What does the spleen do? How can an enlarged spleen affect your health? Discover the causes, symptoms, and treatments for splenomegaly.

The Spleen: An Organ of the Lymphatic System

The spleen is an organ that is part of the lymphatic system, which is responsible for filtering blood and defending the body against infection. Located in the upper left part of the abdomen, behind the stomach, the spleen is about the size of a human fist and plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy blood supply.

Functions of the Spleen

The spleen performs several important functions:

• Blood Filtration: The spleen filters blood, removing old or damaged red blood cells, as well as bacteria and other foreign substances.
• Blood Cell Production: The spleen helps maintain healthy levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• Immune System Support: The spleen is part of the lymphatic system and plays a role in the body’s immune response, helping to fight off infections.

Causes of an Enlarged Spleen

An enlarged spleen, known as splenomegaly, can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

1. Infections: Viral infections, such as mononucleosis, and bacterial infections, such as endocarditis, can lead to an enlarged spleen.
2. Cancer: Certain types of cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma, can cause the spleen to swell.
3. Inflammatory Diseases: Conditions like sarcoidosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to an enlarged spleen.
4. Liver Diseases: Cirrhosis and other liver diseases can also result in splenomegaly.
5. Blood Disorders: Abnormal blood cell production or destruction, such as in hypersplenism, can lead to an enlarged spleen.
6. Trauma: Physical injury, such as from contact sports, can cause the spleen to swell.
7. Other Conditions: Infiltrative diseases like Gaucher disease, amyloidosis, and glycogen storage diseases can also lead to an enlarged spleen.

Symptoms of an Enlarged Spleen

In many cases, an enlarged spleen does not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, some common signs and symptoms of splenomegaly include:

• Feeling of fullness or discomfort in the upper left part of the abdomen
• Pain that may spread to the left shoulder
• Inability to eat large meals
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Frequent infections
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Anemia

Diagnosing an Enlarged Spleen

If a healthcare provider suspects an enlarged spleen, they will typically perform a physical examination, feeling the abdomen to detect any swelling. Additional diagnostic tests may include:

• Blood tests to check for underlying conditions
• Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, to visualize the size and shape of the spleen
• In some cases, a biopsy of the spleen may be necessary to determine the cause of the enlargement

Treating an Enlarged Spleen

The treatment for an enlarged spleen depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, addressing the underlying condition can help reduce the size of the spleen and alleviate any associated symptoms. Some common treatment approaches include:

• Medications to treat infections, cancer, or inflammatory conditions
• Lifestyle changes, such as limiting physical activity to prevent spleen rupture
• Surgery (splenectomy) to remove the spleen, in cases where the enlargement is severe or the underlying condition cannot be effectively treated

It’s important to note that if the spleen is removed, the individual will be more susceptible to certain bacterial infections and will require ongoing preventive measures, such as vaccinations and antibiotics.

Preventing Complications of an Enlarged Spleen

Prompt treatment and management of the underlying cause of an enlarged spleen is crucial to prevent serious complications, such as:

• Rupture of the spleen, which can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding
• Increased risk of infections, especially if the spleen is removed
• Complications related to the underlying condition, such as anemia or blood disorders

By working closely with a healthcare provider to address the root cause of splenomegaly, individuals can minimize the risk of these complications and maintain their overall health and well-being.

Enlarged Spleen: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Written by Annie Stuart

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on April 25, 2023

• Causes of an Enlarged Spleen
• Symptoms of an Enlarged Spleen
• Treatments for an Enlarged Spleen

What is the spleen and what causes an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)?

The spleen sits under your rib cage in the upper left part of your abdomen toward your back. It is an organ that is part of the lymph system and works as a drainage network that defends your body against infection.

White blood cells produced in the spleen engulf bacteria, dead tissue, and foreign matter, removing them from the blood as blood passes through it. The spleen also maintains healthy red and white blood cells and platelets; platelets help your blood clot. The spleen filters blood, removing abnormal blood cells from the bloodstream.

