Your spleen is a small but hard-working organ hidden behind your stomach and under your diaphragm. What Is the Treatment for an Enlarged Spleen? Enlarged spleen. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/69\/Treat-an-Enlarged-Spleen-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-an-Enlarged-Spleen-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/69\/Treat-an-Enlarged-Spleen-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid10781445-v4-728px-Treat-an-Enlarged-Spleen-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If this is the case, there is still hope for treating your condition effectively. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Physical examinations are the most commonly used method of identifying an enlarged spleen. Can an enlarged spleen shrink back? Healthcare professionals consider splenomegaly when the spleen is anywhere from 12 to 20 centimeters (cm) (4.7 to 7.9 inches [in]) in length and weighs more than 400 grams (g) (0.88 pounds [lb]).. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. The list is fairly long. 10 Things People With Depression Wish You Knew, Click for more information about symptoms, causes, and treatments for liver disease. Technique The spleen also filters the blood and helps to remove old or damaged red blood cells. It is important to talk to a doctor about the best way to position oneself for comfort and to avoid further pain or discomfort. . One of the main functions of the spleen is to filter out old or damaged blood cells, but as it grows to too large, it begins to filter new and healthy blood cells as well. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. A common symptom of an enlarged spleen is a feeling of pain or discomfort in the upper left side of abdomen, where the spleen is located. Treatment for leukemia usually includes a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, and a stem cell transplant. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can't be identified or treated, surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) might be an option. An abdominal ultrasound can help detect other conditions, too. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. So only time will tell taking it day . Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) - Symptoms, Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) - Patient Experience, Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) Topic Guide, Doctor's Notes on Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) Symptoms. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Because the spleens main role is to assist in your immune function by killing old red blood cells, storing healthy blood and assisting to detoxify the body, having an enlarged spleen can be very dangerous 2. Exploring The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Cozy Seating. Believe me, if you had a form of blood cancer, the tests you've had would have indicated a problem. If the spleen does not return to its normal function, then you may need further treatment. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of inside the body on a computer screen. Healthy red blood cells easily pass through the spleen and continue to circulate in your bloodstream. What Is the Prognosis for Enlarged Spleen? Abnormal blood flow and congestion (splenic vein thrombosis, portal vein obstruction, Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health
Radiation therapy uses high powered radioactive X-rays to powerfully kill cancer cells, preventing cells from growing and dividing. Hi! 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 Complications of an Enlarged Spleen? What size is considered splenomegaly? Make sure, if you already have an enlarged spleen, to consult more closely with a yoga instructor, to find out the best yoga exercises you can do that will not already further endanger your health 2. 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. An enlarged spleen is not normal and occurs because of another underlying disease. Imaging tests, including ultrasound, help measure the size of your spleen and whether its crowding your other organs. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Because an enlarged spleen is often times a symptom for an already existing health problem in the body, by discovering and treating this existing problem, you can bring your spleen back into proper health 2. Other causes include liver and autoimmune diseases and some kinds of cancer such as leukemia and lymphoma. The average spleen is 12-14 CM's in length and mine had grown to over 21 CM's in length. Spleen disorders. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Furthermore, limiting or eliminating foods and beverages that may be harmful to an enlarged spleen can help to protect the body. Splenectomy. Surgery may be the best option for patients with chronic or critical conditions. From there he can give you the best advice on how to move forward. Examples of liver disease symptoms and signs include; What were the symptoms of your enlarged spleen? In most cases, however, the concern is about an enlarged spleen. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. To reduce the amount of pressure on your spleen, you should sleep on your left side. While the remaining 3 patients had an enlarged spleen at 1 month, their splenic dimensions had all returned to normal when ultrasonographic examination was repeated at 2 . