An enlarged spleen may not cause any signs and symptoms itself, but it could be an indication of a fundamental illness that causes splenomegaly. The spleen is usually as big as a fist. The causes of enlarged liver and spleen can be broadly categorized into various groups, including the wide range of infections as well as some cancerous diseases and anemia. 8. Treatment for an enlarged spleen depends on the condition causing it. Otherwise, look out for: feeling full very quickly after eating (an enlarged spleen can press on the stomach) feeling discomfort or pain behind your left ribs; anaemia and fatigue; frequent infections; easy bleeding; Doctors can often tell if you have an enlarged spleen by feeling your abdomen. The incidence is believed to be in response to hyperfunction in order to compensate for the rapid breakdown in the red blood cells. An enlarged spleen does not cause many symptoms, and the symptoms that it does cause may be mistaken for many other medical conditions. Symptoms present with no cause may lead your doctor to suggest you have your enlarged spleen removed surgically, known as a splenectomy. An enlarged spleen can also be caused by too much pressure on the veins in the spleen or liver. Mononucleosis, commonly known as mono, is a virus that causes extreme fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. Enlarged Spleen Causes. A number of viral, bacterial and parasitic infections can cause the spleen to enlarge; some of the most common are mononucleosis, endocarditis, syphilis, and malaria. A tea made from apple tree bark can cleanse the lymphatic system and shrink an enlarged spleen. In chronic or critical cases, surgery may offer the best hope for recovery. Cirrhosis of the liver is serious scarring of the liver due to a variety of liver diseases, alcohol abuse, or other conditions. Research has shown that around 3% of first-year college students have enlarged spleens. Send thanks to the doctor. A cat may experience a variety of symptoms that warrant investigation in order to treat the primary cause … The underlying cause of an enlarged spleen will largely affect treatment. Abnormal flow of blood to the spleen or invasion of the organ with abnormal cells and deposits can also lead to enlargement. An enlarged spleen can cause chronic infection and this infection can become dangerous so the specialist may decide to remove the organ if the alteration is very serious, however this decision will depend strictly on physician's diagnosis. It can be as a result of many disorders including viral infections, cirrhosis, blood cancer and anemia. It is an enlargement of the spleen that is often associated with any disease that involves an aberration in the red blood cells. … Health or food experts recommend some natural foods in inflammatory disease like enlarged spleen. Rather than being a disease itself, an enlarged spleen is often a sign of an underlying health problem. Causes of Splenomegaly (Enlarged Spleen) Spleen gets enlarged when it has to work excessively for blood cell manufacturing and filtering of the bloodstream. One of the most likely causes of an enlarged spleen is an infection, since swelling in the spleen signifies an increase in white blood cells that are trying to attack something threatening. Non-tumor diseases like infection (abscess) and splenic torsion (strangulation of splenic blood vessels), are also causes of an enlarged spleen, necessitating surgery. Common causes of enlarged spleen include: liver disease , Elective spleen removal requires careful consideration. Cancer: various cancer diseases can cause inflammation of the spleen, such as leukaemia and lymphomas. Papaya is a food that is extremely rich in vitamins like A, C, several minerals, folate, fiber etc. Sometimes, it may grow so large that it outgrows its blood supply. ; In some circumstances, removing the spleen is part of the treatment, but it can make the person much more susceptible to infections. 3 thanks. Due to various causes, however, the organ can become enlarged; when this happens, there can be many consequences. Liver disease such as cirrhosis can also cause an enlarged spleen, as it increases pressure in the vein that supplies the organ's blood. The spleen becomes bigger in many infections. The organ has high significance due to its ability to keep your bodily fluids balanced. 5. One condition you might experience is an inflamed/enlarged spleen. Find answers to health issues you can trust from Healthgrades.com You can experience the pain in the organ organs due to any number of conditions. For instance, the spleen may fail to filter the blood properly. Causes of Enlarged Spleen. Also, apple cider that has been boiled down to syrup, taken by the tablespoon as a tonic, can ease an enlarged spleen. What does surgery entail for your pet if they have been diagnosed with a splenic tumor or general enlargement of the spleen? Depending upon the cause, the enlarged spleen may return to normal size and function when the underlying disease is treated or resolved. An enlarged spleen does not always cause symptoms. A spleen is one of the largest organs in your lymphatic system. There are a number of reasons that your spleen can become enlarged. Cirrhosis Of The Liver NewLifeOutlook. here are To avoid it if you feel any discomfort see a doctor right away and do as he or she advises. Other causes include cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia, … There are numerous causes of enlarged spleen. Spleen pain can cause severe discomfort. 