The spleen is a small but important organ in the body’s lymphatic and immune system. It helps filter out old or damaged cells and produces white blood cells to fight off infection.

When something goes wrong with the spleen, it can cause a variety of symptoms that can interfere with a person’s quality of life. In this article, we’ll go over some of the warning signs of spleen problems and what you should do about them.

What is the spleen?

The spleen is a fist-sized organ located just below the rib cage and to the left of the stomach.

It’s part of the lymphatic system, which helps filter out and eliminate waste materials from the body, as well as part of the immune system, which helps defend the body against infections.

The spleen is responsible for filtering blood, removing old or damaged red blood cells, and producing white blood cells called lymphocytes that help fight infection. It also stores platelets, which are necessary for blood clotting.

What are the warning signs of spleen problems?

There are several signs and symptoms that may indicate an issue with the spleen. These include:.

1. Pain or discomfort in the upper left side of the abdomen

One of the most common symptoms of a spleen problem is pain or discomfort in the upper left side of the abdomen. This pain can be sharp or dull, and may come and go or be constant. It may also radiate to the left shoulder or back.

In some cases, the pain may be felt on the right side of the abdomen if the spleen has enlarged and is pressing against other organs.

2. Fatigue or weakness

The spleen is responsible for filtering out old or damaged red blood cells. If the spleen is not functioning properly, a person may experience fatigue or weakness due to a lack of healthy red blood cells.

3. Swollen spleen (splenomegaly)

Splenic enlargement, or splenomegaly, occurs when the spleen becomes enlarged due to an underlying condition. This can cause abdominal pain or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. In severe cases, it can also lead to anemia or low platelet counts.

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4. Frequent infections

The spleen is responsible for producing white blood cells that help fight off infection. If the spleen is not functioning properly, a person may be more susceptible to infections and may experience more frequent infections than normal.

5. Jaundice

Jaundice is a condition that occurs when there is a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a waste product that is produced when red blood cells break down.

Related Article Visual guide: Spleen problem warning signs you should watch out for

If the spleen is not functioning properly, it may not be able to filter out bilirubin from the blood, leading to jaundice.

6. Anemia

Anemia is a condition that occurs when a person has a low red blood cell count. If the spleen is not functioning properly, it may filter out healthy red blood cells along with the old or damaged ones, leading to anemia.

7. Easy bruising or bleeding

If the spleen is not functioning properly, a person may have a low platelet count. Platelets are necessary for blood clotting, and a low platelet count can cause easy bruising or bleeding.

8. Abdominal bloating

If the spleen becomes enlarged, it can cause a feeling of fullness or bloating in the abdomen.

9. Unexplained weight loss

If the spleen is not functioning properly, a person may experience unexplained weight loss due to a lack of healthy red blood cells or other underlying health conditions.

10. Painless swelling of the lymph nodes

In some cases, a spleen problem may cause painless swelling of the lymph nodes, particularly those in the armpits, neck, or groin.

When should you see a doctor?

If you experience any of the warning signs of spleen problems listed above, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Your doctor will be able to perform a physical exam and may order blood tests, imaging tests, or other diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.

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If your spleen is enlarged but not causing any symptoms, your doctor may recommend regular monitoring to ensure that it does not become a more serious issue.

In some cases, medication or surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying condition causing spleen problems.

Conclusion

The spleen plays an important role in the body’s lymphatic and immune system, and any problems with the spleen can cause a variety of symptoms that can interfere with a person’s quality of life.

If you experience any of the warning signs listed above, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and receive appropriate treatment.