Spleen And Everything you need to know

Spleen is a small organ inside your left rib cage, just above the stomach. It’s part of the lymphatic system (which is part of the immune system). The spleen stores and filters blood and makes white blood cells that protect you from infection. Many diseases and conditions can affect how the spleen works. A ruptured (torn) spleen can be fatal.

Spleen | What is the spleen?

Spleen is a small organ located within the left rib cage, just above the stomach, roughly the size of an avocado in adults. It is an integral part of the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in our immune system, performing various essential functions to maintain overall bodily health.

Numerous factors, such as conditions, diseases, disorders, and injuries, can impact the spleen’s functioning. Typically, medical professionals focus on addressing the underlying cause of spleen-related issues. In certain cases, a procedure called a splenectomy may be necessary to remove the spleen.

Spleen Function

What are the functions of the spleen?

The spleen serves several important functions:

1. Blood Storage: It acts as a reservoir for storing blood.
2. Blood Filtration: The spleen filters blood by eliminating cellular waste and disposing of old or damaged blood cells.
3. Immune Support: The spleen generates white blood cells and antibodies, crucial components of the immune system, to aid in combating infections.
4. Fluid Balance: It helps regulate the body’s fluid levels.
5. Antibody Production: The spleen produces antibodies that provide protection against infections.

Spleen | Anatomy

What are the components of the spleen?

The spleen comprises two distinct parts, each with its specific functions:

1. White Pulp: This component is integral to the immune system, as it produces white blood cells that generate antibodies for infection defense.
2. Red Pulp: The red pulp acts as a blood filter, removing waste from the blood and eliminating old or damaged blood cells. It also plays a role in destroying bacteria and viruses.

Conditions and Disorders

What medical issues affect the spleen?

A variety of disorders, diseases, injuries, and conditions can disrupt the normal functioning of the spleen, including:

• Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly): Several underlying conditions can lead to spleen enlargement, causing discomfort, pain, and a feeling of fullness. This condition can be dangerous, potentially resulting in spleen rupture or bleeding. Causes include blood cancers, blood clots, anemia, infections, liver problems, inherited metabolic disorders, inflammatory diseases, and protein disorders.
• Functional Asplenia: This condition occurs when the spleen doesn’t function correctly, potentially causing hypersplenism and excessive destruction of healthy red blood cells. This can lead to an increased risk of infection, bruising, and bleeding. It may result from trauma, celiac disease, sickle cell disease, or other factors.
• Damaged or Ruptured Spleen: Traumatic injuries, such as car accidents or abdominal blows, can lead to spleen rupture, causing severe internal bleeding and symptoms like rapid heartbeat, nausea, dizziness, and left rib cage pain.

Spleen | Care

How can I maintain a healthy spleen?

To ensure the proper functioning of your spleen, lymphatic system, and immune system, adopt these health practices:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink an adequate amount of water.
• Exercise Regularly: Engage in regular physical activity.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keep your weight within a healthy range.
• Balanced Diet: Consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• General Health: By staying overall healthy, you enhance your immune system’s ability to protect against infections and illnesses.

Spleen | Frequently Asked Questions

Spleen | Can you survive without a spleen?

Yes, it is possible to live without a spleen, a condition referred to as asplenia. Some individuals are born without a spleen, while others may undergo spleen removal surgery (splenectomy) due to damage or disease. In the absence of the spleen, the liver assumes many of its functions. Splenectomy is also a treatment for certain blood disorders like immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), which results in low platelet levels.

What are the complications of a damaged or absent spleen?

Individuals without a spleen or with a damaged spleen are at an increased risk of infections since the spleen plays a vital role in the body’s defense against bacteria and viruses. Those with compromised immune systems, such as individuals with cancer or HIV, face an even higher risk. To mitigate this risk, healthcare providers may recommend vaccinations and daily antibiotics for those with spleen issues.

When should I contact a doctor?

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms associated with an enlarged or ruptured spleen, including early satiety, unexplained bruising or bleeding, or pain or tenderness under the left rib cage.

How do I know if I’m at risk for spleen problems?

You have a higher risk of spleen-related issues if you have specific medical conditions, including certain blood cancers, Gaucher disease, cystic fibrosis, or hereditary spherocytosis. If there is a family history of these conditions, it’s advisable to discuss your risk with your healthcare provider.