Are you suffering from an enlarged spleen? You’re not alone. An enlarged spleen is a common condition, believed to affect up to one third of people across the world. But what is it, exactly? And what can be done about it? In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes and potential treatments for an enlarged spleen–including effective supplements that may help make managing this condition easier. We’ll also discuss how changes in diet and lifestyle can play a role in relieving or managing symptoms while avoiding further complications associated with an enlarged spleen. So if you’re looking for relief from your symptoms of an enlarged spleen or just want to learn more about it, keep reading!
What is an Enlarged Spleen?
Your spleen is located in your abdomen, and it forms part of your immune system. It plays a crucial role in fighting infections and removing old and damaged cells from your body. When the spleen becomes enlarged, also known as splenomegaly, it can affect its normal functions and cause various health concerns.
The spleen is a bean-shaped structure located in the left topmost portion of the abdominal cavity beneath the diaphragm. It plays a key role in the immune system by storing white blood cells and aids in the manufacture of antibodies. The spleen is responsible for functions like reprocessing old red blood cells, recycling the iron in hemoglobin and filtering antibody-coated bacteria. Because of its involvement in many functions, the spleen is prone to many conditions.
An enlarged spleen may not cause any signs and symptoms itself, but it could be an indication of a fundamental illness that causes splenomegaly. It can be as a result of many disorders including viral infections, cirrhosis, blood cancer and anemia. An enlarged spleen can also be caused by too much pressure on the veins in the spleen or liver.
Enlarged Spleen Symptoms
There are no specific signs or symptoms associated with enlarged spleen, but some individuals may experience the following.
Fatigue
A person may have a feeling of fatigue or tiredness if the spleen starts to press on other organs. This is because it will affect the flow of oxygenated blood within the body. A decrease in healthy red blood cells can cause severe fatigue.
Nausea
Some individuals may complain of nausea due to stomach displacement and pressure on the stomach as a result of the enlarged spleen.
Weight Loss
A person with an enlarged spleen may feel full after only eating a small amount of food. This means that there will be a low intake of essential nutrients that are necessary for maintaining healthy body weight.
Jaundice
Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes is a common symptom of spleen enlargement. The condition occurs when enlarged spleen cells filter out more aged erythrocytes, leaving behind bilirubin that accumulates in the blood.
Anemia
If the spleen becomes too big, it can begin to trap and store blood cells. Sometimes the anemia may be severe. Some symptoms of anemia include weakness, headache, feeling cold and shortness of breath.
Infections
It can lower the number of healthy disease-fighting blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in the blood circulating the body. This increases the likelihood of infections.
Pain in the Abdomen
The pain is felt mainly on the upper left side of the abdomen where the spleen is located. The pain may extend to the back or to the shoulder blade.
Indigestion
People with an enlarged spleen may experience indigestion because the enlarged spleen can press on the stomach.
Bleeding
Enlargement may cause the spleen to inappropriately deal with platelets, and this can lead to abnormal bleeding, bruising, red spots on the skin (“petechiae”), internal bleeding, rectal and vaginal bleeding.
Hypersplenism
This is the medical term for an overactive spleen. If the spleen is overactive, it gets rid of the blood cells too early and too quickly. It is a secondary process that can arise from splenomegaly. Some causes of hypersplenism include:
- Malaria
- Tuberculosis
- Cirrhosis
- Several connective tissue and inflammatory diseases
Can Enlarged Spleen Cause Weight Gain?
Did you know that an enlarged spleen could be contributing to your weight gain? The spleen is an important organ in our body that plays a vital role in filtering blood and protecting us against diseases. However, when it enlarges, it can affect our overall health and cause weight gain.
Can Enlarged Spleen Cause Diarrhea?
So how does an enlarged spleen lead to diarrhea? One way is by interfering with the digestive process. As the spleen grows in size, it can press against the digestive organs, such as the stomach and the intestines, and disrupt their normal function. When this happens, food may not be adequately broken down, absorbed, or transported, leading to malnutrition, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Another way is by impacting the immune system. Since the spleen is a vital part of the immune response, an enlarged spleen can weaken the ability of the body to fight infections, including those that cause diarrhea.
