\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Signs of an enlarged spleen do not cause symptoms and usually are caused by an underlying illness, for example: Infections (mononucleosis, toxoplasmosis, endocarditis). I have had an enlarged spleen since diagnosed, haven't . An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) occurs when you have an underlying disease, such as infectious mononucleosis (mono). I went over my recent ultrasound results last night, had been almost a year since last one. The spleen is usually infected with typhoid, hemoglobin, and other diseases. by Summer | Oct 23, 2022 | Sleeping FAQ's. Making lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol, can help . Tip: It may be that your doctor wont be able to find a cause for your enlarged spleen. An enlarged spleen can cause a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, pain in the upper abdomen, and easy bruising. Depending upon the cause, the enlarged spleen may return to normal size and function when the underlying disease is treated or resolved. Did you know? HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. 3 Replies. Depending upon the cause, the enlarged spleen may return to normal size and function when the underlying disease is treated or resolved. This was a very dangerous situation for me as I continued to be active in sports, more specifically cycling and hockey. An enlarged spleen can cause liver disease, lupus, and mono. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Here's what you need to know about splenomegaly. Lolol. During a physical examination, your doctor can usually tell if your spleen is enlarged. As a part of Amazon Affiliate for every qualifying purchase, we make some money. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. 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. Enlarged spleen can be caused by many things including infectious disease and even lymphoma. There could be a variety of reasons, including a bone marrow problem, a lymphoma, leukemia, or blood clots. Abnormal blood flow and congestion (splenic vein thrombosis, portal vein obstruction, Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). It is a common condition that occurs in people who have an enlarged spleen but do not show any symptoms or signs. Some individuals with a very enlarged spleen may complain of early satiety (anorexia) and gastric reflux symptoms because of the stomach displacement and pressure on the stomach as a result of the enlarged spleen. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 2022 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved. Leukemic cells can gather in the spleen in some people with CLL. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. An enlarged spleen is usually detected during a physical exam. Determination of normal splenic volume in relation to age, gender and body habitus: a stereological study on computed tomography. If you have infectious mono or some other viral infection, it will go down on its own. (1991). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If the spleen is enlarged, it is unable to function properly, which can lead to the destruction of blood cells. Other symptoms, which are associated with a decrease in blood pressure due to internal bleeding, include: Feeling lightheaded. Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) - Symptoms, Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) - Patient Experience, Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) Topic Guide, Doctor's Notes on Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) Symptoms. To get relief from enlarged spleen, you need to find out ways to control your diet and help to reduce inflammation. That means at least an annual flu shot, and a tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis booster every 10 years. . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Splenomegaly refers to an enlarged spleen. 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. If your spleen is swollen, you may need to sleep on your left side. The presence of enlarged spleens is frequently a sign that the liver and spleen are also enlarged. Surgery may be the best option for patients with chronic or critical conditions. 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. More often, the spleen is removed as treatment. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. It is important to note the importance of vaccination in cases of splenectomy. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Try taking 250 mg of Milk Thistle once to twice a day for maximum results 1. 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. Doctors may suspect that the spleen is enlarged when people complain of fullness or pain in the upper left portion of the abdomen or back. This is thought to be caused by stress, which causes these cells to release hormones like cortisol. Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal size? It's also important to wear a seat belt. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Once you reach adulthood, however, your spleen tends to shrink slightly with each passing decade. If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can't be identified or treated, surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) might be an option. A normal-sized spleen cannot be palpated (felt) during the physical examination of the abdomen, except in slender people. The spleen may become enlarged (splenomegaly) due to many different causes. The physician will most likely order a series of tests, including blood work, an MRI, a Cat Scan and possibly a series of biopsies. Livers can become enlarged or shrunken due to fibrosis or cirrhosis with enlargement (hepatomegaly) being more common but I've never heard of an enlarged liver returning to normal size over a few weeks. Ultrasound can usually measure the length of the spleen along a center line (axis) accurately. You will want to see your doctor and see what (s)he wants you to do. In many conditions, the spleen enlarges as a result of performing its normal physiologic function in response to another medical condition, for example, cirrhosis. A common symptom of an enlarged spleen is a feeling of pain or discomfort in the upper left side of abdomen, where the spleen is located. It is treated with a combination of medications and blood transfusions. I go all out. Yoga stances like the Bound Angle, and Warrior pose, have been known to be good for the spleen and support better spleen health. 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