0. But, it is possible to live without the organ. Bacterial and Viral Infections. 1 doctor answer. The spleen, an organ in the upper abdomen, can become enlarged from various causes. Long standing: Fatty liver can lead to cirrhosis, and the associated portal hypertension can produce splenomegaly. Supplements. Liver disease: suffering from nasty cirrhosis increases the size of the spleen. Eating Papaya Helps. Table 2. In chronic or critical cases, surgery may offer the best hope for recovery. Heart failure: only in extreme and difficult venous return cases they can inflame the spleen. Plan to rest, stay hydrated, and treat the symptoms of the virus over the next 2-6 weeks. The spleen may become enlarged (splenomegaly) due to many different causes. Here are some common causes of an enlarged spleen: Infections • Viral infections, such as mononucleosis Hepatosplenomegaly refers to an enlargement of the liver and spleen. Sometimes injury or illness causes the spleen to enlarge 1. Treat mononucleosis if it is causing your enlarged spleen. There are a variety of reasons why a spleen might become enlarged, but the basic mechanism is generally some kind of buildup or clot of either the waste materials the spleen is supposed to be filtering out or an overload of the blood components that it regulates. 0 comment . Answered on Aug 9, 2019. 3. Elective spleen removal requires careful consideration. The spleen is an organ located in the upper left part of your abdomen under your rib cage, toward your back. Because the enlarged spleen lies next to the stomach and sometimes presses against it, people may feel full after eating a small snack or even without eating. What Causes an Enlarged Spleen? Specializes in Hematology. Your spleen plays an important role in your immune system, so see a doctor if it becomes swollen or painful. Because mono is caused by a virus, there is no standard cure or treatment and antibiotics are not effective. They include cirrhosis and other liver disorders, a variety of infections, abnormalities of the immune system and so on. Causes of an Enlarged Spleen 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. Because the enlarged spleen lies next to the stomach and sometimes presses against it, people may feel full after eating a small snack or even without eating. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better. There are numerous causes for an enlarged spleen, but there are also natural treatments available to address this condition. Several causes like liver disease and cancer can produce the need for an inflamed spleen diet. Your doctor will monitor you for the next several months for any presentation of symptoms. An enlarged spleen is a sign that the immune system is fighting to remove threats from the body, but failing to do so. Portal hypertension. If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can't be identified or treated, surgical removal of your spleen (splenectomy) may be an option. Enlarged Liver and Spleen Information Including Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Causes, Videos, Forums, and local community support. Spleen enlargement can be associated with decreased or increased function, depending on the cause of the enlarged spleen. 1 doctor agrees. Splenomegaly, or an enlarged spleen, is a symptom of another condition or disease. What Causes an Enlarged Spleen? Infections that can impact the spleen include viruses like mononucleosis, parasitic infections or infections caused by bacteria. Enlarged spleen is medically termed as Splenomegaly. An enlarged spleen does not cause many symptoms, and the symptoms that it does cause may be mistaken for many other medical conditions. An enlarged spleen is caused by other illness like low platelet count, infections (mono, hepatitis, TB), liver disease from alcohol use, anemia, leukemia, and lymphoma. The spleen is the organ located under the left ribs. what could cause an enlarged spleen and a fatty liver? 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. Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) symptoms may include pain in the upper abdomen, indigestion, or hiccups. If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can't be identified or treated, surgical removal of your spleen (splenectomy) may be an option. Here are some causes of an enlarged spleen. It is part of the lymph system and it helps rid your body of bacteria and fight infection. Some good foods include pumpkin, ginger, kidney beans, oatmeal, and lean meats. If the cause of your enlarged spleen cannot be determined and you have no symptoms, the doctor may suggest a “watchful waiting” period. Viral or bacterial infections, liver disease, metabolic disorders, certain kinds of anemia, and blood clots in the area of the liver or spleen can all cause the organ to become enlarged and painful. Dr. Michael Dugan answered. Splenomegaly can usually be felt during an examination by a healthcare provider. A number of diseases and disorders can affect various spleen functions and cause it to swell. Enlarged spleen if left untreated can cause complication. Enlarged spleen treatment. Changes to diet and lifestyle changes can shrink an enlarged spleen. 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