conditions which are associated with fatigue and anaemia .
How to reduce spleen swelling?
Essential oils can be added with some carrier oil and then massage it over the region of spleen. Put the mixture around 2-3 times in a day to reduce the problem of enlarged spleen and functions related to it. It helps to improve blood circulation in the body and fight swelling which is caused by enlargement of spleen.
How to reduce inflammation in spleen?
Natural remedies also include exercise as a part of system to reduce the inflammation and control enlarged spleen. There is a lymphatic system which drains all the fluids and helps the body recover faster. Exercises that put pressure on your spleen and stomach region can be beneficial for you to reduce inflammation.
How to treat enlarged lymph nodes?
To address problems related to spleen and lymphatic nodes, the diet should be high in anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals. All these three elements are helpful to bring down inflammation and reduce free radical damage. It can reduce stress from your body as well which can lower down the symptoms of enlarged spleen.
Why is my spleen so big?
Enlarged spleen is a condition in which the spleen present in the body gets enlarged due to health diseases. It is caused because aberration in the red blood cells. When the body performs in hyper function, then in order to compensate for the loss of breakdown in red blood cells, spleen gets bigger. Spleen itself is a very tiny organ that is almost of the size of the fist, when this condition occurs then it can become almost double its size which could result to various health problems. This problem caused by dysfunction of red blood cells is located in the peritoneal cavity and can be painful. Let us know about some natural remedies through which you can get relief from this problem.
What is the function of the spleen?
Spleen is responsible for filtering out blood and removing by-products that are caused because of red blood cells. These particles include many materials and particles that are able to pass through blood vessels. Spleen function can also help immune function to work more efficiently. This is done by synthesizing lymphocytes. Spleen is also a very crucial organ of our body and should not be neglected as it is not much talked about. We will discuss about some natural remedies to control and get relief from enlarged spleen.
Can essential oils help with enlarged spleen?
In some cases essential oils have proved to be extremely effective and have worked wonder for the person whereas some people only get a little relief from symptoms. Essential oils can be helpful in bringing down the problems associated with enlarged spleen. It has number of symptoms which can be effective-