Causes of Enlarged Spleen
Infections
This includes malaria, a flu-like sickness spread by mosquitos, and tuberculosis, a bacterial lung disease. Mononucleosis, a viral infection, can cause splenomegaly.
Chronic Liver Diseases
These include cirrhosis, a liver disease where scar tissue replaces the healthy live tissue. Cirrhosis caused by excessive consumption of alcohol as well as nonalcoholic cirrhosis can both causes an enlarged spleen. Hepatitis C is another liver disease that can cause it. It causes inflammation of the liver (x).
Blood Cancers
Blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma can cause splenomegaly. An enlarged spleen due to blood cancer can cause fatigue, weight loss, and severe abdominal pain. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consult your healthcare provider immediately.
Metabolic Disorders
Certain metabolic disorders can cause an enlarged spleen. These disorders include Gaucher’s disease, Niemann-Pick disease, and Tay-Sachs disease. In these diseases, the body cannot break down certain substances properly, leading to the accumulation of these substances in cells, including the spleen. Gaucher is the result of a buildup of fatty substances in several body organs, especially the spleen and liver. This buildup causes the spleen to enlarge. This disease can be inherited. Symptoms include abdominal complaints as the abdomen becomes painfully distended as the spleen enlarges dramatically
Inflammatory Disorders
Chronic inflammatory disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease, can also cause the spleen to enlarge. These conditions result in inflammation throughout the body, which can spread to the spleen. It releases autoantibodies, a protein that attacks healthy cells. Patients with these diseases can experience symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and weight loss because the spleen consumes a lot of energy while fighting against inflammation. Health conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can cause widespread inflammation.
Trauma
Physical trauma or injury to the spleen can also cause it to enlarge. A ruptured spleen can cause serious internal bleeding and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a ruptured spleen may include severe abdominal pain, lightheadedness, and blurred vision.
Enlarged Spleen Diagnosis
It can be detected by a physical exam. The doctor can feel it by gently examining the left upper abdomen. Some tests that can help diagnose an enlarged spleen include:
Blood Tests
These blood tests are done to check the number of platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells in the blood flowing within the body. Examining blood cells under a microscope shows their shape and size, which may give clues to the causes of the enlarged spleen.
Ultrasound or Computerized Tomography (CT) Scans
These tests are needed to establish how large the spleen is and whether it is crowding other organs. An x-ray of the abdomen may also show the size of the spleen.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
This MRI test provides an image that shows the size of the spleen and also traces the flow of blood within the organ.
Enlarged Spleen Treatment
Watchful Waiting
This applies in cases where the spleen is enlarged but there are no symptoms and the cause can be located. The patient will be required to visit a doctor as soon as the symptoms appear.
Treating Underlying Conditions
Enlarged spleen is usually caused by underlying conditions such as infections, liver disease, or blood disorders. The treatment for an enlarged spleen largely depends on the underlying cause. In most cases, the treatment involves treating the underlying condition. For instance, if the enlargement is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics can help reduce the size of the spleen. If the enlargement is due to a liver disease or a blood disorder, treating the root cause can help manage the condition.
Medications
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to treat the symptoms of splenomegaly. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help relieve mild pain and discomfort. In cases where the spleen has become too large and is increasing the risk of rupture, corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling in the spleen.
Spleen Removal Surgery
This is referred to as a splenectomy. Surgery is used when the cause of an enlarged spleen cannot be determined or when there are serious complications. Removal of the spleen provides the best hope for recovery in critical or chronic cases. An individual can lead a normal life without the organ, but will more likely contract dangerous infections (x).
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes such as avoiding contact sports and heavy lifting can help alleviate the symptoms of an enlarged spleen. Individuals with an enlarged spleen should avoid activities that may cause trauma to the spleen, which can lead to the rupture of the organ.
Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, and massage therapy have shown promising results in reducing inflammation and swelling associated with splenomegaly. However, it is crucial to talk to a healthcare provider before trying any alternative therapy.
Ruptured Spleen
A ruptured spleen is a medical emergency that happens when the spleen develops a break on its surface. The spleen can rupture when there is a forceful blow to the abdomen. A ruptured spleen can cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
Several diseases can also cause a ruptured spleen. The spleen becomes swollen and its capsule-like covering becomes thick. The swollen spleen becomes fragile and prone to rupture should the abdomen get a direct hit. Some of these diseases include malaria, blood diseases, anemia and infectious mononucleosis. In rare cases, a ruptured spleen is a sign of infectious mononucleosis.
Symptoms of a Ruptured Spleen
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
Enlarged Spleen Remedies and Supplements
Any support you can lend you lymphatic system may help to assist the body in dealing with an enlarged spleen and that which causes is.
Omega-3 Fish Oils
Fish oil has vital omega-3 and vitamin B12 that the body requires for the production of red blood cells. Lack of this vitamin causes the body to produce abnormal red blood cells. The ideal serving size for fish oil softgels is 2 capsules, which should be taken anywhere from two to three times per day.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a great supplement to support general health, additionally it is an anti-oxidant. About 1,000 mg a day in one dose is recommended.
Dandelion
Dandelions have anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing swelling and inflammation in the spleen. Dandelion tea or extract can help flush toxins out of the body, thus helping in reducing the enlargement of the spleen. It is rich in potassium, which helps in supporting efficient liver and kidney function necessary for spleen health.
Echinacea
Echinacea, a popular supplement used to soothe the immune system, can alleviate the symptoms of an enlarged spleen. It helps the body to fight off infections and bacteria that may be causing the inflammation of the spleen. Echinacea can be consumed as a supplement or in tea form.
Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle contains silymarin that protects liver cells from damage and also helps in reducing inflammation in the liver, which, in turn, can reduce the size of an enlarged spleen. A milk thistle supplement or tea can help regulate liver function and improve overall blood circulation, leading to the reduced size of the spleen.
Garlic
Garlic is a natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory agent that can help prevent infection and reduce swelling of the spleen. It also has a positive effect on the immune system and can help fight off bacteria and viruses that can cause splenomegaly. You can add garlic to your meals or take garlic supplements to reap its benefits.
Castor Oil Packs
Castor oil packs are a simple and effective way to reduce inflammation and pain associated with an enlarged spleen. The oil has a soothing effect on the nerves and can help stimulate blood flow to the area. To make a castor oil pack, soak a cloth in warm castor oil and place it over the left side of your abdomen, where the spleen is located. Cover the cloth with a plastic wrap and place a heating pad on top. Leave it on for 30-60 minutes, then remove and discard the cloth.
Exercise
Regular exercise is important for maintaining a healthy immune system and reducing inflammation throughout the body. It can also help improve circulation and lymphatic flow, which can support spleen health. Try to engage in moderate-intensity exercise such as walking, jogging, or swimming for at least 30 minutes a day, three to five times a week.
Healthy Diet
Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grain when you have an enlarged spleen provides the body with the nutrients it requires to fight diseases or underlying infections.
Any supplemental regimen should be discussed with a doctor before starting, especially if there are underlying conditions or existing medications.
The Bottom Line
A spleen is an organ that plays key roles in your body. Having an enlarged spleen could be a symptom of several other conditions. It is advisable that you seek medical care when you experience any symptom of splenomegaly so that the doctor can determine its cause. This will allow for diagnosis and a good treatment method for your condition.
An enlarged spleen can cause discomfort and other complications, but there are natural ways to relieve the symptoms. Dandelion root tea, milk thistle, castor oil packs, garlic, and exercise are all effective remedies and supplements to support spleen health. These natural methods can help reduce inflammation and pain, improve blood and lymphatic flow, and boost immune function. However, if you experience severe or persistent symptoms of splenomegaly, it’s important to see a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.