The spleen, also referred to as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee), is an organ that is situated just below our left rib cage. Splenomegaly can be caused by a variety of illnesses, such as infections, liver disease, and some types of cancer.
How Spleen Work
A soft, spongy organ with several vital functions, the spleen is located on the left side of our abdomen, tucked under the rib cage and next to the stomach.
- old, damaged blood cells are filtered out and destroyed.
- acts as the first line of defense against disease-causing organisms and produces white blood cells (lymphocytes) to prevent infection.
- keeps platelets and red blood cells that aid in blood clotting in reserve.
Each of these essential processes is impacted by an enlarged spleen, which traps too many platelets and filters both healthy and abnormal red blood cells.
A spleen that is enlarged may even outgrow its own blood supply, which can harm or even destroy some organ parts. Excess red blood cells and platelets eventually can clog our spleen and affect normal functioning.
SYMPTOMS OF SPLENOMEGALY
When an enlarged spleen is felt instead of a normal spleen during a routine physical examination, the cause of the condition is frequently discovered. Imaging studies and blood tests are needed to determine the cause.
Inflammation of the spleen can lead to:
- Sometimes there are no symptoms.
- The left shoulder could become affected by the left upper abdominal pain or fullness.
- Our swollen spleen pressing against our stomach causes us to feel full even when we aren’t eating or have only had a small amount to eat.
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Easy bleeding
CAUSES OF SPLENOMEGALY
The spleen may enlarge due to a variety of infections and diseases, and depending on the course of treatment, the spleen enlargement may be temporary.
- Mononucleosis is one example of a viral infection
- infections caused by bacteria, like syphilis or endocarditis, which affects the inner lining of the heart.
- infections caused by parasites, like malaria
- Cirrhosis and additional liver-related conditions
- Various forms of hemolytic anemia, which is marked by the early destruction of red blood cells
- Leukemia and other blood cancers, as well as lymphomas like Hodgkin’s disease and myeloproliferative neoplasms
- metabolic diseases like Niemann-Pick disease and Gaucher’s disease
- The presence of a blood clot or pressure on the veins in the liver or spleen
COMPLICATION OF SPLENOMEGALY
A large spleen may cause the following complications:
- Infection.Anemia, increased bleeding, and frequent infections can all result from an enlarged spleen because it can decrease the quantity of healthy white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells in our bloodstream.
- Ruptured spleen.When our spleens are enlarged, the likelihood of rupture increases significantly, and a ruptured spleen can result in life-threatening bleeding into our abdominal cavity. Spleens are soft and easily damaged, even in healthy individuals, especially in car accidents.
HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR SPLENOMEGALY
Surgery is rarely the first course of treatment for an enlarged spleen, but it is occasionally advised.
ARANEA DIAD –Patient experiences pain in the long bones and a coldness that is not relieved by anything. Useful for spleen enlargement caused by fevers, particularly malaria.
CALCAREA CARB –helpful for infants with spleen enlargement
FRAGARIA VESCA –Effective for splenic stone expulsion and for preventing calculi from forming
In the splenic and hepatic regions, there is discomfort and soreness. Bowel bubbles are perceived to be bursting.
Comments are closed.