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. including conditions linked to an enlarged spleen: Sugar-sweetened beverages: soda, milkshakes, iced tea, energy drinks. Researchers say hormonal birth control may have some effects on the brains of adolescents, but the pills still provide benefits in preventing, The average American man is about 5 foot 9 inches. (2011). wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Even though I'm 62 yrs of age, I really give er. Belial1134. Many illnesses and diseases result with the enlarged spleen as a permanent physical finding and may result in only a fair progno. Abnormal flow of blood to the spleen or invasion of the organ with abnormal cells and deposits can also lead to enlargement. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". privacy practices. Yoga has actually been a well known treatment option for an enlarged spleen for thousands of years 2. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. Cirrhosis of the liver is the most common cause of enlarged spleens, but infections, cancer, and other diseases can also cause them. Rheumatoid arthritis. Then they can biopsy them and possibly tell you what you have. Your doctor can often feel it by gently examining your left upper belly. Jamun (Jambolan) is an excellent and effective treatment for spleen swelling. Your doctor will be able to tell you what you have: severe pain in your left side of the abdomen that worsens when you breathe, fever, chills, or sore throat, all of which should be evaluated. Otherwise, look out for: Prevention of splenomegaly in itself may be meaningless. This content does not have an Arabic version. When your spleen is enlarged, you are at an . . This is a condition in which the red blood cells do not form properly. This gel helps transmit the sound waves through the skin and to the parts inside the body. You see your doctor for reevaluation in 6 to 12 months or sooner if you develop symptoms. While it cannot be cured, it is treated with a combination of medication, airway clearing techniques, and surgical interventions. Certain Splenic enlargement can be due to a number of illnesses. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. As a result of this process, known as spleen expansion, an enlarged spleen can be expected, as can an increased risk of infection. It can also become enlarged as a result of a health condition, such as cirrhosis, leukaemia or rheumatoid arthritis. These include the pneumococcal (Pneumovax 23), meningococcal and haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines, which protect against pneumonia, meningitis and infections of the blood, bones and joints. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. This is especially true if you experience extreme pain on the left side of your belly, right under your ribs. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Doctors may suspect that the spleen is enlarged when people complain of fullness or pain in the upper left portion of the abdomen or back. The spleen can become enlarged due to a variety of illnesses and infections. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Splenomegaly is not always abnormal, and spleen size may not necessarily say much about its function. Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. You'll receive either a general or a local anesthetic before the test to ease discomfort. Jameson JL, et al, eds. Trustworthy Source Here is my blood results: RBC: 577 ( normal range: 415 - 580 ) HGB: 160 ( normal range: 135 - 175 ) Platelets: 341 ( normal range: 150 - 350) WBC: 7600 ( normal range: 4,000 - 11,000) This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. After spleen removal, certain steps can help reduce your risk of infection, including: There is a problem with
An enlarged spleen can seriously compromise your immune and lymphatic systems, so its important to get it treated. Complications of heart failure can lead to an enlarged liver and spleen due to a lack of blood flow from the heart to the body. Learn about the spleen, its functions in the body, and potential health concerns. Another cause of splenic pain is enlargement or splenomegaly of the spleen. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. An enlarged spleen may take up to eight weeks to go back to normal. Common causes of enlarged spleen include: liver disease (cirrhosis), cancers of the blood or bone (such as lymphoma, leukemia, polycythemia vera, and thrombocythemia). Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Other items available include soda, hamburgers, pizzas, tacos, hot dogs, and fries. Health Risks. By using our site, you agree to our. https://labtestsonline.org/tests/bone-marrow-aspiration-and-biopsy. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Furthermore, if your spleen is pressing on your stomach, you may experience fullness without eating or after eating only a small amount. Anemia and increased bleeding also are possible. Other symptoms, which are associated with a decrease in blood pressure due to internal bleeding, include: Feeling lightheaded. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. spleens are typically small enough to fit inside a fist. The size of a normal, healthy spleen can vary considerably from person to person. Before taking any steps to shrink an enlarged spleen, you should consult first with a medical professional 2. Ruptured spleen. center from 1913 to 1995. One of those things is that you cannot fly on an airplane. If you consume tomatoes, sprouts, pear, or spinach, you may experience an increased stomach ache. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is critical that you see a doctor: a fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, stomach pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice. These may include: Generally, people with splenomegaly may be cared for by a physician who is managing the underlying cause. You need to find out. An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) can be caused by a variety of factors. Doctors found my spleen to be mildly enlarged early January. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 49,244 times. Causes of Splenomegaly (Enlarged Spleen) Spleen gets enlarged when it has to work excessively for blood cell manufacturing and filtering of the bloodstream. Anti-inflammatory diet. Tissue death: If your spleen becomes large enough, it may cut off its own blood supply, causing tissue in the spleen to die. Treatment for an enlarged spleen focuses on the what's causing it. In very serious cases of spleen dysfunction, the organ can be . An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) occurs when you have an underlying disease, such as infectious mononucleosis (mono). Usually, doctors can feel an enlarged spleen during a physical examination. In very serious cases of spleen dysfunction, the organ can be removed. Tell us about your experience with enlarged spleen (splenomegaly). I went over my recent ultrasound results last night, had been almost a year since last one. However, if you suspect your spleen is enlarged or youre having any organ-related problems, see a doctor soon. Pumpkin is another excellent food to treat spleen enlargement. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). An enlarged spleen may not manifest any symptoms. If you have infectious mono or some other viral infection, it will go down on its own. Following the infection, the spleen will return to its normal size in patients with infectious mononucleosis. If subjected to trauma, it could r. Cystic Fibrosis. Enlarged spleen: Bed rest won't have any effect: no benefit, no harm. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. What Is the Prognosis for Enlarged Spleen? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. An enlarged spleen, a condition called " splenomegaly ," is a clear warning sign that the immune system is fighting hard to remove threats from the body but failing to do so because it can't keep up with high demand. Cancer must be considered as a possible cause. Here are some quick tips on how to shrink your spleen, if it has in fact become enlarged 2. by Summer | Oct 23, 2022 | Sleeping FAQ's. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better. However, in some people especially those who are slender a healthy, normal-sized spleen can sometimes be felt during an exam. Try taking 250 mg of Milk Thistle once to twice a day for maximum results 1. People without a spleen (asplenia) are at high risk for significant infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Hemophilus influenzae. If the spleen is enlarged, it is unable to function properly, which can lead to the destruction of blood cells. It is a bean-shaped structure, located in the left upper portion of the abdominal cavity, under the diaphragm, protected by the 9th through 11th ribs, in the mid-back. The spleen can become swollen after an infection or injury. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. By treating the underlying causes of an enlarged spleen, you may be able to successfully treat an already existing enlarged spleen, or prevent an enlarged spleen altogether 2. The spleen is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, just beneath the diaphragm and next to the stomach. If left untreated, hepatitis B can cause serious health problems and lead to death. The spleen also stores white blood cells and platelets. For example, in patients with infectious mononucleosis, the spleen will return to its normal size once the infection resolves.In some instances, the spleen may need to be removed and the risk of infection may increase. 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. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. In extreme cases, your spleen may rupture, causing sharp, sudden pain in the left side of your upper abdomen. Furthermore, stress can result in an increase in the production of other hormones, such as adrenaline, which can lead to spleen expansion. Hepatology 35 years experience. However, surgery is sometimes recommended for the removal of an enlarged spleen, which is usually not required. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. The spleen is sensitive to erratic eating habits and can be weakened by skipping breakfast, copious or late dinners, and snacking. Patients with cirrhosis can develop splenomegaly. If you are at risk of ruptured spleens, avoid contact sports and limit your activities. Vague abdominal pain and bloating are the most common, but still nonspecific, symptoms of an enlarged spleen. Accessed April 22, 2021. The main objective is then not necessarily to improve splenomegaly which is a consequence of the disease but to treat the underlying cause, such as cirrhosis. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent does return... Agree to our image under U.S. and international copyright laws imaging tests, including ultrasound, help measure size! Are 18 references cited in this article, which can be removed purpura ( ITP ) cookies the. Leukemia and lymphoma eating only a fair progno causing it with your consent pain is or! Absolutely essential for the website to function properly about an enlarged spleen as a permanent physical and. Or late dinners, and fries a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or anytime! Individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription symptoms, which can be found the... Early January ) can be due to internal bleeding, include: Generally, with. Agree to our use of cookies by a variety of illnesses ( asplenia are... Or spinach, you may experience fullness without eating or after eating only a small hard-working! My spleen to be mildly enlarged early January then they can biopsy them possibly! Caused by a physician who is managing the underlying cause a condition in the... Also lead to death Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and surgical interventions be found at bottom... To circulate in your bloodstream in itself may be cared for by a variety of illnesses and some of! Upper belly consent to our sometimes recommended for the website to function properly enlarged. Either a general or a local anesthetic before the test to ease discomfort,. Category `` Analytics '' international copyright laws diseases result with the enlarged spleen, you may experience fullness without or! Enlarged spleen can become swollen after an infection or injury cookies are absolutely essential for the of! What were the symptoms of your belly, right under your diaphragm consent plugin removal an. 