Swollen spleen is a condition when the spleen is enlarged. Swelling of the spleenusually marked with pain or discomfort in the left upper abdomen. The condition should not be underestimated because it could be a sign of a serious illness in your body. Come on, see the following review!
Swelling of the spleen is also known as splenomegaly. A person with an enlarged spleen will usually feel full more easily, even though they eat small portions. This occurs because the swollen and enlarged spleen begins to press against the stomach.
Swelling of the spleen that puts pressure on other organs of the body can affect blood flow to the spleen and cause the spleen to not filter blood properly.
In addition, the larger the spleen, the more red blood cells are destroyed, causing anemia. Swelling of the spleen can also cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells which makes the body susceptible to infection.
Swelling of the Spleen is a Sign of the Following Serious Diseases
The normal size of the spleen is the size of a fist. However, certain diseases can make it swollen and much larger than that size. The following are some of the diseases that cause swelling of the spleen:
1. Infection
Some infections that can cause swelling of the spleen, namely viral infections, such as mononucleosis; parasitic infections, such as toxoplasmosis and malaria; and bacterial infections, such as abscesses, syphilis, and endocarditis.
2. Cancer
Swollen spleen can be a sign of leukemia (blood cancer) or lymphoma (lymph cancer). Swollen spleen can also be a sign of cancer that has spread or metastasized.
3. Inflammation
Some inflammatory diseases that can cause swelling of the spleen include sarcoidosis, lupus, and diabetes rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Liver disease
Types of liver disease that can cause swelling of the spleen include cirrhosis and cystic fibrosis.
5. Trauma or injury
Swelling of the spleen can also be caused by a blunt injury to the abdomen, such as an impact in an accident or during sports.
6. Other diseases.
Some other diseases that cause swelling of the spleen are hemolytic anemia, heart failure, amyloidosis, or diseases related to glycogen storage disorders.
Effective Treatment of Swollen Spleen
An effective way to treat swollen spleen is to treat the underlying disease. If the swelling of the spleen is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
In more severe cases, the doctor may suggest a splenectomy or surgical removal of the spleen. However, if your spleen is removed, you will be more susceptible to lifelong infections. However, these risks can be anticipated by routine vaccination.
To reduce the risk of rupture (rupture) of the enlarged spleen, patients are advised to avoid physical activities or sports that are prone to injury, such as soccer and hockey. When driving a car, make sure to wear a seat belt.
If you experience symptoms of mild swelling of the spleen, such as feeling full quickly when eating, make an appointment with your doctor to consult and get treatment. However, if the symptoms are severe, such as pain in the left upper abdomen and worsens when breathing in, seek immediate help to the ER.