Splenomegaly consists of an increase in the size of the spleen that can be caused by several diseases and that needs treatment to avoid a possible rupture, in order to avoid potentially fatal internal hemorrhages.
The function of the spleen is to regulate, produce and store blood cells and destroy abnormal blood cells, however due to the greater capacity to store blood cells, in splenomegaly, the functioning of this organ is affected and the number of circulating blood cells decreases causing anemia, frequent infections and hemorrhagic disorders.
What symptoms
Although splenomegaly may be asymptomatic, it may be accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Hiccups; Anemia; Tiredness; Increased frequency of infections; Inability to eat a large meal; Pain in the upper left side of the abdomen that worsens when breathing deeply.
In the presence of these symptoms and if the pain is very severe, you should urgently go to the doctor.
Possible causes
The factors that can lead to an enlarged spleen are viral infections, such as mononucleosis, bacterial infections like syphilis or endocarditis, or parasitic infections like malaria, for example.
In addition, splenomegaly can also be caused by cirrhosis and other diseases that affect the liver, various types of hemolytic anemia, blood cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma, metabolic disorders, portal hypertension or blood clots in the spleen veins.
What are the risks
If not treated in a timely manner, splenomegaly can give rise to complications due to the reduction in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in the bloodstream that make the body more susceptible to infections, anemia and bleeding.
In addition, the spleen may also rupture, since when it is enlarged it also becomes more fragile and sensitive.
How the treatment is done
Splenomegaly is curable and the ideal treatment for splenomegaly depends on the cause that is at its origin. Thus, in the presence of an infection, treatment includes the use of antibiotics.
In more severe cases, where the enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause of which cannot be identified or treated, it may be necessary to remove the spleen through surgery, since it is possible to live healthily without this organ, however, the risk developing infections may be increased.
