what are the symptoms of a weak spleen

What are the symptoms of a bad spleen?

Signs and symptoms of a ruptured spleen include:

• Pain in the upper left abdomen
• Tenderness when you touch the upper left abdomen
• Left shoulder pain
• Confusion, lightheadedness or dizziness

What are the signs and symptoms of splenomegaly?

Symptoms you may experience with an enlarged spleen include: pressure or pain in the left upper part of your abdomen (near the stomach), feeling full without eating a large meal, or pain your left shoulder blade or shoulder area when taking a deep breath.

How do I heal my spleen?

Treatment

• Watchful waiting. If you have an enlarged spleen but don't have symptoms and the cause can't be found, your doctor might suggest watchful waiting.
• Spleen removal surgery. ...
• Reducing infection risk after surgery. ...

How do you know if your spleen is damaged?

When the symptoms are present, they include:

• Pain in the upper left part of the abdomen that can spread to the left shoulder. ...
• A sensation of being full without eating or after eating only a small amount. This is because the over-sized spleen is pressing on the stomach.
• Anemia
• Fatigue
• Frequent infections
• Easy bleeding
• Weight loss
• Low lymphocyte count

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What causes weak spleen?

Spleen Qi Deficiency is caused by overexertion, poor dietary habits, and/or emotional imbalances. Irregular eating,155 consuming cold or raw foods and drinks, skipping meals, not eating enough, or overeating all weaken Spleen Qi. Overthinking, worrying, or feeling anxious can lead to mental strain and harm Spleen Qi.

What happens if you have a weak spleen?

If the spleen does not work properly, it may start to remove healthy blood cells. This can lead to: anaemia, from a reduced number of red blood cells. an increased risk of infection, from a reduced number of white blood cells.

How can I strengthen my spleen?

To keep your spleen, lymphatic system and immune system working properly, you should drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. By staying healthy, you'll help your immune system protect you from infections and illness.

How do you restore the spleen Qi?

For example, to strengthen Spleen Qi, CM would suggest eliminating hard-to-digest foods (in particular raw or cold foods that can induce Dampness and Phlegm) while simultaneously eating more foods that tonify the Spleen.

What does pain from the spleen feel like?

Spleen pain is usually felt as a pain behind your left ribs. It may be tender when you touch the area. This can be a sign of a damaged, ruptured or enlarged spleen.

What foods strengthen the spleen?

So what can I eat to strengthen the Spleen?Meat: poultry, lamb, beef, venison.Fish: trout, salmon, tuna, shellfish.Fruit: apples, apricots, dates, figs, sweet cherries, peach, plums, red grapes, dried fruit such as raisins.Veggies: cabbage, pumpkin, carrot, sweet potato.Grains: amaranth, oats, millet, polenta, rice.More items...•

What are 3 diseases that affect the spleen?

Disorders of the spleen include splenomegaly, hypersplenism and splenic rupture.

What vitamins help the spleen?

Vitamin C. Vitamin C will help your body absorb iron. Eating vitamin C helps your body to absorb iron, which reduces the chances of you developing anemia and an enlarged spleen. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which means it is a nutrient that combats damage from free radicals.

What harms the spleen?

Infections, such as mononucleosis, are among the most common causes of splenomegaly. Problems with your liver, such as cirrhosisand cystic fibrosis, can also cause an enlarged spleen. Another possible cause of splenomegaly is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This condition can cause inflammation of the lymph system.

What emotions affect the spleen?

Negative emotions: Worry, Anxiety, Mistrust Worry is controlled by the spleen. In TCM, symptoms of spleen issues are fatigue, memory issues, poor appetite, bloating, weight loss, paleness, poor hair growth, nails and yellow skin. Eating properly and exercising regularly is very important when the spleen is affected.

How do you know if your spleen is inflamed?

SymptomsPain or fullness in the left upper belly that can spread to the left shoulder.A feeling of fullness without eating or after eating a small amount because the spleen is pressing on your stomach.Low red blood cells (anemia)Frequent infections.Bleeding easily.

What herbs heal the spleen?

The Lamiaceae family have the most effective herbs for treatment of diseases of the liver, spleen or both. Hemp Agrimony, Irsā, and Fūdhanj achieved the highest scores.

Can you live with a damaged spleen?

