\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Avoiding travel to parts of the world where certain diseases, such as malaria, are common. When you experience any of these symptoms, it is critical that you seek immediate medical attention. X Puberty is a time of dramatic change. It does not store any personal data. If you have an enlarged spleen but don't have symptoms and the cause can't be found, your doctor might suggest watchful waiting. An enlarged spleen, a condition called " splenomegaly ," is a clear warning sign that the immune system is fighting hard to remove threats from the body but failing to do so because it can't keep up with high demand. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Radiation therapy is a more advanced treatment option for an enlarged spleen that you can try if your body fails to respond to other treatments 2. However, if you suspect your spleen is enlarged or youre having any organ-related problems, see a doctor soon. Here is my blood results: RBC: 577 ( normal range: 415 - 580 ) HGB: 160 ( normal range: 135 - 175 ) Platelets: 341 ( normal range: 150 - 350) WBC: 7600 ( normal range: 4,000 - 11,000) Some causes are temporary and others may indicate a chronic or progressive condition. Your spleen is an organ that sits just below your left rib cage. An enlarged spleen is not normal and occurs because of another underlying disease. I went over my recent ultrasound results last night, had been almost a year since last one. Yes, an enlarged liver can go back to its normal size. Healthcare professionals consider splenomegaly when the spleen is anywhere from 12 to 20 centimeters (cm) (4.7 to 7.9 inches [in]) in length and weighs more than 400 grams (g) (0.88 pounds [lb]).. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Because an enlarged spleen is often times a symptom for an already existing health problem in the body, by discovering and treating this existing problem, you can bring your spleen back into proper health 2. For example, in patients with infectious mononucleosis, the spleen will return to its normal size once the infection resolves.In some instances, the spleen may need to be removed and the risk of infection may increase. Recommended adult immunization schedule for ages 19 years or older. An enlarged spleen is the result of damage or trauma to the spleen from any of several different medical conditions, diseases, or types of physical trauma. Determination of normal dimension of the spleen by ultrasound in an endemic tropical environment. DOI: Mayo Clinic Staff. Hodgkins disease, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system. An enlarged spleen may return to its normal size and function as long as the underlying disease is treated or resolved. A splenectomy is the procedure done to remove the spleen. If the spleen is damaged, ruptured, or enlarged, it should be checked. Enlarged spleen is generally caused by another medical condition that will require medical treatment. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The spleen helps to filter and maintain healthy red and white blood cells and platelets and also plays a role in the function of the immune system. Disease or other circumstances can affect spleen size at any age. This will help to prevent your spleen from becoming more swollen. . A needle is inserted into the bone through an incision. The spleen typically weighs 150 grams (5.3 oz) in a typical adult and spans about 11 cm (4.3 inches) vertically in its longest dimension. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The Tanner stages of puberty outlines the developmental changes you can expect and when they might affect your. I have a small spleen. 50 grams aloe vera gel should be soaked in 50 grams carom seeds and dry at room temperature. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If the infection that causes your enlarged spleen is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may help. An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) can be caused by many things. An enlarged spleen is the result of damage or trauma to the spleen from any of several different medical conditions, diseases, or types of physical trauma. Jameson JL, et al, eds. Try taking 250 mg of Milk Thistle once to twice a day for maximum results 1. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better. Whats the prognosis for Enlarged Spleen? What Is the Prognosis for Enlarged Spleen? 2022 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved. There could be a variety of reasons, including a bone marrow problem, a lymphoma, leukemia, or blood clots. Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal? This organ is part of your immune system. An enlarged spleen can occasionally cause pain or fullness in the left upper belly, extending to the left shoulder in some cases. The size of a normal, healthy spleen can vary considerably from person to person. https://medlineplus.gov/spleendiseases.html#summary. Adult spleens are approximately 5 inches long, 3 inches wide, 1.5 inches thick, and weigh approximately 6 ounces. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Certain . However, at times, an enlarged spleen can cause symptoms like a full sensation in the abdomen, and there is an increased risk of injury when it becomes too large to be protected by the ribcage. Leukemic cells can gather in the spleen in some people with CLL. In most cases, however, the concern is about an enlarged spleen. The key to remember is that your spleen grows steadily during childhood, slows its growth into adulthood, and then shrinks in older age. Treating the underlying cause of your spleen growth will usually cause it to return to a normal, healthy size. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Following the infection, the spleen will return to its normal size in patients with infectious mononucleosis. cramps in the abdominal region The appetite to eat. One of the bacterial infections, such as endocarditis, can cause an enlarged spleen. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. When the virus is viral, the spleen can usually return to normal as the infection gets better. In the case of a virus-caused infection, such as mononucleosis, antibiotics are ineffective. Will a Torn Rotator Cuff Heal Without Surgery? Can an enlarged spleen shrink back? Even healthy spleens are soft and easily damaged, especially in car crashes. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of inside the body on a computer screen. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Splenectomy. Accessed April 22, 2021. When a disease-causing microorganism enters the bloodstream, your spleen and lymph nodes produce lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell capable of making antibodies to fight infections. (12.0 cm) for girls, 5.1 in. Follow-up with the treating physician is an important part of the process as many complications can occur if patients are not compliant with medical recommendations. In the meantime, avoid any type of jarring activity or contact sport until the size of your spleen returns to normal. br> What you eat. 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