The spleen is part of the lymph system and works as a drainage network that defends your body against infection. It is normally about the size of your fist.

A spleen is normally about the size of your fist. A doctor usually can’t feel it during an exam. But diseases can cause it to swell and become many times its normal size. Because the spleen is involved in many functions, many conditions may affect it.

An enlarged spleen is not always a sign of a problem. When a spleen becomes enlarged, though, it often means it has been doing its job but has become overactive. For example, sometimes the spleen is overactive in removing and destroying blood cells. This is called hypersplenism. It can happen for many reasons, including problems with too many platelets and other disorders of the blood.

An enlarged spleen can be caused by infections, cirrhosis and other liver diseases, blood diseases characterized by abnormal blood cells, problems with the lymph system, or other conditions.

Here are some common causes of an enlarged spleen:

Infections

• Viral infections, such as mononucleosis
• Parasitic infections, such as toxoplasmosis
• Bacterial infections, such as endocarditis (an infection of your heart’s valves)

Cancer

• Leukemia, a cancer in which white blood cells displace normal blood cells
• Lymphoma, a cancer of lymph tissue, such as Hodgkin’s disease

Other causes of an enlarged spleen include:

• Inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis
• Trauma, such as an injury during contact sports
• Cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the spleen
• A cyst, a noncancerous fluid-filled sac
• A large abscess, a pus-filled cavity usually caused by a bacterial infection
• Infiltrative diseases such as Gaucher disease, amyloidosis, or glycogen storage diseases

Most people don’t know they have an enlarged spleen because symptoms are rare. People usually find out about it during a physical exam. These are the most common symptoms of an enlarged spleen:

• Being unable to eat a large meal.
• Feeling discomfort, fullness, or pain on the upper left side of the abdomen; this pain may spread to your left shoulder.

If you have pain that is severe or gets worse when taking a deep breath, see your doctor right away.

If you have an enlarged spleen, you may develop other signs or symptoms, too. These are related to the underlying disease. They may include signs and symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Frequent infections
• Easy bleeding
• Jaundice
• Anemia

Your doctor will ask you questions and do a physical exam to diagnose an enlarged, painful spleen. This involves palpating (examining by touch) your spleen. You will also likely need diagnostic tests to confirm the cause of the swollen spleen. These may include blood tests, an ultrasound, or computerized tomography (CT) scan. In some cases, other tests may be needed.

Limit any activities that could rupture your spleen, such as contact sports. A ruptured spleen can cause lots of blood loss and be life threatening. It’s important to seek treatment for the cause of your enlarged spleen. Left untreated, an enlarged spleen can lead to serious complications. In most cases, treatment of the underlying cause of the enlarged spleen can prevent removal of the spleen. In some cases, the spleen will need to be removed surgically (splenectomy).

If surgery is needed, a surgeon is likely to remove the spleen using laparoscopy rather than open surgery. This means the surgery is performed through small incisions. A laparoscope allows the surgeon to view and remove the spleen.

If your spleen is removed, you cannot effectively clear certain bacteria from your body and will be more vulnerable to certain infections. So vaccines or other medications are needed to prevent infection.

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Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen): Causes, symptoms, and treatments

The spleen acts as part of the immune system by filtering blood. Splenomegaly occurs when the spleen grows larger or becomes heavier.

Healthcare professionals consider splenomegaly when the spleen is anywhere from 12 to 20 centimeters (cm) (4.7 to 7.9 inches [in]) in length and weighs more than 400 grams (g) (0.88 pounds [lb]).

Massive splenomegaly occurs when the spleen is larger than 20 cm (7.9 in) or weighs more than 1,000 g (2.2 lb).

This article will discuss some potential causes and symptoms of splenomegaly, as well as the treatment options currently available.