Deaths caused by splenic rupture are possible and do still occur, even at the top trauma centers. You can live without a spleen. However, since the spleen plays a crucial role in the body's ability to fight certain bacteria, living without the organ puts you at higher risk for life-threatening infections.

How is low spleen treated?

Practitioners believe that a qi deficiency is linked to the spleen and that rest and eating certain foods can treat the imbalance. The concepts of TCM are not based in modern science but have their roots in ancient Chinese practices. TCM includes herbal remedies, acupuncture, and exercises such as tai chi or qigong.

What are 3 diseases that affect the spleen?

Disorders of the spleen include splenomegaly, hypersplenism and splenic rupture.

How do I strengthen my spleen meridian?

0:162:21Spleen strengthening points - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you're going to hold it for about two to three minutes on each side. So right heart eight. AndMoreAnd you're going to hold it for about two to three minutes on each side. So right heart eight. And spleen two after you've held on one side. You're going to come over. And do it on the other.

What are the two main problems that arise with the spleen?

Types of Spleen Problems. The two main problems that arises with the spleen is when it is: swollen and enlarged. A splenic rupture is usually acute meaning that it occurs suddenly often as a result of trauma to the left side of the body.

How does a ruptured spleen affect the body?

The spleen holds and filters large amounts of blood. A rupture in the spleen can affect the hemodynamics in the body. This means the circulation of blood is disturbed and the body will also take measures to reduce blood loss like constricting blood vessels. Collectively this may be experienced as lightheadedness or dizziness as blood flow to the brain changes as does the circulation in most parts of the body. These are non-specific symptoms that should be taken very seriously when it occurs after injury to the spleen area even if other symptoms are not evident.

What is a splenomegaly?

Splenomegaly is a sign of some underlying spleen or systemic problem and not a disease on its own. Other problems of the spleen may include:

Why does leukopenia occur?

Conditions like leukopenia arise as the spleen traps the white blood cells among other mechanisms that impair immune defenses. Lower immunity means that the body is more prone to infections and this may be seen as repeated infections or persistent infections that do not easily resolve even with treatment.

What does it mean when your stomach feels full?

Fullness in Stomach. In mild acute spleen conditions and chronic problems, spleen pain and tenderness are often not present. However, many people with an enlarged spleen may complain of a sensation of fullness in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. Often it is described as bloating and thought to be associated with the stomach.

What is the medical term for enlarged spleen?

This may occur during a car accident, injuries from contact sports and other forms of blunt or sharp force trauma. Splenomegaly is the medical term for an enlargement of the spleen. It often occurs with an enlarged liver and the collective term is hepatosplenomegaly.

Where is the spleen located?

The human spleen is about the size of a fist and is tucked under the left ribcage. It usually cannot be felt as most of it is shielded by the ribs. The spleen is a reservoir of blood and when needed, blood can be ‘squeezed’ out and enter the circulation. However, one of the main functions of the spleen is to filter blood.

What are the symptoms of a spleen injury?

The spleen is the most commonly injured abdominal organ, usually as a result of blunt trauma due to an automobile accident, significant fall or contact sports 9. Signs and symptoms vary based on the severity of the damage and associated internal bleeding. Abdominal pain and tenderness are common and may be accompanied by left shoulder pain, a distended abdomen and nausea. When substantial bleeding occurs, signs and symptoms of shock often develop, including: 1 Low blood pressure 2 Rapid heart rate and breathing 3 Cold, clammy skin 4 Dizziness or fainting 5 Blurry vision 6 Anxiousness or restlessness

What does it mean when your spleen is enlarged?

A markedly enlarged spleen encroaches on the stomach and often provokes a persistent feeling of fullness and an associated decrease in appetite 9. On physical examination, a doctor can usually feel a significantly enlarged spleen. **Persons with an enlarged spleen often exhibit other signs and symptoms associated with the underlying cause of the enlargement, such as liver disease, an infection or a blood disorder 9. ****

What are the symptoms of hypersplenism?

Low levels of RBCs, WBCs and platelets are hallmark signs of hypersplenism. These levels usually drop gradually as the spleen enlarges and the bone marrow increases production to at least partially compensate for the increased destruction 9. For this reason, symptoms are often absent.

What is the spleen enlargement?

