Spleen pain can be a symptom of many kinds of diseases or can be due to an improper lifestyle. As an organ, the spleen performs various functions in the body, but it is not a vital organ. Complaints in the spleen are always an indication of impaired function of this organ.
What is splenic pain?
Spleen pain usually occurs very suddenly and unexpectedly. In most cases, they are felt in the lower abdomen below the belly button. The spleen is referred to in English as the spleen. Spleen pains usually occur very suddenly and unexpectedly. In most cases, it is felt in the lower abdomen below the belly button, but it can also radiate to the upper abdomen and from there to the left shoulder. This pain may be permanent or recurrent. Frequently, splenic pain is felt as stabbing and occurs in a colicky manner. How severe the discomfort is can vary completely. Splenic pain can occur along with other symptoms such as fatigue, nosebleeds, palpitations and swollen lymph nodes. The symptoms and intensity depend on the cause of the discomfort. The spleen is a filter in the human bloodstream and also a part of the immune system. Nevertheless, it is not a vital organ and a person can do without it if the causes of spleen pain necessitate its removal.
Causes
The causes of spleen pain can vary widely. Although the spleen is a fairly small organ in our body, the pain can be extremely severe. A common cause of splenic pain is inflammation, which can be triggered in part by infection. Trauma or other mechanical impact can also cause spleen pain, such as when an accident causes a tear in the spleen or spleen congestion. Spleen pain can also be caused by malfunctions or diseases of the metabolism or by tumor formation on the spleen. Other causes of pain in the spleen may be sickle cell disease or thalassemia, arthritis caused by rheumatism, or splenic infarction resulting from a circulatory disorder. Leukemia can cause enlargement of the organ, which can lead to splenic pain. However, other underlying diseases can also lead to an enlarged spleen.
Diseases with this symptom
- Thalassemia
- Leukemia
- Rheumatism
- Splenic infarction
- Inflammation of the joints (arthritis)
- Circulatory disorders
Diagnosis and course
To diagnose splenic pain is best to consult a specialist (family doctor or specialist in internal medicine). This will question the patient in detail about the symptoms and, depending on the descriptions, initiate further measures. The physical examination includes palpation of the upper and lower abdomen to determine the exact location and intensity of the pain. This palpation can also detect an enlargement of the spleen; only an enlarged spleen can be palpated in this way. For closer examination, an ultrasound can be performed or a computer tomography. This provides detailed records of the spleen and reliably indicates changes in this organ. Examination of various blood parameters can also provide information about the cause of the pain. The healing of splenic pain is completely different, depending on the cause. Medication and invasive options are available in this regard.
Complications
Splenic pain can be caused by an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), which has various causes. This is the case, for example, with cirrhosis of the liver or hepatitis. These diseases can easily develop into liver cancer, which has a rather poor prognosis. The tropical disease malaria also causes an enlarged spleen and thus pain. Malaria can spread to the brain, causing seizures and even coma. It also incidentally causes clotting disorders, as well as kidney or lung failure. In the worst case, the severely enlarged spleen can cause a rupture in the spleen, resulting in severe internal bleeding, which can turn into shock, which is life-threatening. Furthermore, diseases of the blood such as leukemias or anemias can also cause an enlargement of the spleen and trigger various complications.Complications of leukemia mainly concern disturbances in the formation of individual blood cells. As a result, the organism is more susceptible to infections and has impaired blood clotting. If left untreated, anemia leads to a severe decrease in performance and chronic fatigue. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause splenic pain. This autoimmune disease primarily affects the joints and causes severe joint pain. The heart muscle can also be affected and become inflamed. In addition, the risk of developing osteoporosis is increased.
When should you see a doctor?