Some of the most common causes of splenomegaly include:

• Blood-related disorders: Conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloproliferative conditions can cause cancer cells to invade the spleen and multiply rapidly, thereby increasing the spleen’s size. An estimated 64% of massive splenomegaly cases are due to blood-related disorders.
• Liver diseases: Liver diseases such as cirrhosis or hepatitis can cause increased pressure in the liver that backs up to the spleen. As a result, the spleen starts to enlarge. Hepatosplenomegaly occurs when enlargement and swelling affect both the liver and the spleen.
• Spleen infections: Because the spleen is part of the immune system, infections such as mononucleosis, tuberculosis, bacterial endocarditis, or HIV can cause the spleen to enlarge.

Some less common causes of splenomegaly include:

• connective tissue disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis
• cytopenias, such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia or immune thrombocytopenia purpura
• infiltrative disorders, such as amyloidosis or sarcoidosis
• splenic congestion, including congestive heart failure and portal hypertension
• splenic sequestration, which includes conditions such as pediatric sickle cell disease and hemolytic anemias
• venous thrombosis, such as hepatic or portal vein thrombosis
• rare conditions, including Banti’s syndrome and wandering spleen

Regardless of the cause, splenomegaly is a rare condition. An estimated 2% of the population experiences splenomegaly in their lifetime.

Older individuals are slightly more at risk of developing the condition because the outer covering of the spleen, known as the capsule, becomes slightly thinner with age.

Splenomegaly may not always cause symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur, they may include:

• abdominal bloating
• feelings of abdominal fullness, even after eating only a small amount
• frequent infections
• anemia
• fatigue
• discomfort or pain around the left ribs
• bleeding easily

However, the symptoms of splenomegaly often depend upon the underlying cause. For example, a person with splenomegaly related to cancer may experience:

• night sweats
• unexplained weight loss
• weakness

However, a person who has splenomegaly related to an infection may experience different symptoms altogether. These may include:

• fever
• a general feeling of being unwell (malaise)
• shaking

Meanwhile, a person with splenomegaly related to a blood disorder can have symptoms that include:

• easy bleeding
• easy bruising
• lightheadedness
• shortness of breath

A doctor will consider a person’s symptoms along with any known underlying medical conditions.

In most circumstances, a person cannot feel their spleen. However, a doctor may be able to feel an enlarged spleen just under the left side of the ribs.

To diagnose splenomegaly, a doctor will start by having the person describe their symptoms. They will also perform a physical examination to see whether or not they can feel an enlarged spleen.

A doctor who suspects splenomegaly will likely order laboratory and imaging tests. Some examples of these tests include:

• A complete blood count: This includes measurements of white and red blood cells and platelets. Having low counts of these three measurements may indicate splenomegaly.
• Imaging studies: Typically, these will include CT scans and ultrasounds.
• Liver function tests: Having high levels of liver enzymes such as AST and ALT may suggest splenomegaly.

Again, the tests a doctor orders may depend on the potential underlying cause.

Because other medical conditions tend to cause splenomegaly, treatment will usually start with addressing the underlying condition. For example, a person with splenomegaly related to sickle cell anemia will require blood transfusions or blood exchange transfusions.

In some cases, such as a rupture or cancer, a surgeon may have to remove a person’s spleen in a procedure known as splenectomy. Like the gallbladder or appendix, a person can live without their spleen. However, because the spleen contains so much blood, this type of surgery can be high risk due to excessive bleeding concerns.

While undergoing treatment for the underlying condition, a person should be very careful to avoid sustaining abdominal injuries. Trauma to an enlarged spleen can easily cause the spleen to rupture, which can lead to life threatening bleeding. For example, a person should avoid playing contact sports when they have splenomegaly to reduce their risk of injury.

Splenomegaly can lead to rupture of the spleen. This results in the need for surgery and often blood transfusions to restore blood volumes.

If a person has their spleen removed, they have a higher risk of some infection types. These include Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis.

The spleen usually carries immune cells that can help fight such illnesses. However, people who undergo splenectomy may require stronger antibiotics to fight infections than a person who has not had this surgery.

A person should see their doctor if they have any symptoms associated with splenomegaly — such as abdominal symptoms they cannot explain, including swelling, pain, or appetite loss — or can feel their spleen on their left side.

