Table of Contents
- 1 What happens if you injure your spleen?
- 2 What can cause an enlarged spleen to rupture?
- 3 Can you damage your spleen in a fall?
- 4 How do you fix an enlarged spleen?
- 5 How long do you have if your spleen ruptures?
- 6 Can a damaged spleen heal?
- 7 What does an enlarged spleen feel like?
- 8 Can you live with an enlarged spleen?
- 9 When is an enlarged spleen a cause for concern?
What happens if you injure your spleen?
A ruptured spleen (a fist-sized organ located in the left upper abdomen) occurs when the surface of this organ is injured, which can lead to internal bleeding. Symptoms include pain in the abdomen and nausea. A ruptured spleen is treated with surgery if the patient has lost a large amount of blood.
What can cause an enlarged spleen to rupture?
The most common cause of a ruptured spleen is blunt trauma to the abdomen, usually as the result of a road traffic collision. However, splenic rupture can occur due to sports injuries and physical assault. The spleen is the abdominal organ to which it is most likely an injury will occur during physical trauma.
Can you damage your spleen in a fall?
The spleen can rupture when the abdomen suffers a severe direct blow or blunt trauma. The spleen is the most frequent organ to be damaged in blunt trauma injuries involving the abdomen. That’s true regardless of your age.
What are the symptoms of a damaged spleen?
Signs and symptoms of a ruptured spleen include:
- Pain in the upper left abdomen.
- Tenderness when you touch the upper left abdomen.
- Left shoulder pain.
- Confusion, lightheadedness or dizziness.
What is the medical term for inflammation of the spleen?
Overview. Splenomegaly is a condition that occurs when your spleen becomes enlarged. It’s also commonly referred to as enlarged spleen or spleen enlargement. The spleen is a part of your lymphatic system.
How do you fix an enlarged spleen?
If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can’t be identified or treated, surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) might be an option. In chronic or critical cases, surgery might offer the best hope for recovery. Elective spleen removal requires careful consideration.
How long do you have if your spleen ruptures?
A ruptured spleen can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition and can include rest and observation, surgical repair, or splenectomy. Recovery from a ruptured spleen can take anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks.
Can a damaged spleen heal?
In mild splenic ruptures, the spleen can heal itself with rest and time. Physicians may recommend hospitalization during recovery to monitor the condition and provide supportive care. Follow-up CT scans can show progress and determine whether any additional measures are needed.
Can the spleen be repaired?
Surgical and other procedures Surgery for a ruptured spleen can include: Repairing the spleen. Your surgeon might be able to use stitches or other techniques to repair the rupture. Removing the spleen (splenectomy).
What does it mean to have an enlarged spleen?
An enlarged spleen, known formally as splenomegaly , is a medical condition in which a person or animal’s spleen increases in size due to some sort of inflammation or other problem. The swelling doesn’t usually cause any immediate symptoms or pain, and as such people aren’t usually aware of what’s going on.
What does an enlarged spleen feel like?
A common symptom of an enlarged spleen is a feeling of pain or discomfort in the upper left side of abdomen, where the spleen is located. You might also experience a feeling of fullness after only eating a small amount. This usually happens when the spleen becomes enlarged to the point that it presses on the stomach.
Can you live with an enlarged spleen?
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. You can live an active life without a spleen, but you’re more likely to contract serious or even life-threatening infections after spleen removal. A.
When is an enlarged spleen a cause for concern?
An enlarged spleen is not cause for concern, but the reason behind it may be. What Causes an Enlarged Spleen? Known as splenomegaly, an enlarged spleen may be temporary and can be caused by a variety of diseases and infections or by overworking to keep up the demand of its use.