The spleen also commonly enlarges with a variety of infections and other noninfectious disorders 9. Marked enlargement or injury of the spleen can cause a variety of signs and symptoms 9. Spleen enlargement, or splenomegagly, generally causes more subtle and gradually developing signs and symptoms than a splenic injury.

What is the death of a spleen?

A splenic infarction refers to the death of some of the spleen tissue due to an interruption in blood supply 5 8 9. **As with a spleen injury, signs and symptoms vary according to the extent of organ damage 9. **** Common signs and symptoms include sudden pain and tenderness in the upper left abdomen, left shoulder pain, fever, chills and a generalized feeling of being ill. A large spleen infarction can lead to splenic rupture and internal bleeding with signs and symptoms of shock 9.

What are the symptoms of shock?

Abdominal pain and tenderness are common and may be accompanied by left shoulder pain, a distended abdomen and nausea. When substantial bleeding occurs, signs and symptoms of shock often develop, including: Low blood pressure. Rapid heart rate and breathing. Cold, clammy skin. Dizziness or fainting.

What is the most common injury to the spleen?

Spleen Injury. The spleen is the most commonly injured abdominal organ , usually as a result of blunt trauma due to an automobile accident, significant fall or contact sports 9. Signs and symptoms vary based on the severity of the damage and associated internal bleeding.

What happens if your spleen breaks?

A ruptured spleen may pour a large amount of blood into the abdominal cavity. A ruptured spleen is a medical emergency that occurs as a result of a break in your spleen's surface. Your spleen, situated just under your rib cage on your left side, helps your body fight infection and filter old blood cells from your bloodstream.

What to do if you have an enlarged spleen?

If you've been diagnosed with an enlarged spleen, ask your doctor whether you need to avoid activities for several weeks that could cause it to rupture. These might include contact sports, heavy lifting and other activities that increase the risk of abdominal trauma.

What causes a ruptured spleen?

Injury to the left side of the body. A ruptured spleen is typically caused by a blow to the left upper abdomen or the left lower chest , such as might happen during sporting accidents, fistfights and car crashes. An injured spleen can rupture soon after the abdominal trauma or, in some cases, days or weeks after the injury.

Why is my spleen enlarged?

Your spleen can become enlarged when blood cells accumulate in the spleen. An enlarged spleen can be caused by various underlying problems, such as mononucleosis and other infections, liver disease, and blood cancers.

Can a ruptured spleen cause bleeding?

Without emergency treatment, the internal bleeding caused by a ruptured spleen can be life-threatening. Some people with ruptured spleens need emergency surgery. Others can be treated with several days of hospital care.

How to Strengthen Your Spleen?

In TCM, your spleen does not have the same definition that you’ll find in Western medicine, although both schools of thought appear to be more aligned than opposed. If we extrapolate from both methodologies, the spleen seems to be at least a vital partner to the stomach, and does the following:

What supplements can help a weak spleen?

While every instance of a weak spleen might require an individual regiment, the Ayurvedic supplements that might support your spleen, include: Ashwagandha . Turmeric.

What Is the Spleen’s Function?

As a filter for blood, and a hunter of harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, the spleen is vital to your health and immune system. While the spleen stores platelets (thrombocyte) and white blood cells, it also recycles your old and tired red blood cells. TCM dives a little deeper into the value and functions of the spleen, thereby giving us a broader, more specific, and more relatable picture.

How to protect your spleen?

You can protect your spleen’s health with just a few simple changes in diet and behavior. You’ll find 60 total ways to support your spleen within this article. Try these on for size: Avoid cold drinks and ice in your beverages. Honor and express your emotions, especially sadness.

What is the condition of spleen Qi?

Sadly, given how overworked our minds, bodies, and lives are, most spleens are not always in balance. In TCM, the condition is called, “Spleen Qi Deficiency, ” and it’s characterized by sadness, loose stools, fatigue, confusion, feelings of being overwhelmed, decreased vitality, weakened immunity, poor digestion, and feelings of defeat.

Can you live without the spleen?

According to Western Medicine, the spleen keeps your bodily fluids in balance, yet it is possible to live without it. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers similar ideas, yet expands upon these premises. There are many similarities between the attributes of Western Medicine and TCM perspectives.

Can we nurture our spleens?

In a society overloaded with messages and stimuli, our spleens tend to suffer. But through right-action, we can nurture our spleens into abundant health.

What causes the spleen to fail?

