The spleen is a vital organ that filters and eliminates infection causing agents from the blood. It also gets rid of old, abnormal blood cells and maintains a normal supply of healthy cells.
In normal conditions, the spleen is roughly the size of our fist. When it gets inflamed and swollen, the size increases considerably; and the condition is called splenomegaly.
Swollen Spleen Symptoms
- The chief symptom is pain. At first, pain is felt in the upper abdomen; it gradually extends to the left shoulder.
- As the pain increases, breathing becomes difficult.
- As the spleen enlarges, it presses on to the stomach.Consequently, the patient feels full easily.
- Even a small injury bleeds profusely.
- Symptoms of anemia come up: headaches, breathlessness, giddiness and fatigue.
- Also, the patient is al lot more vulnerable to infections.
Causes Of Swollen Spleen
- Infection (bacterial, viral or parasitic) is the chief cause.
- A liver disorder also triggers spleenomegaly.
- An abnormality in the lymph system is an important cause.
- Trauma, inflammatory diseases, leukemia, etc are other significant causes
Treatment For Enlarged Spleen
The condition is diagnosed on the basis of the symptoms and examination. Blood tests, X- rays, ultrasound, and CT scans need to done to establish the exact cause.
- Complete bed rest is a must to prevent rupture.
- In case of a rupture, surgery is unavoidable.
- Also, medications are given to treat the underlying cause.
To prevent infections, drugs and vaccines must be given from time to time.