Pain in the spleen area indicates a serious underlying condition and always requires prompt medical evaluation. A visit to the doctor is particularly recommended if the discomfort increases rapidly or spreads across the left chest to the shoulder region. Pain in the left side of the body, especially at the level of the stomach or the left costal arch, indicates an enlarged spleen or another condition of the spleen that must be treated immediately. Other alarm signs of splenic disease include pallor, fatigue and exhaustion. If there is an accompanying fever, emergency medical services should be called. A splenic infarction may be imminent, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. Even mild splenic pain should be medically clarified if the cause is unknown, the pain is associated with concomitant symptoms, or has some other negative effect on the general condition. A feeling of pressure in the chest indicates an enlargement of the spleen, which should be clarified by a general practitioner. Other contacts include the gastroenterologist and other internal medicine physicians.
Treatment and therapy
Spleen pain is treated depending on its cause. Some conditions can be treated with medications, but in other cases surgery and thus removal of the spleen is unavoidable. Spleen removal is usually considered when the spleen is severely enlarged or tumors have formed. This operation is performed under general anesthesia. The upper abdomen is opened on the left side and then all the places where the spleen connects with the body are cut. After the spleen is removed, a drain is placed and the abdomen is closed again. Meanwhile, there is also a minimally invasive way to remove the spleen. Although in this case the patient must also be put under general anesthesia, the actual procedure is much gentler. The abdominal cavity of the patient is inflated with CO2 and then the spleen is removed through tiny incisions using small instruments. The doctor follows this procedure by means of a small camera, which is also inserted through an incision in the abdomen. Drains are also needed afterwards to allow wound fluid and blood to drain. This type of spleen removal is called laparoscopy. People who have to live without a spleen are at increased risk for infections, so they should make sure they live a healthy lifestyle and get regular vaccinations. If the splenic pain has occurred because of a disease, it is important that the underlying disease be treated. This will also improve the problems with the spleen.
Outlook and prognosis
In most cases, severe swelling occurs with splenic pain. The patient suffers from dizziness, headache, and often fever. The skin appears pale in many people. In addition, the symptom may be accompanied by problems with the heart and general fatigue. Due to the splenic pain, shock may occur. In this case, the spleen must be completely removed because the immune system is severely weakened. Due to the weak immune system, a violent blood poisoning can occur in the worst case. Certain toxic substances that enter the human body can no longer be properly excreted and may migrate to different regions, causing severe damage. However, splenic pain can be treated relatively well. Not only medicines but also surgical procedures are used. If the splenic pain occurs due to another disease, the respective cause must be treated. In most cases, treatment leads to a positive course of the disease without further complications or discomfort.
Prevention
Spleen pain cannot be 100% prevented. However, a healthy diet and sufficient exercise are always the best ways to keep the body healthy.The diet should be varied and balanced, exercise provides good circulation and also strengthens the immune system.
What you can do yourself
Most often, pain in the spleen occurs in connection with an injury. In this case, an immediate medical examination is necessary. In the case of infection-related short-term or permanently enlarged spleen, as well as swelling of the spleen, discomfort can be relieved. Chinese medicine recommends a “spleen diet“: slightly sweet and bitter foods – especially fennel, cinnamon, coriander and cloves – should be consumed. These foods stimulate the metabolism and support the spleen in its work. In Western culture, only a few medicinal plants are known to specifically support the spleen. But even here there are plants with high content of bitter substances, for example: Wormwood, Dandelion or Gentian. Likewise, those affected achieved relief by taking homeopathic remedies, such as Ceanothus americanus or Schuessler salts, such as Kalium sulfuricum (main remedy), Magnesium phosphoricum (side stitch), Natrium cloratum and Silicea for hardening of the spleen. Alternative medicine also tries to support the body by taking micronutrients, named here are: Selenium, to reduce inflammation, B vitamins and zinc. Amino acids such as arginine and taurine are also said to support the spleen. In the case of chronic and rheumatic complaints – which can also be the cause of pain in the spleen – the acid-base balance should also be balanced. An excess of acid in the body accelerates inflammatory processes. The influence of diseased or dead teeth on the organism is underestimated. In the case of chronic complaints, it should be clarified whether interference fields (amalgam fillings) are present here.