\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. An abdominal ultrasound is often preferred for evaluating the spleen because its easy to do and doesnt require any radiation. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Last medically reviewed on June 15, 2018. What Are the Complications of an Enlarged Spleen? The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Ruptured spleen. br> What you eat. Elective spleen removal requires careful consideration. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of inside the body on a computer screen. Many conditions including infections, liver disease and some cancers can cause an enlarged spleen. The size of a normal, healthy spleen can vary considerably from person to person. Common reasons that your doctor may suggest having your spleen removed are if they cant find the source of the problem, if preliminary treatments have not been successful, or if the infection in your spleen is causing organ failure. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. What foods to avoid if you have an enlarged spleen? Other items available include soda, hamburgers, pizzas, tacos, hot dogs, and fries. Women tend to have smaller spleens than men, and taller people tend to have larger spleens than shorter people. If you consume tomatoes, sprouts, pear, or spinach, you may experience an increased stomach ache. Occasionally we discover these prior to a bleeding event or the bleeding event is minor and the dog does require a blood transfusion, so the treatment cost can be as low as . It is caused by an underlying illness, which can be dangerous, and it is the result of an enlarged spleen. 1 Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal? Otherwise, many symptoms associated with an enlarged spleen are related to the underlying cause of the enlargement. Why Is Your Ulcerative Colitis Getting Worse? In chronic or critical cases, surgery might offer the best hope for recovery. Treating the underlying cause of your spleen growth will usually cause it to return to a normal, healthy size. Milk thistle is important to the body because it works to protect and detoxify liver cells that may have been damaged 1. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Having timely vaccinations can generally help you avoid serious illness and it can protect your spleen from further damage. An enlarged spleen usually doesn't cause symptoms. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. 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. Treating the underlying cause of your spleen growth will usually cause it to return to a normal, healthy size. Some infants who develop ASD may already be showing differences in social communication as early as 9 months, a study suggests. Turmeric root and powder. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Anemia and increased bleeding also are possible. When the spleen is enlarged, it is referred to as splenomegaly (speh-no-MEG-uh-lee). The extra blood can help keep blood flowing for a short time until the bleeding is stopped. This content does not have an English version. An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) may be easier to palpate during a careful abdominal examination. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better. (1991). It does not store any personal data. DOI: Mayo Clinic Staff. Cancers, for example, lymphoma and leukemia. Certain . Tissue death: If your spleen becomes large enough, it may cut off its own blood supply, causing tissue in the spleen to die. It is treated with immunosuppressant drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids. Some conditions in which splenectomy may be considered are hairy cell leukemia, thalassemia major, splenic vein thrombosis, Gaucher disease, and ITP. Your sex and height can also affect its size. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. If the spleen is damaged, ruptured, or enlarged, it should be checked. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. For example, if you have a bacterial infection, treatment will include antibiotics. An enlarged spleen can occasionally cause pain or fullness in the left upper belly, extending to the left shoulder in some cases. References. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. I had to get results myself a month later, luckily creatinine good, kidney damage from overprescribing diuretics had me on 280 mg a day, 80 furosemide 200 spirolactone. However, the liver can take a substantial amount of damage before a disease interferes with its functions, and causes symptoms. The reason for this is because the pressure changes in the cabin can cause the spleen to rupture. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. While it cannot be cured, it is treated with a combination of medication, airway clearing techniques, and surgical interventions. The fever is reported to be br>. Your spleen is a small organ located on the left side of your abdomen under your rib cage. Common causes of enlarged spleen include: liver disease (cirrhosis), cancers of the blood or bone (such as lymphoma, leukemia, polycythemia vera, and thrombocythemia). Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal size? Tell us about your experience with enlarged spleen (splenomegaly). If you have a spleen that is enlarged, avoid doing things that may endanger it. Anti-inflammatory diet. A normal-sized spleen cannot be palpated (felt) during the physical examination of the abdomen, except in slender people. This was a very dangerous situation for me as I continued to be active in sports, more specifically cycling and hockey.