What does a swollen liver or spleen feel like?
An enlarged spleen typically causes no signs or symptoms, but sometimes it causes: Pain or fullness in the left upper belly that can spread to the left shoulder. A feeling of fullness without eating or after eating a small amount because the spleen is pressing on your stomach. Low red blood cells (anemia)
What are warning signs of the spleen?
Signs that the spleen may have been damaged can include pain and tenderness in the upper left abdomen, lightheadedness, and pain in the left shoulder. In addition to a spleen that has been damaged or has ruptured, the spleen may also become dangerously enlarged.
Can liver problems cause spleen pain?
When the liver increases in size, it places extra pressure on the spleen. This pressure affects blood flow to the spleen, which can cause it to swell and get bigger. Also, the spleen is responsible for filtering bacteria and viruses. When these cause problems with the liver, they can also affect the spleen.
What does it feel like when your spleen is bad?
Symptoms you may experience with an enlarged spleen include: pressure or pain in the left upper part of your abdomen (near the stomach), feeling full without eating a large meal, or pain your left shoulder blade or shoulder area when taking a deep breath.
How do you check for an enlarged spleen?
Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your system and liver function. Ultrasound or CT scan to help determine the size of your spleen and whether it’s crowding other organs. MRI to trace blood flow through the spleen.
Should I go to the hospital if my spleen hurts?
A ruptured spleen is a medical emergency, as it can cause life-threatening bleeding. Go straight to A&E if you think you have ruptured or damaged your spleen.
How long can a ruptured spleen go unnoticed?
The recovery time of a spleen rupture depends on the damage and the procedure performed on the spleen. The common time frame is 3 to 12 weeks. Can you Have a Ruptured Spleen and Not Know it? No, it is unlikely for a ruptured spleen to go unnoticed.
What is a bad spleen?
The spleen is the most commonly injured abdominal organ, usually as a result of blunt trauma due to an automobile accident, significant fall or contact sports. Signs and symptoms vary based on the severity of the damage and associated internal bleeding.
What are signs of ruptured 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, particularly if you also have cuts and bruises on the left chest or side. Confusion, lightheadedness or dizziness.
What is the treatment for spleen?
The treatment for an enlarged spleen is determined by the underlying cause thus, antiviral drugs would used for viral-related infections of the spleen, radiation therapy would be prescribed for spleen-related cancers such as Hodgkin ‘s lymphoma, and removal of the spleen, or splenectomy, would be appropriate in cases with the worst prognosis.
Why is my spleen hurting?
Potential reasons for spleen pain may include liver damage, cancer, or ruptured spleen due to an accident such as a major fall or car crash. An enlarged spleen may occur because of an infection.
