\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If you need assistance, call our Sales team at (239) 643-4343 or send an email to [emailprotected]. Usually, doctors can feel an enlarged spleen during a physical examination. You can also help your spleen recover faster by doing. . This does not mean that you can't do any physical activity. 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. (2014). The spleen is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, just beneath the diaphragm and next to the stomach. Pumpkin is another excellent food to treat spleen enlargement. References. X Enlarged Spleen and Diet: Are There Foods You Should Avoid? 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. The reason for this is because the pressure changes in the cabin can cause the spleen to rupture. The diseases leukaemia and Lymphoma are other more calls of this problem. In general, an adult spleen is about 5 inches long, 3 inches wide, 1.5 inches thick, and weighs about 6 ounces. It is important to note the importance of vaccination in cases of splenectomy. Certain Splenic enlargement can be due to a number of illnesses. Acute and chronic liver diseases can interfere with the functions of the liver and thereby cause symptoms. You should see a board-certified internist who An UGI may incidentally note something pressing on the left side of the stomach and raise the suspicion of an enlarged spleen. Often, the prognosis for an enlarged spleen depends entirely upon the underlying illness. (12.0 cm) for girls, 5.1 in. One of the bacterial infections, such as endocarditis, can cause an enlarged spleen. The spleen also stores white blood cells and platelets. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Surgeons typically prefer to do laparoscopic surgery because recovery is usually easier and faster. You see your doctor for reevaluation in 6 to 12 months or sooner if you develop symptoms. Healthy red blood cells easily pass through the spleen and continue to circulate in your bloodstream. What Are the After-Effects of Spleen Removal? The spleen also filters the blood and helps to remove old or damaged red blood cells. 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. 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. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. While it cannot be cured, it is treated with a combination of medication, airway clearing techniques, and surgical interventions. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health The issue is the pathology that is causing the spleen to enlarge. Please read our fulldisclosure pageto learn more about it. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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? An enlarged spleen can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacterial infections, blood clots, and liver disease, and it can even permanently damage the organ. Spleen disorders. Some causes are temporary and others may indicate a chronic or progressive condition. The reason for this is because the increased pressure underwater can also cause the spleen to rupture. If your spleen continues to expand, or if you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you should seek medical attention. . 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. It usually causes pain behind the left ribs, as if it were a spleen. Yes, an enlarged liver can go back to its normal size. Many conditions including infections, liver disease and some cancers can cause an enlarged spleen. (2016). Even if you dont have any of the symptoms listed above, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to ensure your health. Having timely vaccinations can generally help you avoid serious illness and it can protect your spleen from further damage. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. 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 image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If you come into contact with the area, it may feel tender. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The spleen can also filter out certain bacteria or viruses from your blood in support of the bodys immune system. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. How should I be concerned about this and why? For men, average spleen length topped out at: There is great variability in spleen size from person to person, with age, height, and sex all affecting spleen length. However, the spleen can enlarge by performing its normal functions in response to another medical condition. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better. 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. Your doctor might recommend surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) for diagnostic purposes when there's no identifiable cause for the enlargement. If blood flow to the spleen is disrupted due to a decrease in its flow, it will expand. These include having a fever, pus coming out at the incision site, feeling unwell, and having increased pain. It is critical to consult with a healthcare provider as soon as you notice any of the symptoms associated with an enlarged spleen to determine the cause and if any treatment options are available. An enlarged spleen can cause a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, pain in the upper abdomen, and easy bruising. The first thing you should do, if you think you may have an enlarged spleen, is to immediately go see a doctor. The average spleen length by age was up to: In a separate study of adults, researchers found that spleen length changed very little from the late teen years through ages 40 to 50. . There are no natural treatments for an enlarged spleen. Cystic Fibrosis. Some of the medical causes of splenomegaly, however, may be preventable, such as cessation of alcohol abuse to prevent liver cirrhosis, or prophylaxis against malaria when planning a trip to an endemic area. An enlarged spleen can cause liver disease, lupus, and mono. Once you reach adulthood, however, your spleen tends to shrink slightly with each passing decade. This treatment method can be used successfully to treat an enlarged spleen by injecting highly powered X-rays into the spleen and surrounding areas, which will in turn work to kill inflamed spleen cells 2. Splenomegaly is not always abnormal, and spleen size may not necessarily say much about its function. Walking should be fine. Therefore, vaccination against these bacteria (pneumococcal vaccine, meningococcal vaccine, hemophilus vaccine) is strongly recommended in anyone who undergoes splenectomy. Make a donation. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Your doctor will advise you to avoid sports and exercise as much as possible until your swelling subsides. As a result, spleens may become congested and enlarged. Liquid and solid bone marrow samples are usually taken from the pelvis. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. Commercial Photography: How To Get The Right Shots And Be Successful, Nikon Coolpix P510 Review: Helps You Take Cool Snaps, 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Marshmallow, Technological Advancements: How Technology Has Changed Our Lives (In A Bad Way), 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Lollipop, Awe-Inspiring Android Apps Fabulous Five, IM Graphics Plugin Review: You Dont Need A Graphic Designer, 20 Best free fitness apps for Android devices. Our study indicates that spleen size increases slightly-moderately in the first stages of the infection, . 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. It can also become enlarged as a result of a health condition, such as cirrhosis, leukaemia or rheumatoid arthritis. An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) may be easier to palpate during a careful abdominal examination. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. (2011). Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. Patients, on the other hand, may have access to a variety of protected health information. Sleeping on the side of an enlarged spleen can be uncomfortable and may cause pain. Here's what you need to know about splenomegaly. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. Pain: If the spleen is enlarged, it may press against the organs around it, causing pain or discomfort. If that underlying cause can be treated, then the spleen may return to normal. Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) - Symptoms, Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) - Patient Experience, Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) Topic Guide, Doctor's Notes on Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) Symptoms. A spleen weight of 400-500 g indicates splenomegaly, while a weight of more than 1000 g is labelled massive splenomegaly. Lupus. [20] Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Can a dogs enlarged heart go back to normal? In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. It is treated with immunosuppressant drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. by Summer | Oct 23, 2022 | Sleeping FAQ's. An enlarged spleen is also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee). If you consume tomatoes, sprouts, pear, or spinach, you may experience an increased stomach ache. Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal? The four most important normal functions of the spleen are as follows: . By using our site, you agree to our. Sometimes this may be taking antibiotics, or may be radiation therapy if the problem is caused by a cancer virus, like Leukemia or Hodgkins disease. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should consult with your doctor.