Hiccups Tiredness Frequent infections Inability to eat a lot of food Pain in the belly, specifically the upper left side
An enlarged spleen can seriously compromise your immune and lymphatic systems, so it’s important to get it treated. This is especially true if you experience extreme pain on the left side of your belly, right under your ribs.
An abdominal x-ray An ultrasound A CT scan A complete blood count (CBC) Liver function tests Bone marrow biopsy
Bacterial or viral infections (mononucleosis is the infection most commonly associated with an enlarged spleen) Liver diseases Blood diseases Cancer
Some underlying causes of an enlarged spleen, such as cancer, cannot be treated with antibiotics. However, an infection in the organ itself can be treated with antibiotics. 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.
Some underlying causes of an enlarged spleen, such as cancer, cannot be treated with antibiotics. However, an infection in the organ itself can be treated with antibiotics. 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.
Lupus. This is an autoimmune disease that is typically treated with a combination of immunosuppressant drugs, including corticosteroids and antimalarials. This disease cannot be cured, but doctors are typically very successful at suppressing symptoms and preventing flare-ups with a combination of medications. [7] X Research source Rheumatoid arthritis. This chronic inflammatory disease affects the joints. It is treated with immunosuppressant drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids. [8] X Trustworthy Source Arthritis Foundation Main organization devoted to arthritis support and education Go to source Sickle cell disease. This is a condition in which the red blood cells do not form properly. It is treated with a combination of medications and blood transfusions. In some rare cases a stem cell transplant may also be required. [9] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Cystic Fibrosis. This is a condition that affects the function of the lungs. While it cannot be cured, it is treated with a combination of medication, airway clearing techniques, and surgical interventions. [10] X Research source Cirrhosis. This condition is indicative of damage to the liver. It is treated by stopping behaviors that caused the damage, taking medication to control discomfort, and, in some cases, transplanting the liver. [11] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Syphilis, which is a sexually transmitted disease. It is treated with antibiotics. The most common antibiotic used is penicillin, although there are alternative medications for those allergic to penicillin. [13] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Malaria. This is a contagious disease that is caused by parasites and spread by mosquito bites. It is treated with a series of medications that are determined by the exact strain that you have been infected with. [14] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Leukemia, which is a type of blood cancer. Treatment for leukemia usually includes a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, and a stem cell transplant. [17] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Hodgkin’s disease, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system. Treatment for this type of cancer usually includes chemotherapy and radiation. [18] X Trustworthy Source National Cancer Institute An agency in the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer research and patient support Go to source Tumors in the spleen, which are typically treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
A splenectomy can be done either with an open incision or a laparoscopically. Surgeons typically prefer to do laparoscopic surgery because recovery is usually easier and faster. However, your surgeon may have to do an open incision surgery if you have scar tissue in the way or complications occur during laparoscopic surgery.
This does not mean that you can’t do any physical activity. Gentle activities, such as walking or swimming, are actually great to do. You just have to be careful of your spleen.
Having timely vaccinations can generally help you avoid serious illness and it can protect your spleen from further damage.
If you’re not sure what you can safely eat while your spleen is healing, ask your doctor. You can also help your spleen recover faster by doing stress-reducing activities, such as meditation and yoga.