Spleen Qi Deficiency causes the Spleen to fail in its function of transformation and transportation of fluids and fluids accumulate into Dampness. Dampness obstructs the Qi-flow in the Middle Jiao interfering with the proper direction flow of Qi. The obstruction of Dampness may result in pathogenic Internal Heat.

What does it mean when your spleen is sinking?

Spleen Qi Sinking. The energy of the Spleen is ascending, lifting, and holding. Spleen Qi Sinking occurs with chronic Spleen Qi Deficiency and has the same indications of Spleen Qi Deficiency symptoms plus the following: Bearing-down sensation in the abdomen. Prolapse of organs stomach, uterus, and/or urinary bladder.

What Causes Spleen Qi Imbalances?

Typically, Spleen damage occurs with poor lifestyle habits including an improper diet, too much exposure to a damp environment or damp weather, or a genetic predisposition to Spleen imbalances. Medications such as steroids and prolonged use of antibiotics can also damage the Spleen according to traditional Chinese medicine and lead to Internal Dampness. Many of us were over-prescribed antibiotics as children, damaging are sensitive and underdeveloped digestive systems; this set the stage for chronic allergies, sinusitis, fungal infections, and digestive issues in our adult years.

Why does my spleen phlegm?

Climate- Prolonged exposure to dampness, such as a humid climate, can weaken the Spleen and lead to Spleen-Qi deficiency. Chronic disease-Any long-term chronic disease will tend to weaken the Spleen and lead to Spleen-Qi Deficiency. This is the reason why Dampness and Phlegm are a frequent consequence of chronic diseases, ...

What is the relationship between the heart and the spleen?

Spleen Blood Deficiency can also be explained by the Generation Cycle of the Five Elements theory and the relationship between Fire (Heart) and Earth (Spleen) which is one of mother and child. When the child is deficient, the mother will in turn become drained. There is actually no such thing as “Spleen-Blood” since the Spleen does not relate to Blood in the same way as the Heart and Liver; the Heart governs Blood, and the Liver stores Blood, therefore we can refer to “Heart-Blood” and “Liver-Blood”. However, Food Qi (Gu Qi) produced by the Spleen is the precursor of Blood as Gu Qi is transformed into Blood in tandem with Lungs and Heart.

What is the spleen Qi?

Spleen Qi Deficiency is associated with Internal Dampness, weight gain, digestive issues, and the emotions related to the Earth Element including an apathetic view-point or worrisome personality.

What is the pattern of imbalance in the liver?

This pattern of imbalance includes symptoms of Spleen Qi Deficiency, Internal Dampness, and Liver Qi Stagnation; this is the only pattern of imbalance that includes the Spleen that is excessive and not deficient; this is because Liver imbalances tend be excessive and can include: Feeling of distension and tenderness in rib area.

What happens if you have an enlarged spleen?

An enlarged spleen can reduce the number of healthy red blood cells, platelets and white cells in your bloodstream, leading to more frequent infections. Anemia and increased bleeding also are possible.

How does an enlarged spleen affect the body?

An enlarged spleen affects each of these vital functions. As your spleen grows larger, it filters normal red blood cells as well as abnormal ones , reducing the number of healthy cells in your bloodstream. It also traps too many platelets. Excess red blood cells and platelets eventually can clog your spleen and affect normal functioning.

What causes a spleen to be enlarged?

A number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged. Your spleen is an organ located just below your left rib cage. Many conditions — including infections, liver disease and some cancers — can cause an enlarged spleen, also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee).

What is the spleen?

Your spleen is an organ located just below your left rib cage. Many conditions — including infections, liver disease and some cancers — can cause an enlarged spleen, also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee). An enlarged spleen usually doesn't cause symptoms. It's often discovered during a routine physical exam.

What diseases affect the liver?

Parasitic infections, such as malaria. Cirrhosis and other diseases affecting the liver. Various types of hemolytic anemia — a condition characterized by early destruction of red blood cells. Blood cancers, such as leukemia and myeloproliferative neoplasms, and lymphomas, such as Hodgkin's disease.

Can anyone develop an enlarged spleen?

Anyone can develop an enlarged spleen at any age, but certain groups are at higher risk, including:

Can you remove an enlarged spleen?

Treatment for an enlarged spleen depends on what's causing it. Surgery to remove an enlarged spleen usually isn't needed, but sometimes it's recommended.