\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If an infection is causing this temporary enlargement of the spleen, the sooner you get it diagnosed and treated, the better. In some cases, there may be no noticeable symptoms at all. If you're in a car accident, a seat belt can help protect your spleen. Splenomegaly in 2,505 patients at a large university medical 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. Depending upon the cause, the enlarged spleen may return to normal size and function when the underlying disease is treated or resolved. How should I be concerned about this and why? A viral infection, such as mononucleosis, or a bacterial infection, such as syphilis, are among the conditions that can lead to an enlarged spleen. Taking penicillin or other antibiotics after your surgery and anytime you or your doctor suspects the possibility of an infection. The spleen may become enlarged (splenomegaly) due to many different causes. Depending upon the cause, the enlarged spleen may return to normal size and function when the underlying disease is treated or resolved. 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. In general, an adult spleen is about 5 inches long, 3 inches wide, 1.5 inches thick, and weighs about 6 ounces. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Because of the damage done to the liver cells, blood cant flow normally. An x-ray of the abdomen done for other reasons may also show that the spleen is enlarged. Following the removal of your spleen, your life will be completely normal and free of disease. It has a very rich blood supply since it is responsible for filtering blood, and it is protected by the 9th, 10th, and 11th ribs. Learn about the spleen, its functions in the body, and potential health concerns. 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. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. What Are the Complications of an Enlarged Spleen? While some people with an enlarged spleen experience no symptoms, there are some specific symptoms that are associated with this condition. Your doctor might order these tests to confirm the diagnosis of an enlarged spleen: Sometimes more testing is needed to find the cause of an enlarged spleen, including a bone marrow biopsy exam. 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. During a physical examination, your doctor can usually tell if your spleen is enlarged. Infections, liver problems, blood cancers, and metabolic disorders can all cause your spleen to become enlarged, a condition called splenomegaly. It can also become enlarged as a result of a health condition, such as cirrhosis, leukaemia or rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases, removing the spleen is part of the treatment, but it can make the person much more susceptible to infections. You may also experience fever, chills, severe pain, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, swollen abdomen, or yellowing of the skin and eyes if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, chills, severe pain, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, swollen abdomen, or yellowing of the If you have a ruptured spleen, your doctor advises you not to engage in high-impact exercises or strenuous activities until he or she clears you. . This is often the result of an underlying condition that can be treated and reversed, such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or alcohol-related liver disease. I have no evidence of cancer around my colon incision which was good news. It's often discovered during a routine physical exam. 1963 to 1995: 449 patients. 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. Adult spleens are approximately 5 inches long, 3 inches wide, 1.5 inches thick, and weigh approximately 6 ounces. Dilated cardiomyopathy is often a progressive condition and there is no cure. You will want to see your doctor and see what (s)he wants you to do. In general, a person without a spleen will go on to have a healthy life, but . Public healthcare system of the UK Could a ugi determine a enlarged spleen ? Physical examinations are the most commonly used method of identifying an enlarged spleen. Ultrasonography or computed tomography . Abnormal flow of blood to the spleen or invasion of the organ with abnormal cells and deposits can also lead to enlargement. Reducing MAO-B levels thus keeps some of these chemicals active in the body longer than normal. What Is the Prognosis for Enlarged Spleen? After a series of tests and procedures, a medical professional will then be able to more accurately determine the cause of your enlarged spleen and better understand how to fix it 2. Spleen Diseases. [21] wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. The issue is the pathology that is causing the spleen to enlarge. Other studies have found slightly different averages. If blood flow to the spleen is disrupted due to a decrease in its flow, it will expand. Careful consideration of the risks versus benefits of surgery is the most prudent approach. If the spleen becomes rupture, this can cause a sudden, sharp pain in the abdomen and require emergency medical treatment. Enlarged spleen: Bed rest won't have any effect: no benefit, no harm. If this is the case, there is still hope for treating your condition effectively. Trauma from automobile accidents or contact sports can also cause an enlarged spleen. 2 How do you heal an enlarged spleen naturally? It is possible that leukemia or lymphoma are associated with abnormal white cells that invade the spleen and cause it to grow in size. In extreme cases, your spleen may rupture, causing sharp, sudden pain in the left side of your upper abdomen. Old, damaged, or abnormal red blood cells are caught in a maze of narrow tunnels within the spleen. Splenomegaly, Can An Enlarged Spleen Go Back To Normal Sizeswollen spleen treatment, how to cure splenomegaly at home, how to treat pain in left side, how to. How do you check your spleen at home? In some rare cases a stem cell transplant may also be required. This usually happens because of Bacterial and Viral Infections Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal? If such pain occurs, seek medical attention immediately you may need surgery. After soaking two dry figs overnight in half cup camel cup milk, blend it the next morning. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better. I have had an enlarged spleen since diagnosed, haven't . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This is a condition in which the red blood cells do not form properly. Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal size? Trustworthy Source Having timely vaccinations can generally help you avoid serious illness and it can protect your spleen from further damage. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. See how the average height for men in the United States compares worldwide. Acute and chronic liver diseases can interfere with the functions of the liver and thereby cause symptoms. Enlarged spleen can be caused by many things including infectious disease and even lymphoma. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better. Diseases that cause abnormal or disrupted cells, like thallesemias and h Spleen can enlarge for a dozen different reasons. In very serious cases of spleen dysfunction, the organ can be . The four most important normal functions of the spleen are as follows: . Last medically reviewed on June 15, 2018. X This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. 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. Accessed April 22, 2021. The extra blood can help keep blood flowing for a short time until the bleeding is stopped. Allowing the body to rest does wonders for your immune system, as well as internal organs. An enlarged spleen can cause a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, pain in the upper abdomen, and easy bruising. Infections such as mononucleosis and toxoplasmosis can be the cause of enlarged spleen. Why Is Your Ulcerative Colitis Getting Worse? Elective spleen removal requires careful consideration.