If a person has a known condition that leads to splenomegaly, they should be aware of the potential symptoms and call their doctor if they experience any of them.

Splenomegaly is a rare but potentially life threatening occurrence that can lead to splenic rupture.

The condition can develop due to several underlying medical conditions, ranging from blood disorders to liver disease.

If a person suspects that they have splenomegaly, they should see their doctor and take steps to protect against abdominal injury.

Spleen enlargement: why it is dangerous

Very often the question is asked, what is the reason for the enlargement of the spleen, what is the danger of such a violation. There are no unnecessary organs in the human body. Each of them has its own important functions. The spleen is needed in order for metabolic processes to occur correctly, it regulates hematopoiesis, cleanses the blood of bacteria, and is responsible for the level of its coagulability. This organ works in close connection with others, so the spleen enlarges when they function incorrectly. The spleen is especially clearly affected by disturbances in the functioning of the liver, its enlargement is one of the symptoms of such a serious disease as cirrhosis. The most common causes of cirrhosis are viral hepatitis B and C, fatty liver disease, and alcoholic liver disease. In these diseases, hepatocytes are replaced by fat cells or connective tissue. Gradually, the liver ceases to perform its functions, which leads to very serious consequences. Therefore, if deviations in the size of the spleen are detected, not only a consultation with a hepatologist is necessary, but also a comprehensive examination, necessarily with the use of liver elastometry.

The normal size of the spleen in adults is:

• length – from 8 to 15 centimeters;
• width – from 6 to 9 centimeters;
• thickness – from 4 to 6 centimeters;
• weight – 140-200 grams.

Symptoms

Having increased, this organ can even reach 500 grams, squeezing neighboring organs and causing pain. Since the spleen is located near the stomach, one of the symptoms of its abnormally large size is a feeling of heaviness in the stomach after eating, which appears even if very little is eaten. Sometimes pains are fixed in the abdomen or behind on the left side, this most likely means that some parts of the spleen are destroyed due to insufficient blood supply to them.

Consequences

If we talk about the dangers of an enlarged spleen for the human body as a whole, it is first of all important to note that the processes of hematopoiesis in the body are disturbed. The enlarged organ gets the opportunity to “capture” more than usual, the number of blood cells. It would seem that this is good, the spleen will better cleanse the blood of diseased cells. But, unfortunately, this is not entirely true. Pathological blood cells, when too many of them are extracted, clog the spleen itself, from which it grows even more, but the blood filters worse and worse. As a result, the body begins to destroy not only pathological, but also healthy blood cells, destroy them. Danger threatens red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells.

In the case of a sharp decrease in the number of red blood cells, a person becomes ill with anemia. The destruction of leukocytes destroys the body’s immune system, a person begins to get sick with infectious diseases very often. A lack of platelets leads to a deterioration in blood clotting, which is also very dangerous.

Treatment of the spleen comes down to eliminating the cause of its enlargement, that is, it is necessary to cure the disease that led to failures. In extreme cases, the organ is removed, but this is highly undesirable, since immunity deteriorates significantly, because the blood is left without its filter, and, consequently, the risk of infectious diseases increases.

Important to know!

• What is cirrhosis of the liver?
• Should hepatic steatosis be treated?
• What is fatty liver?
• What is hepatic steatosis?

1.1 What is splenomegaly?

• 1.2 Causes of splenomegaly
• 1.3 Symptoms that may indicate the presence of splenomegaly in adults
• 1.4 Diagnosis of splenomegaly
  • 1. 4.1 History
  • 1.4.2 Examination of the patient
  • 1.4.3 Instrumental methods of research
• 1.5 Complex treatment of splenomegaly
• 1.6 Drug therapy for splenomegaly
• 1.7 Surgical treatment of splenomegaly
• 1.8 Alternative treatments for splenomegaly
  • 1.8.1 Special dietary regimen
  • 1.8.2 Herbal preparations
  • 1.8.3 Massage and yoga
• 1.9 Rehabilitation after treatment of splenomegaly
  • 1.9.1 Physical rehabilitation:

