Swelling of the spleen (symptoms, causes, and treatment)

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Definition of spleen swelling

What is splenomegaly?

Splenomegaly is a condition that causes the spleen to swell abnormally. The swelling that occurs can make the spleen weigh up to 1 kg and exceed 20 cm in length.

A healthy spleen has an important role in the circulatory system, the formation of antibodies, and the body's mechanisms for fighting disease-causing germs. If the spleen is swollen, it will certainly not work optimally.

As the spleen gets bigger, the number of red blood cells that are transported in the bloodstream will also decrease. The buildup of red blood cells and platelets in the spleen can eventually clog and damage the spleen tissue.

In some cases, splenomegaly can cause the spleen to rupture resulting in internal bleeding. This is an emergency condition that requires immediate treatment as it can be fatal.

Splenomegaly can be treated with drugs. In severe cases, sufferers may need to undergo surgical removal of the spleen. Further consultation with a doctor can help you find the right treatment.

Signs & symptoms of spleen swelling

What are the signs and symptoms of spleen swelling?

Splenomegaly has no characteristic symptoms. However, there are common symptoms of left abdominal pain (especially when taking a deep breath) and a feeling of bloating. Abdominal pain can spread to the left shoulder.

Some people whose spleens are enlarged also feel full faster. They are also prone to experiencing acid reflux because the enlarged spleen presses on the organs around the stomach.

Other symptoms you may feel include:

• tired easily,
• fever,
• stomach discomfort,
• sweating at night,
• pale,
• anemia,
• decreased body weight because you are easily full,
• frequent infections, and
• easy to experience bleeding.

When should I go to the doctor?

Given the absence of typical symptoms, consult a doctor immediately if you feel pain in the left side of the stomach. This is especially so if the pain gets worse when you take a deep breath.

Causes of spleen swelling

What is the function of the spleen?

The spleen is part of the lymphatic system, also known as lymph. The lymphatic system removes waste products from cell metabolism, maintains body fluid balance, and produces antibodies for the immune system.

This purplish colored organ is located in the upper left cavity of your stomach, just behind the stomach. A healthy spleen is oval and weighs about 170 grams. Spleen functions include:

• filter and destroy blood cells that are old or damaged,
• store red blood cells and platelets, as well
• produce white blood cells called lymphocytes to protect the body from disease.

What causes the spleen to swell?

Most cases of swelling of the spleen are caused by infection or disease of the liver. Overall, medical conditions and health problems that can be the cause are as follows.

• Viral infections, such as mononucleosis.
• Bacterial infections, including syphilis and infections of the inner lining of the heart.
• Parasitic infections, such as malaria.
• Cirrhosis and fatty liver.
• Blood cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myelofibrosis.
• Various types of hemolytic anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and spherocytosis. Hemolytic anemia causes red blood cells to break down early.
• Autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation, such as lupus and rheumatism.
• Metabolic disorders, such as Gaucher disease and Niemann-pick disease.
• Congestive heart failure, which is a condition when the heart is unable to pump enough blood around the body.
• Deep vein thrombosis, which is characterized by a blood clot in a vein.
• Polycythemia vera, which is a type of blood cancer that makes the bone marrow produce more blood than it should.
• Immune thrombocytopenic purpura , namely platelet disorders that affect the blood clotting process.

Swelling of the spleen due to the above conditions can be temporary or permanent, depending on the treatment.

Risk factors for spleen swelling

What increases my risk for splenomegaly?

Anyone can experience splenomegaly, but here are the groups most susceptible to developing this disease.

• Children and adults who get infected.
• Patients with Gaucher disease, Niemann-Pick disease, or similar metabolic disorders that affect the liver and spleen.
• Organs that live in or travel to areas with high malaria cases.

Diagnosis & treatment of swelling of the spleen

How do you diagnose it?

The doctor usually performs an initial examination by feeling the area around the spleen to determine whether the pain is caused by an enlarged spleen. After that, the doctor can confirm the diagnosis with one or more of the following tests.

• Blood test to find out the amount, shape, and composition of blood.
• CT scan to find out the size of the spleen and whether it is covering the surrounding organs.
• MRI to find out how smoothly the blood flows to and from the spleen.
• Complementary test, such as liver function tests or bone marrow biopsy.

What are the treatment options available?

You may not have to undergo treatment if you have no symptoms or if the cause of splenomegaly is unknown. However, you need regular follow-up to the doctor at least once a year or when you experience symptoms.

If the spleen is swollen due to a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotic drugs. If the cause is blood cancer, treatment can include drugs and chemotherapy.

In certain cases, the doctor may recommend surgical removal of the spleen. This step is taken if the swelling of the spleen has caused complications, the cause is unknown, or cannot be treated by other means.

You can live a normal life without a spleen, but you will be more susceptible to infection. Keep in mind that after surgery, you should get complete vaccinations. This is because people without a spleen are at risk of contracting pneumonia and meningitis due to bacteria.

Home remedies for spleen swelling

What are the home remedies for spleen swelling?

If you have splenomegaly, avoid sports or activities that make you prone to bumps. You also need to avoid sports that involve punching or kicking movements to prevent the spleen from bursting.

Always use a seat belt when driving. This can prevent serious damage to the spleen if you have an accident.

Make sure you stick to a routine flu, tetanus, diphtheria, and other vaccination schedule. Vaccination is very important because people with splenomegaly and people who live without a spleen are more susceptible to developing dangerous infections.

Talk to your doctor to find out what activities are safe for you. Don't forget to do regular controls to monitor the condition of your spleen and your overall health.