Enlarged Spleen: When It's Serious and When It's Not

What's an enlarged spleen?

Your spleen is a fist-sized organ that lives under your left rib cage. It's part of your lymphatic system and helps fight infection. In some cases, your spleen can swell up, or become enlarged. This can happen for a variety of reasons, some serious and some not so much.

When is an enlarged spleen serious?

An enlarged spleen can be a sign of a number of conditions, including:

• Infection: Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections can all cause your spleen to swell up.
  
• Liver disease: Cirrhosis and other liver diseases can block the flow of blood to the spleen, causing it to enlarge.
  
• Blood disorders: Leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell anemia can all cause your spleen to swell up.
  
• Metabolic disorders: Gaucher disease and Niemann-Pick disease are two rare metabolic disorders that can cause your spleen to enlarge.
  

If you have an enlarged spleen, it's important to see your doctor right away. They will need to do tests to determine the cause of your enlarged spleen and recommend the best course of treatment.

When is an enlarged spleen not serious?

In some cases, an enlarged spleen can be a sign of a temporary condition, such as:

• Pregnancy: Your spleen may swell up slightly during pregnancy.
  
• Exercise: Intense exercise can cause your spleen to swell up temporarily.
  
• Stress: Stress can trigger the release of hormones that can cause your spleen to swell up.
  

If you have an enlarged spleen that is not causing any symptoms, your doctor may recommend monitoring it over time. If your spleen continues to enlarge or if you develop any symptoms, your doctor may recommend treatment.

How is an enlarged spleen treated?

The treatment for an enlarged spleen depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, no treatment is necessary. In other cases, treatment may include:

• Medication: Antibiotics for infections, antiviral medications for viral infections, and corticosteroids for autoimmune disorders.
  
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove an enlarged spleen.
  
• Lifestyle changes: If your enlarged spleen is caused by pregnancy or exercise, your doctor may recommend making some lifestyle changes, such as getting more rest or avoiding strenuous activity.
  

If you have an enlarged spleen, it's important to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the cause of your enlarged spleen and recommend the best course of treatment.