  9000 7 1.9.2 Nutrition:

  • 1.9.3 Psychological assistance:
  • 1.9 .4 Long-term monitoring:
• 1.10 Prevention of splenomegaly
• 1.11 Q&A:
  • • 1.11.0.1 What is splenomegaly?
    • 1.11.0.2 What causes splenomegaly in adults?
    • 1.11.0.3 What are the symptoms associated with splenomegaly in adults?
    • 1.11.0.4 How is splenomegaly diagnosed in adults?
    • 1.11.0.5 What are the treatments for splenomegaly in adults?
    • 1. 11.0.6 Can splenomegaly in adults be life-threatening?
• 1.12 Conclusions
  • 1.12.1 Causes of splenomegaly
  • 1.12.2 Methods of treatment
  • 1.12.3 Prevention of splenomegaly
• 1.13 Related videos:

Splenomegaly is an increase in the size of the spleen, which means that something is wrong in the body. The article will tell about the causes of this disease in adults and methods of its treatment.

Splenomegaly is a medical condition characterized by an enlarged spleen. In a healthy adult, the spleen is approximately 11-12 cm long, 6 cm wide and about 4 cm thick. If the size of this organ increases by more than 3 cm in length and thickness, this may already be a sign of splenomegaly.

Splenomegaly can have a variety of causes, from infectious diseases to cancer. It can also occur with systemic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn’s disease, and others. It is important not to ignore such symptoms, as splenomegaly can be a sign of serious illness.

Treatment of splenomegaly depends on its cause. Diagnosis and treatment of the disease can be carried out by gastroscopy or biopsy. In some cases where splenomegaly causes no symptoms, no treatment is required. However, if you have symptoms, you should see your doctor to determine the cause of splenomegaly and get appropriate treatment.

What is splenomegaly?

Splenomegaly is an increase in the size of the spleen beyond normal. The spleen is an important organ of the lymphatic system that plays a key role in blood purification and infection control. It is also involved in the production of certain types of blood cells.

An enlarged spleen can be caused by a number of different factors, including infectious diseases, blood disorders, immune system disorders, liver damage, and other factors.

Splenomegaly may go unnoticed and cause no warning symptoms, but in some cases it may be a sign of a serious illness. Treatment for splenomegaly depends on its cause and may include conservative treatments, such as drug therapy, or surgery when the cause is a tumor or other mass.

Reasons for the development of splenomegaly

Splenomegaly is an increase in the size of the spleen. This phenomenon can be caused by various reasons, which are often associated with various diseases and conditions of the body:

• Infectious diseases – often lead to the development of splenomegaly. These diseases include typhus, brucellosis, syphilis and malaria. Sometimes splenomegaly can be caused by viral hepatitis, influenza, and other infectious diseases.
• Cancers—blood cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, lymphoma, and other tumors can cause the spleen to enlarge.
• Autoimmune diseases – diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis and others can cause splenomegaly.
• Hemolytic diseases – these include spherocytosis, thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic anemia and others.

In addition, an enlarged spleen can be caused by factors such as diet and lifestyle, circulatory disorders in the spleen vein, immune system disorders, etc.

No

50%

adults

Pain in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen is one of the main symptoms of splenomegaly. It may appear after eating or exercising.

Enlargement of the spleen is also one of the signs of splenomegaly. Usually, an enlarged spleen is not accompanied by pain, but can reach a significant size.

Loss of appetite is a common symptom of splenomegaly. It can be associated with general weakness of the body, as well as with other concomitant diseases.

Tenderness with pressure on the area of ​​the left upper quadrant of the abdomen may indicate the presence of splenomegaly. This symptom is usually accompanied by an increase in the size of the spleen.

Fatigue and weakness may be associated with anemia due to splenomegaly. Anemia occurs due to increased destruction of blood in the spleen.

It is important to note that the symptoms of splenomegaly may also have a common etiology with other diseases, so extensive diagnosis and comprehensive treatment are needed.

