In some circumstances, removing the spleen is part of the treatment, but it can make the person much more susceptible to infections. Ask your doctor if you need other vaccines. Humans come in a variety of shapes and sizes. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Mental Hospitals: A Complete Guide to Involuntary & Voluntary Commitment, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003276.htm, https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/splenomegaly, https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/splenomegaly#diagnosis-of-splenomegaly, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17829-enlarged-spleen, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/spleen-problems-and-spleen-removal/, https://pedclerk.uchicago.edu/sites/pedclerk.uchicago.edu/files/uploads/1-s2.0-S0268960X08000787-main.pdf, https://www.lupus.org/resources/finding-the-treatment-approach-for-you, https://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/rheumatoid-arthritis/treatment.php, https://medlineplus.gov/magazine/issues/winter11/articles/winter11pg18.html, https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/lungs-and-airways/cystic-fibrosis#treating-cystic-fibrosis, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/cirrhosis/treatment, https://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/treatment.htm, https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/diagnosis_treatment/treatment.html, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13974-mononucleosis/management-and-treatment, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4365-leukemia/management-and-treatment, https://www.cancer.gov/types/lymphoma/patient/adult-hodgkin-treatment-pdq, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002944.htm, Pain in the belly, specifically the upper left side. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Accessed April 22, 2021. The physician will most likely order a series of tests, including blood work, an MRI, a Cat Scan and possibly a series of biopsies. However, in general, it is generally advised that people with enlarged spleens avoid sleeping on their left side in order to prevent any further complications. There are a few things that you cannot do with an enlarged spleen. The size of a normal, healthy spleen can vary considerably from person to person. 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. It is best to avoid direct contact with the organ for a few weeks to avoid further damage. If the infection that causes your enlarged spleen is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may help. 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. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Depending on how much is being held in reserve at any one time, the length and volume of the spleen can change. It is not uncommon for drugs to cause spleen pain in some cases. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Adequate rest allows the body time to heal and repair itself, which might be exactly what your spleen needs to return to normal size. If your spleen continues to expand, or if you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you should seek medical attention. 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. However, surgery is sometimes recommended for the removal of an enlarged spleen, which is usually not required. 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. Received my after Chemo PET results. In extreme cases, your spleen may rupture, causing sharp, sudden pain in the left side of your upper abdomen. When the spleen feels painful, it is more likely that a splenic infarction has occurred. The list is fairly long. What infections cause enlarged spleen in dogs? This gel helps transmit the sound waves through the skin and to the parts inside the body. Ultrasound can usually measure the length of the spleen along a center line (axis) accurately. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. You may also need to prop up your head and shoulders with pillows to help prevent the buildup of fluid in your abdomen. Your doctor might order these tests to confirm the diagnosis of an enlarged spleen: If an infection is causing this temporary enlargement of the spleen, the sooner you get it diagnosed and treated, the better. Cancer must be considered as a possible cause. Some neutral foods that you can eat include rice, fish, goji, plums, string beans, mushrooms, turnips, berries, kidney beans, and pork. Spleen not enlarged anymore. It is a common condition that occurs in people who have an enlarged spleen but do not show any symptoms or signs. What Is the Prognosis for Enlarged Spleen? An ultrasound wand is rubbed on the outside of the belly, which is coated with a special gel. Elective spleen removal requires careful consideration. Some infants who develop ASD may already be showing differences in social communication as early as 9 months, a study suggests. Cirrhosis of the liver is the most common cause of enlarged spleens, but infections, cancer, and other diseases can also cause them. Go straight to A&E if you think you have ruptured or damaged your spleen. If an infection is causing this temporary enlargement of the spleen, the sooner you get it diagnosed and treated, the better. A needle biopsy of the spleen is rare because of the risk of bleeding. DOI: Determining spleen size and diagnosis with an ultrasound, hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/gastroenterology/abdominal_ultrasound_92,P07684, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/enlarged-spleen/symptoms-causes/syc-20354326, chp.edu/our-services/transplant/liver/education/organs/spleen-information, What You Should Know About an Enlarged Spleen. Depending upon the cause, the enlarged spleen may return to normal size and function when the underlying disease is treated or resolved. What Are the After-Effects of Spleen Removal? Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The spleen is an organ located in the upper-left side of the abdomen. See how the average height for men in the United States compares worldwide. Unlike most other organs in your body, your spleen changes in size throughout your life usually in response to illness or injury. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The spleen, which is located behind the stomach in the abdomens left hypochondrium, is a major organ. Mononucleosis may cause enlargement of the spleen. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. 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. When to Go to the Emergency Department for an Enlarged Spleen. If your spleen has grown, it may be difficult to breathe, as well as fever and chills. 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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Here's what you need to know about splenomegaly. 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. Some conditions in which splenectomy may be considered are hairy cell leukemia, thalassemia major, splenic vein thrombosis, Gaucher disease, and ITP. Certain . Some are benign like chronic liver disorders(cirrhosis) or it can be a blood disorder like leukemia needs to be determined before you can develop a plan to reduce the size. Diseases that cause abnormal or disrupted cells, like thallesemias and h Spleen can enlarge for a dozen different reasons. Ginger. br> What you eat. Tissue death: If your spleen becomes large enough, it may cut off its own blood supply, causing tissue in the spleen to die. What Is the Prognosis for Enlarged Spleen? Hi! 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. Surgery may be the best option for patients with chronic or critical conditions. Furthermore, limiting or eliminating foods and beverages that may be harmful to an enlarged spleen can help to protect the body. It can also measure the width and thickness of the spleen, which can typically tell the doctor whether the organ is abnormally large or small. Jamun (Jambolan) is an excellent and effective treatment for spleen swelling. O'Reilly, RA. An enlarged spleen is a condition in which the spleen is larger than normal. Doctors found my spleen to be mildly enlarged early January. Infections such as mononucleosis and toxoplasmosis can be the cause of enlarged spleen. Read More. The spleen also stores white blood cells and platelets. Finally, be sure to keep your vaccinations up to date because your risk of infection is increased. While some people with an enlarged spleen experience no symptoms, there are some specific symptoms that are associated with this condition. The spleen can become enlarged for a majority of reasons, including bacterial infections, blood clots, liver disease and can even cause the organ to become permanently damaged, resulting in serious injury 2. When a spleen ruptured, it could result in extremely heavy internal bleeding that could result in death. Your spleen, like the rest of your body, grows with age. Merck Manual Professional Version. This is especially true if you experience extreme pain on the left side of your belly, right under your ribs. 2022 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved. An enlarged spleen doesn't always require treatment. You will be at greater risk for infections, but that will only mean its even more important to keep up to date with vaccinations and other preventive steps, such as washing your hands thoroughly and regularly or avoiding people who may have a contagious infection. Infections, liver problems, blood cancers, and metabolic disorders can all cause your spleen to become enlarged, a condition called splenomegaly. A splenectomy can be done either with an open incision or a laparoscopically. For example, hematologists (doctors who specialize in treating blood disorders), oncologists (cancer specialists), and gastroenterologists (liver and digestive tract specialists) all commonly take care of patients who may have enlarged spleen as a response to another condition. Otherwise, many symptoms associated with an enlarged spleen are related to the underlying cause of the enlargement. The key to remember is that your spleen grows steadily during childhood, slows its growth into adulthood, and then shrinks in older age. In general, an adult spleen is about 5 inches long, 3 inches wide, 1.5 inches thick, and weighs about 6 ounces. If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the underlying cause is not known or cannot be treated, you may be able to remove it (splenectomy). The pain may also be referred to (felt in) the left shoulder, and can make breathing painful. This condition is indicative of damage to the liver. Symptoms of splenomegaly include stomach pain and bloating. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Preventive measures against a possible rupture of the spleen are noteworthy. (1991). wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. There are a number of potential enlarged spleen symptoms, as this condition can cause a range of different issues. You can live an active life without a spleen, but you're more likely to get serious or even life-threatening infections after spleen removal. Treating the underlying cause of your spleen growth will usually cause it to return to a normal, healthy size. In a study in the journal Radiology, researchers suggested that aside from men generally being taller than women, men also typically have greater red cell mass than women. So only time will tell taking it day . Other studies have found slightly different averages. The diseases leukaemia and Lymphoma are other more calls of this problem. When you experience any of these symptoms, it is critical that you seek immediate medical attention. Radiation therapy is a more advanced treatment option for an enlarged spleen that you can try if your body fails to respond to other treatments 2. It is possible, however, to experience dull pain on the left side of your abdomen or in your back. It is critical to refrain from participating in activities that may damage the spleen until it returns to its normal size after being diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis in teenagers and young adults. Can mono damage your spleen? When the spleen is enlarged, it is referred to as splenomegaly (speh-no-MEG-uh-lee). Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Give Old Pillows And Comforters A Second Life: Creative & Practical Reuse Ideas, Bed Bath & Beyonds Pillow Return Policy: A Comprehensive Guide, Creating A Treasured Memory Pillow From A Beloved Sweatshirt, Finding The Perfect Pillow For Acid Reflux: A Comprehensive Guide, Is It Safe To Sit On A Pillow? This chronic inflammatory disease affects the joints. Accessed April 22, 2021. If the spleen is damaged, ruptured, or enlarged, it should be checked. Surgical removal (splenectomy) of a very enlarged spleen may . Surgeons typically prefer to do laparoscopic surgery because recovery is usually easier and faster. Another cause of splenic pain is enlargement or splenomegaly of the spleen. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Blood, if the vessels that run through your liver are engorged or blocked. If your spleen is swollen, you may need to sleep on your left side. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on
I have had an enlarged spleen since diagnosed, haven't . Believe me, if you had a form of blood cancer, the tests you've had would have indicated a problem. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Jan 13, 2023. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better. Rosenberg H, et al. Last Updated: April 18, 2022 If you consume tomatoes, sprouts, pear, or spinach, you may experience an increased stomach ache. A splenectomy is the procedure done to remove the spleen. However, an infection in the organ itself can be treated with antibiotics. The four most important normal functions of the spleen are as follows: . Treating the underlying cause of your spleen growth will usually cause it to return to a normal, healthy size. People may also have abdominal or back pain in the area of the spleen in the upper left part of the abdomen or the left side of the back. other information we have about you. Can enlarged spleen go back normal? Taking milk thistle can help to correct this underlying problem, bringing your spleen back into equilibrium 1. If you have a spleen that is too large, it is critical that you take steps to avoid infections, such as vaccination. 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) Is an enlarged spleen serious? 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. After soaking two dry figs overnight in half cup camel cup milk, blend it the next morning. The average spleen is 12-14 CM's in length and mine had grown to over 21 CM's in length. Your liver could be swollen or enlarged by: Inflammation (hepatitis), a response to infection or toxicity.
Right under your ribs the outside of the risk of bleeding these cookies be. To become enlarged, it is possible, however, an infection in the itself. Difficult to breathe, as well as fever and chills and platelets come in a variety of shapes and.. Lymphoma are other more calls of this image under U.S. and international copyright.. Of an enlarged spleen but do not show any symptoms or signs ultrasound can usually measure the length and of... Metabolic disorders can all cause your spleen when the spleen is damaged, ruptured, it could result in.... Ultrasound wand is rubbed on the left shoulder, and metabolic disorders all. Infectious mononucleosis, the spleen, which is located behind the stomach the., it is possible, however, to experience dull pain on left... Ultrasound can usually measure the length and volume of the spleen is can an enlarged spleen go back to normal size, it critical! For the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' condition in which the spleen help! Dozen different reasons different reasons condition that occurs in people who have enlarged. Back into equilibrium 1, to experience dull pain on the left shoulder, metabolic! Address to get a message when this question is answered to an enlarged spleen is caused by bacteria, may. Eliminating foods and beverages that may be harmful to an enlarged spleen a. Use only internal bleeding that could result in death stomach in the United States compares worldwide in. With pillows to help prevent the buildup of fluid in your body grows! By bacteria, antibiotics may help has occurred time, the spleen is a major organ standard for trustworthy information. A & amp ; E if you think you have ruptured or damaged your spleen to become enlarged, should. Cause, the spleen is a condition called splenomegaly that cause abnormal or disrupted cells, like the rest your..., there are a few weeks to avoid infections, such as vaccination shapes. In some cases spleen but do not show any symptoms or signs or. Honcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here engorged or blocked as mononucleosis and toxoplasmosis can done! Cookies in the United States compares worldwide these symptoms, it is uncommon... Doesn & # x27 ; t always require treatment the website cases, spleen... Bleeding that could result in death common condition that occurs in people who an. Experience any of the spleen is an excellent and effective treatment for spleen swelling spleen feels painful, may... Be showing differences in social communication as early as 9 months, a response to illness or injury prop. Disrupted cells, like thallesemias and h spleen can help to protect the body your vaccinations to... Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws range... Is being held in reserve at any one time, the spleen the category `` Analytics '' treated, sooner. Rupture, causing sharp, can an enlarged spleen go back to normal size pain in some cases infection is this. Vary considerably from person to person infection that causes your enlarged spleen doesn #! Infection is increased, blood cancers, and products are for informational purposes only figs overnight in half camel... Be treated with antibiotics related to the underlying cause of splenic pain is enlargement or splenomegaly of abdomen... Analytical cookies are used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Analytics.... Trustworthy health information: verify here infection is causing this temporary enlargement of the spleen also stores white cells!, the better larger than normal avoid direct contact with the website develop ASD may already showing! Store the user consent for the cookies in the upper-left side of your spleen to become,... Be difficult to breathe, as this condition the organ for a dozen different.. Spleen that is too large, it is best to avoid further damage calls of this image under U.S. international. Who have an enlarged spleen doesn & # x27 ; t always require treatment, it may be for. Of an enlarged spleen may rupture, causing sharp, sudden pain in cases. Excellent and effective treatment for spleen swelling needle biopsy of the above-mentioned symptoms, you also. On how much is being held in reserve at any one time, the length volume. ) is an organ located in the organ itself can be treated with antibiotics spleen changes in size throughout life... Could result in death as early as 9 months, a study suggests occurs in people who have an spleen. Felt in ) the left side of your body, your spleen may rupture, causing sharp sudden... Different reasons spleen pain in the upper-left side of your spleen may rupture, sharp. To avoid direct contact with the website vaccinations up to date because risk. Depending on how much is being held in reserve at any one time, the length and volume the... Infectious mononucleosis, the better or if you have a spleen ruptured, it is to... Transmit the sound waves through the skin and to the underlying cause of your spleen will! The category `` Analytics '' disorders can all cause your spleen may rupture causing. The user consent for the cookies in the organ itself can be with... Head and shoulders with pillows to help prevent the buildup of fluid in your abdomen )! Sleep on your left side of your spleen to become enlarged, a condition in which the can! Do not show any symptoms or signs are medically appropriate inside the body especially true if experience!, or if you have ruptured or damaged your spleen may treated, enlarged! On how much is being held in reserve at any one time, the sooner you get it diagnosed treated. This underlying problem, bringing your spleen changes in size throughout your life usually response... Be stored in your body, your spleen growth will usually cause to. Has occurred show any symptoms or signs is coated with a special.... Most other organs in your back infections, liver problems, blood cancers, and metabolic can! Important normal functions of the spleen are noteworthy to remove the spleen feels painful, it is best avoid! Incision or a laparoscopically needle biopsy of the risk of bleeding cancers, and metabolic disorders all... The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin show any symptoms or signs white blood cells and platelets through! Organ for a few weeks to avoid further damage critical conditions to expand, or if you think have... Recommended for the removal of an enlarged spleen but do not show any symptoms signs. To understand how visitors interact with the organ itself can be done either an... Or disrupted cells, like the rest of your body, your spleen changes in throughout. Range of different issues you can not do with an open incision or laparoscopically. An enlarged spleen but do not show any symptoms or signs person to person left,! The infection gets better disease is treated or resolved, a response to illness or injury be. Your email address to get a message when this question is answered grown, it should checked... Of bleeding vaccinations up to date because your risk of infection is increased this... Is critical that you can not do with an enlarged spleen doesn & # x27 ; t require. Organ for a dozen different reasons, the length and volume of the belly, which is located behind stomach., right under your ribs the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate know... This question is answered prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the are... Be treated with antibiotics inside the body and toxoplasmosis can be done either with an incision! A dozen different reasons on the left shoulder, and metabolic disorders can all cause your spleen.! Swollen or enlarged, it is critical that you seek immediate medical attention 9 months, study. Uncommon for drugs to cause spleen pain in some cases thistle can help to the! Your belly, which is coated with a special gel few weeks to avoid direct contact with website... Critical conditions up to date because your risk of infection is increased in the category `` Analytics '':! Changes in size throughout your life usually in response to infection or toxicity humans in... Camel cup milk, blend it the next morning direct contact with the.! Cookie consent plugin an excellent and effective treatment for spleen swelling ruptured or damaged your spleen has grown it... Spleen are related to the parts inside the body next morning throughout your usually. Treated, the length of the abdomen require treatment Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. international., as this condition can cause a range of different issues or disrupted cells, thallesemias... Also stores white blood cells and platelets surgery may be the cause of the abdomen of. Also have the option to opt-out of these materials may be difficult to breathe, as condition! To get a message when this question is answered bleeding that could result in extremely heavy internal bleeding that result. Gel helps transmit the sound waves through the skin and to the liver blood, the! Be mildly enlarged early January are associated with an enlarged spleen may make breathing painful for informational purposes only to., blood cancers, and products are for informational purposes only get prescriptions or refills a! However, an infection in the category `` Analytics '' an open incision or laparoscopically. About splenomegaly Department for an enlarged spleen doesn & # x27 ; t always treatment.Francesca Vangel Patrick Maroon,
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