Is it normal to have an enlarged spleen

It may be needed if your spleen is too large or too damaged to be removed using keyhole surgery. Often, in emergencies, this is the preferred method. You'll need a general anaesthetic and may need to stay in hospital for a few days to recover. It's normal to feel sore and be bruised after a splenectomy, but you'll be given pain relief. Like any operation, spleen removal carries a small risk of complications, including bleeding and infection. You should be given breathing and leg exercises to do at home to reduce your risk of getting a blood clot or a chest infection.

Another risk is the surgical wound becoming infected. If you spot any signs of infection , contact your GP or hospital immediately, as you may need antibiotics.

Recovery usually takes a few weeks. Your doctor or nurse will advise when you can go back to your usual activities, such as driving. If your spleen needs to be removed, other organs, such as the liver, can take over many of the spleen's functions. This means you'll still be able to cope with most infections. But there's a small risk that a serious infection may develop quickly. This risk will be present for the rest of your life.

The risk is also increased if you have a health condition like sickle cell anaemia or coeliac disease , or a health condition that affects your immune system, like HIV. It's recommended that you take low-dose antibiotics for the rest of your life to prevent bacterial infections.

Bites from animals and small blood-sucking parasites called ticks can cause infections. If you get bitten by an animal, particularly a dog, start your course of antibiotics if you have them with you, and seek medical advice urgently. If you go trekking or camping regularly, you may be at risk of Lyme disease , a disease transmitted by ticks.

Healthcare professionals will mark your health records to show that you do not have a working spleen. If possible, avoid countries where malaria is present. This organ is part of your immune system. What does the size of your spleen say about your health, and when should you visit your doctor? Here we give you an overview of what functions the…. The jejunum is one of three sections that make up the small intestine.

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This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Enlarged spleen Open pop-up dialog box Close. Enlarged spleen The spleen is a small organ usually about the size of your fist. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Bona R. Evaluation of splenomegaly and other splenic disorders. Accessed April 22, Merck Manual Professional Version. You can live a very full, normal life without a spleen, though there will be some negative effects.

Regardless of the reason for your splenomegaly, you should exercise caution if your spleen has become enlarged. The risk of splenic laceration or rupture is very real, especially if your spleen is enlarged. This is especially true of contact sports or outdoor action sports like skiing or mountain biking.

Normally, your ribcage protects your spleen, but when it is damaged or irritated it is possible for your spleen to enlarge beyond the ribcage, making it easier to damage in an impact.

This is why, as strange as it may seem, avoiding contact sports for a period of time after you have had certain illnesses like infectious mononucleosis is likely going to be something your doctor recommends.

Whenever there is pain or discomfort in your abdomen for more than a few days, it may be time to talk to your doctor. This is particularly true if you are experiencing more worrying symptoms like unexplained bleeding or sharp pains when you breathe. If you are concerned you may be experiencing the symptoms of splenomegaly, or one of the serious conditions that can cause it, request an appointment at Cary Gastroenterology Associates today.

We can help you sort through the symptoms and understand the risks and treatments available for an enlarged spleen. Book an appointment today at one of our office locations throughout the Cary, Raleigh, Holly Springs and Triangle region.

We are committed to providing you with the most comprehensive quality of gastroenterology care. Swollen Spleen Problems. Enlarged Spleen Splenomegaly Definition and Facts 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. What is the Spleen? What is its Function? Causes of an Enlarged Spleen With its role in cleaning and maintaining your blood supply, the spleen can be susceptible to many different conditions that affect your blood.

The more common causes of this type of damage to the spleen include the following: Amyloidosis: the buildup of abnormal protein deposits in the spleen and other areas of the body Gaucher disease: a genetic enzyme deficiency disorder leading to damaged white blood cells Hurler Syndrome: a genetic condition preventing the proper digestion of sugar that affects many different organs, including the spleen Niemann-Pick Disease: an enzyme deficiency allowing lipids to build up in several kinds of tissue throughout the body Sarcoidosis: a condition of the lymphatic system that causes inflammatory cells to build up in the spleen Infections of various types are also possible causes of splenomegaly.

A few common symptoms that are closely linked to splenic problems are listed below: Anemia Easy bleeding Fatigue Frequent infections Jaundice Pain in the upper left abdomen Weight loss Treatments for Splenomegaly or Enlarged Spleen It is unlikely you will ever go to the doctor just to investigate an enlarged spleen.

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