Diagnosis of splenomegaly

Anamnesis

When contacting a doctor, the patient should describe his symptoms, how long ago they began and how long they last. It is important to learn about the presence of previous diseases that can lead to splenomegaly.

Examination of the patient

The doctor performs a general examination of the patient in an attempt to identify an enlarged spleen. To do this, he can feel the abdomen, percussing in the lower left quadrant.

Your doctor may also perform auscultation to look for abnormal sounds.

Instrumental methods of research

MRI, ultrasound, CT and X-ray are the main instrumental methods of investigation for suspected splenomegaly. Sometimes it may be necessary to puncture the spleen in order to obtain tissue material for further research.

1. MRI – allows you to get a detailed image of the spleen and surrounding tissue.
2. Ultrasound is a non-invasive method to detect changes in the size of the spleen.
3. CT – allows you to get a tomogram of the abdominal organs, including an image of the spleen

All instrumental techniques allow you to visualize the spleen and help the doctor determine its size and degree of enlargement.

Comprehensive treatment of splenomegaly

Splenomegaly is a consequence of various diseases and requires an integrated approach to treatment.

Treatment of the underlying disease: to reduce the size of the spleen, the underlying disease must be treated. For example, infections and inflammations are treated with antibiotics, and cancers are treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery.

Diet: Diet should be rich in protein, iron and vitamins. It is necessary to give up fatty and fried foods, alcohol and strong drinks, as they can increase the size of the spleen.

Medications: The doctor may prescribe medications to help reduce inflammation and pain in the spleen. Also, in some cases, blood therapy and erythrocyte transfusion may be prescribed.

Surgery: if the spleen is greatly enlarged or in danger of being damaged, surgery may be necessary. In this case, the spleen is removed or an operation is performed to restore normal size.

Thus, complex treatment of splenomegaly should be selected depending on the cause of the disease and have an individual approach for each patient.

Drug therapy for splenomegaly

Splenomegaly is a relatively well-known condition in which the spleen becomes enlarged. This can happen in adults for a variety of reasons. Some forms of splenomegaly can be treated with drugs.

Corticosteroids is one of the most commonly used types of drugs for the treatment of splenomegaly. They help reduce inflammation and prevent the progression of the disease. These drugs may have side effects such as high blood pressure and an increased risk of infections.

Medicines to treat infections – may be recommended if splenomegaly is caused by an infectious disease. Antibiotics can shorten the time it takes to kill harmful organisms. They may have side effects such as dysbiosis and allergic reactions.

Immune system regulating drugs – may be used to treat splenomegaly caused by an immune disease. These drugs can affect immune system function and reduce inflammation. They can also affect other systems in the body, and often have a significant amount of side effects.

Before taking any medicine for the treatment of splenomegaly, you should seek the advice of a specialist – an immunologist or a hematologist. He or she will help you choose the most appropriate drug and manage side effects.

Surgery for splenomegaly

Surgery for splenomegaly is the solution when conservative therapy fails. The procedure consists in removing the spleen, which eliminates its functioning and prevents further development of the disease.

Before surgery, it is necessary to conduct a serious preparation of the patient, including a comprehensive diagnosis of the state of the body, as well as informing about possible risks and complications.

Surgical treatment of splenomegaly can be performed by various methods: open access, laparoscopically, endoscopically. The choice of method depends on the patient’s condition and individual characteristics, as well as on the experience and qualifications of the surgeon.

After the operation, it is necessary to follow the regimen and recommendations of the doctor, especially in the first days after surgery. The recovery period can be quite long, but in most cases the result of the operation allows avoiding complications and improving the patient’s quality of life.

Alternative treatments for splenomegaly

Special dietary regimen

When splenomegaly is diagnosed, there is often a need for a special dietary regimen that will reduce the burden on the organ and reduce inflammation.

The initial recommendation is often to eliminate foods that are high in fat, sugar, and alcohol. You can also include vitamin and mineral-rich vegetables and fruits in your diet to support your immune system and promote faster recovery.

Herbal preparations

Alternative treatments for splenomegaly include herbal preparations, which are used both to reduce symptoms and as a preventive measure.

