[20] Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. Causes of Splenomegaly (Enlarged Spleen) Spleen gets enlarged when it has to work excessively for blood cell manufacturing and filtering of the bloodstream. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. You can also help your spleen recover faster by doing. If you have an enlarged spleen, you may not notice it at all. 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. Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal? However, in some people especially those who are slender a healthy, normal-sized spleen can sometimes be felt during an exam. Yours seem to be little more than a set limit. It can expand over time from normal size (which is approximately the size of a small chicken breast) to the size of a softball or approaching the size of a volleyball. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including infection, liver disease, and certain blood disorders. Abnormal flow of blood to the spleen or invasion of the organ with abnormal cells and deposits can also lead to enlargement. This condition is indicative of damage to the liver. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately. The functions of the spleen normally include clearance of invading organisms in the blood (bacteria) from the circulation, production of antibodies for the immune system, and removal of abnormal blood cells. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. While the remaining 3 patients had an enlarged spleen at 1 month, their splenic dimensions had all returned to normal when ultrasonographic examination was repeated at 2 . Natural Remedies For Controlling Enlarged Spleen 1. 3. Answer (1 of 2): The enlargement of the spleen is not the issue. It usually causes pain behind the left ribs, as if it were a spleen. It is important to talk to a doctor about the best way to position oneself for comfort and to avoid further pain or discomfort. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". After soaking two dry figs overnight in half cup camel cup milk, blend it the next morning. Depending on how much is being held in reserve at any one time, the length and volume of the spleen can change. 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. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. People without a spleen (asplenia) are at high risk for significant infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Hemophilus influenzae. Both procedures might be done at the same time. including conditions linked to an enlarged spleen: Sugar-sweetened beverages: soda, milkshakes, iced tea, energy drinks. Usually, doctors can feel an enlarged spleen during a physical examination. Avoid contact sports such as soccer, football and hockey and limit other activities as recommended to reduce the risk of a ruptured spleen. Because an enlarged spleen is often times a symptom for an already existing health problem in the body, by discovering and treating this existing problem, you can bring your spleen back into proper health 2. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Your doctor will advise you to avoid sports and exercise as much as possible until your swelling subsides. One of the bacterial infections, such as endocarditis, can cause an enlarged spleen. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Taking a milk thistle supplement every day, can improve the overall health of your spleen and liver, and can also be used to bring your spleen back into proper balance 1. Once you reach adulthood, however, your spleen tends to shrink slightly with each passing decade. It is a common condition that occurs in people who have an enlarged spleen but do not show any symptoms or signs. Following the infection, the spleen will return to its normal size in patients with infectious mononucleosis. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Avoiding contact sports and wearing seat belts are important measures to take in the prevention of splenic rupture. Lolol. An enlarged spleen may not manifest any symptoms. 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. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. See how the average height for men in the United States compares worldwide. The Tanner stages of puberty outlines the developmental changes you can expect and when they might affect your. You may also need to prop up your head and shoulders with pillows to help prevent the buildup of fluid in your abdomen. You'll also need the pneumococcal vaccine every five years after surgery. Getting plenty of rest and avoiding strenuous activities can help to reduce spleen size and eliminate further injury. Cancer must be considered as a possible cause. Trauma from automobile accidents or contact sports can also cause an enlarged spleen. Disease or other circumstances can affect spleen size at any age. Research source. If bacteria cause your enlarged spleen, antibiotics may be helpful in the treatment. 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. Infections, liver problems, blood cancers, and metabolic disorders can all cause your spleen to become enlarged, a condition called splenomegaly. An enlarged spleen can occasionally cause pain or fullness in the left upper belly, extending to the left shoulder in some cases. Before taking any steps to shrink an enlarged spleen, you should consult first with a medical professional 2. Can i eat vegetable or fruit to shrink my enlarged spleen? Pancreatitis is inflammation of an organ in the abdomen called the pancreas. Can an Enlarged Spleen Be Cared for at Home? A needle biopsy of the spleen is rare because of the risk of bleeding. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of inside the body on a computer screen. Eat foods that are difficult to digest and avoid foods that cause spleen and liver swelling. A small percentage of the normal American population may have a palpable or enlarged spleen. Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal? Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. Can an enlarged spleen shrink back? Cancers, for example, lymphoma and leukemia. Last medically reviewed on June 15, 2018. The list is fairly long. Antibiotics with not eliminate a viral infection, such as mononucleosis, so your doctor will not prescribe you this medication if you have that type of infection. An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) may be easier to palpate during a careful abdominal examination. information submitted for this request. Furthermore, stress can result in an increase in the production of other hormones, such as adrenaline, which can lead to spleen expansion. Mononucleosis may cause enlargement of the spleen. Actually the radiologist said the result was good, because the splenomegalia (large spleen) was the only noticeable thing. Following the removal of your spleen, your life will be completely normal and free of disease. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Can enlarged spleen heal itself? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. An enlarged spleen may return to its normal size and function as long as the underlying disease is treated or resolved. Make sure, if you already have an enlarged spleen, to consult more closely with a yoga instructor, to find out the best yoga exercises you can do that will not already further endanger your health 2. Caglar V, et al. During this period of rest, make sure to avoid any sports or other rigorous activities that could cause further injury to the spleen, such as causing the spleen to rupture, which can be life-threatening. An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) may be easier to palpate during a careful abdominal examination. How Hormonal Birth Control May Affect the Adolescent Brain, The Average Heights of Men Around the World, ASD Symptoms May be Present Before Your Baby First Speaks, 4.7 in. 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. People may also have abdominal or back pain in the area of the spleen in the upper left part of the abdomen or the left side of the back. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Your doctor might order these tests to confirm the diagnosis of an enlarged spleen: To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Drinking milk thistle twice a day is the most effective way to reduce size. What Are the After-Effects of Spleen Removal? If an infection is causing this temporary enlargement of the spleen, the sooner you get it diagnosed and treated, the better. Another cause of splenic pain is enlargement or splenomegaly of the spleen. Radiation therapy is a more advanced treatment option for an enlarged spleen that you can try if your body fails to respond to other treatments 2. Follow-up with the treating physician is an important part of the process as many complications can occur if patients are not compliant with medical recommendations. Elective spleen removal requires careful consideration. Acute and chronic liver diseases can interfere with the functions of the liver and thereby cause symptoms. This can be due to several reasons. When you experience any of these symptoms, it is critical that you seek immediate medical attention. Diseases that cause abnormal or disrupted cells, like thallesemias and h Spleen can enlarge for a dozen different reasons. When should one see a doctor? It is treated with immunosuppressant drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids. Determination of normal dimension of the spleen by ultrasound in an endemic tropical environment. 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