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What Are the Symptoms of a Swollen Spleen?

M.C. Huguelet
M.C. Huguelet

Normally, the spleen, an infection-fighting organ found in the upper left section of the abdomen, is slightly larger than a baseball. Sometimes, however, underlying medical issues can cause the organ to swell considerably, a condition known technically as splenomegaly. While a swollen spleen often presents no symptoms, it may occasionally cause discomfort and difficulty eating. In many cases, a spleen swelling goes unrecognized until the underlying condition which is causing it begins to present symptoms.

The spleen is part of the body’s lymphatic system, and it plays an important role in fighting infections. It manufacturers white blood cells, which help eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other foreign particles from the body, and also filters the blood that moves through it. A wide number of underlying medical conditions, such as infections, cancer, and liver disease, can cause the spleen to swell. Those with a swollen spleen may have a lowered resistance to infections. Additionally, an inflamed spleen can sometimes rupture, causing dangerous internal bleeding.

An ultrasound can be used to investigate a swollen spleen.
An ultrasound can be used to investigate a swollen spleen.

Unfortunately, a swollen spleen often presents no symptoms. Therefore, it is possible for an individual to experience enlargement of this organ without any knowledge of it. Sometimes, an individual may learn of the condition only when a physician detects swelling during a chance physical examination.

If the spleen becomes very swollen, it may begin to exert pressure on the stomach, which is positioned nearby. In this case, the individual may find that she becomes full after consuming only a small amount of food. She may also feel a dull, lingering pain in the upper left side of her back, which may radiate upward to her shoulder.

The spleen is part of the lymphatic system and plays a key role in fighting infections.
The spleen is part of the lymphatic system and plays a key role in fighting infections.

It is quite common for a swollen spleen to go unrecognized until the underlying medical condition responsible for the enlargement begins to present symptoms unrelated to the spleen. For instance, if the swelling is caused by a viral infection, like mononucleosis, the individual might experience such symptoms as extreme fatigue, sore throat, and fever. These symptoms may lead the individual to visit a physician, who may then detect a swollen spleen during an exploratory examination.

A swollen spleen may expert pressure on the stomach and cause discomfort.
A swollen spleen may expert pressure on the stomach and cause discomfort.

Treatment of a swollen spleen usually involves addressing the underlying issue which is causing the swelling. Depending on the nature of that underlying issue, treatment options can range from something as simple as taking a course of antibiotics to major procedures such as radiation. If an enlarged spleen does not respond to treatment, a physician may recommend its surgical removal.

Discussion Comments

candyquilt

My son's pediatrician informed us that my son's spleen is enlarged. We are shocked because he's not sick or complaining at all! He was been as active as always and he's been eating well too.

We still don't know what the cause is. The doctor suspects that it's from a previous infection but all his tests came back normal, so there is no infection right now. I'm very nervous, I just hope it's nothing serious.

Are there any other parents who have gone through something similar?

discographer

@ZipLine-- I'm not a doctor but I've suffered from this condition before. I think that the spleen doesn't show many symptoms while it is becoming inflamed or enlarged. But afterward, it does start causing problems like pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss and fatigue.

I had all of these swollen spleen symptoms when I was diagnosed. Mine was due to a mononucleosis infection. I was actually treated for the infection but by the time it was treated, it caused inflammation in my spleen. It took weeks of rest and anti-inflammatory medications for it to go back to normal.

I think you should see your doctor and get an x-ray or MR. You have nothing to lose.

ZipLine

I've been experiencing pain where my spleen is for the past week. I guess it can't be a swollen spleen, right?

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    • An ultrasound can be used to investigate a swollen spleen.
      By: nyul
      An ultrasound can be used to investigate a swollen spleen.
    • The spleen is part of the lymphatic system and plays a key role in fighting infections.
      By: blueringmedia
      The spleen is part of the lymphatic system and plays a key role in fighting infections.
    • A swollen spleen may expert pressure on the stomach and cause discomfort.
      By: 9nong
      A swollen spleen may expert pressure on the stomach and cause discomfort.
    • A swollen spleen can go unnoticed unless other related symptoms develop.
      By: pankajstock123
      A swollen spleen can go unnoticed unless other related symptoms develop.
    • A sore throat and a fever may be symptomatic of a swollen spleen that's caused by a viral infection.
      By: MarcoBagnoli Elflaco
      A sore throat and a fever may be symptomatic of a swollen spleen that's caused by a viral infection.
    • Liver disease may cause a swollen spleen.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      Liver disease may cause a swollen spleen.
    • A viral infection may cause extreme fatigue in addition to a swollen spleen.
      By: Halfpoint
      A viral infection may cause extreme fatigue in addition to a swollen spleen.