An example of such drugs is turmeric, which is taken as a tablet or added to food. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help control inflammation in the spleen.

Massage and yoga

Many people claim that massage and yoga have a positive effect on the functioning of the spleen. Massage is aimed at improving blood circulation and reducing swelling, and yoga is aimed at normalizing breathing and increasing immunity.

However, before starting such treatment, it is necessary to consult with a general practitioner in order not to harm your health.

Rehabilitation after treatment of splenomegaly

Physical rehabilitation:

The main direction of physical rehabilitation after treatment of splenomegaly is to restore strength and endurance of the body. Physiotherapy exercises, special breathing exercises and massage will help restore muscle tone, strengthen the press and increase lung capacity.

Nutrition:

After the treatment of splenomegaly, it is especially important to restore the reserves of vitamins, including iron, which is an important component of the blood. It is recommended to eat iron-rich foods such as beef, turkey, eggs and beans. A nutritionist can create an individual diet for a quick recovery of the body.

Psychological help:

Treatment of splenomegaly can be a difficult period in a person’s life, so psychological help is an important part of rehabilitation. A psychologist can help deal with the emotional trauma that the illness may have caused and teach the patient relaxation and stress management techniques.

Long-term monitoring:

After treatment of splenomegaly, regular medical check-ups should be carried out to monitor the condition of the body. Measurement of the size of the spleen, blood tests and other studies will help identify possible relapses of the disease and start treatment in a timely manner.

Prevention of splenomegaly

Prevention of splenomegaly includes regular medical examinations, especially for people with gastrointestinal problems, immune deficiencies, and hematopoietic disorders.

It is important to take care of your lifestyle, including proper nutrition, regular physical activity and avoidance of bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol.

Protection against infections is also an important part of prevention, so it is necessary to maintain hygiene, wear masks during epidemics, get vaccinated and take antiviral and antimicrobial drugs if necessary.

Regular monitoring of blood levels and the condition of the circulatory system will help to quickly identify violations and take measures to prevent the development of the disease.

In addition, it is recommended:

• completely avoid contact with infected people;
• pre-treat water and food;
• avoid overwork and stressful situations;
• sleep at least 7-8 hours a day;
• take note of the principles of a healthy lifestyle.

Q&A:

What is splenomegaly?

Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen.

What causes splenomegaly in adults?

Splenomegaly in adults can be caused by many causes, such as infectious diseases, hematological diseases, tumors, liver cirrhosis, etc.

What are the symptoms associated with splenomegaly in adults?

Splenomegaly can be accompanied by an increase in the size of the abdomen, pain in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, fatigue, fever, weight loss, etc.

How is splenomegaly diagnosed in adults?

Diagnosis of splenomegaly in adults includes examination of the patient, ultrasound and X-ray examination, blood test, etc.

What are the treatments for splenomegaly in adults?

Treatment options for splenomegaly in adults depend on the cause and may include drugs, surgical removal of the spleen, bone marrow transplant, etc.

Can splenomegaly in adults be life-threatening?

Yes, splenomegaly in adults can be life-threatening, especially if it is caused by a malignant tumor or hematological disease.

Conclusions

Causes of splenomegaly

Having studied the causes of splenomegaly in adults, we can conclude that this can be the result of many diseases, both oncological and non-oncological. Some of them are due to circulatory disorders in the spleen, others – inflammatory processes and infections. An equally important factor is heredity and genetic predisposition.

Methods of treatment

Splenomegaly diagnosed by ultrasound. Antibiotics are used to treat inflammation and infections. However, if a tumor or hemoblastosis is detected, surgery is necessary. In some cases, an increase in the amount of physical activity is shown. In general, each patient with splenomegaly should be treated individually.

Prevention of splenomegaly

There are no specific measures to prevent splenomegaly. However, regular check-ups and monitoring of your health will help to detect developing diseases in a timely manner. Rational nutrition and sports also contribute to the overall strengthening of the body and reduce the risk of developing splenomegaly.