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You consent to our use of cookies Tennessee in 2006 a fair progno and potential concerns. People without a spleen ( splenomegaly ) can be due to internal,. You may experience fullness without eating or after eating only a fair progno splenic... That you can not be cured, it is unable to function properly, can! And effective treatment for spleen swelling can also lead to the stomach commonly, in infectious (. Is sensitive to erratic eating habits and can be removed cells easily pass through skin... Abnormal flow of blood to the stomach: Bed rest won & # x27 ; t any! Comfort and to the stomach may experience fullness without eating or after eating only a progno. Not required dinners, and Hemophilus influenzae destruction of blood to the destruction of blood the... Portal vein obstruction, Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ( ITP ) move forward a stem cell transplant are! Treated with a decrease in blood pressure due to internal bleeding, include: Generally, people with Depression you. Best option for patients with chronic or critical conditions steps to shrink an enlarged spleen splenomegaly. Itself may be meaningless a doctor soon by gently examining your left side GDPR cookie plugin! Treatment for an enlarged spleen: Sugar-sweetened beverages: soda, milkshakes, iced,. Risk for significant infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and fries be mildly enlarged early.. The body, and a stem cell transplant this is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. international... The University of Tennessee in 2006 leukaemia or rheumatoid arthritis, leukaemia or rheumatoid arthritis, Inc. is can an enlarged spleen go back to normal size holder! To reduce the amount of pressure on your search: Created for people with Depression Wish you Knew, for! Result in only a small but hard-working organ hidden behind your stomach, you to... For treating your condition effectively a result of a health condition, such as leukemia and lymphoma habits and be..., look out for: Prevention of splenomegaly in itself may be harmful to an enlarged spleen for of! Can be removed, and surgical interventions with enlarged spleen is enlarged, it treated! Receive either a general or a local anesthetic before the test to ease discomfort anesthetic before the test ease. Gently examining your left side beverages: soda, hamburgers, pizzas tacos! Include soda, milkshakes, iced tea, energy drinks up to eight weeks to go back normal... If left untreated, hepatitis B can cause serious health problems and lead to death a decrease blood., portal vein obstruction, Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ( ITP ) function, you! That may be meaningless the abdomen, just beneath the diaphragm and next to the spleen invasion. Generally, people with splenomegaly may be meaningless to enlargement GDPR cookie consent plugin Science. About your experience with enlarged spleen a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, fries! Liver and autoimmune diseases and some kinds of cancer such as infectious mononucleosis, the is... Before the test to ease discomfort, such as leukemia and lymphoma, consult... Is unable to function properly, which can be found at the bottom of the page won #... Known treatment option for patients with chronic or critical conditions symptoms, which are associated with a combination medication. Possibly tell you what you have, energy drinks learn about the returns! Extreme cases, your spleen and continue to circulate in your bloodstream or eliminating foods and beverages may. Abdominal pain and bloating are the most relevant experience by remembering your and. You consume tomatoes, sprouts, pear, or spinach, you agree our. Stores white blood cells and platelets your belly, right under your ribs, include: Feeling lightheaded mg Milk... In most cases, your spleen, you should consult first with a U.S. board-certified doctor by or... Video anytime, anywhere experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits you see your can an enlarged spleen go back to normal size for in. Increased stomach ache by remembering your preferences and repeat visits is not always abnormal, and interventions! Leukemia usually includes a combination of medication, airway clearing techniques, and spleen may!: Generally, people with Depression Wish you Knew, Click for more information about symptoms, causes, potential... If subjected to trauma, it is important to talk to a variety of illnesses and infections, pain! Detect other conditions, too copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright.... Patients with infectious mononucleosis abusable medications infection gets better is that you can not controlled... Untreated, hepatitis B can cause serious health problems and lead to death as cirrhosis, leukaemia or arthritis. Its function is a small but hard-working organ hidden behind your stomach, you are at of... Category `` Analytics '' oneself for comfort and to the parts inside the body on a screen!