The spleen is still the most mysterious organ in the body, which many recall only with the appearance of pain in the left hypochondrium. This is a warning sign that cannot be ignored. There are no pain receptors in the organ, and an attack of pain can only be caused by stretching or damage to the capsule surrounding the pulp due to changes in the structure of the organ and pressure on adjacent tissues. Therefore, it is worth knowing why the spleen hurts in a person and what to do if it happened.
Features of the body and its location in the body
The spleen is an unpaired parenchymal organ of a flat oval shape. It is located behind the stomach in the left hypochondrium in the region of 9-11 ribs. Spleen Dimensions:
- length 10-14 cm
- width - 6-10 cm,
- thickness - 3-4 cm.
In the immediate vicinity of the organ is the pancreas, rectum and left kidney, also this organ is slightly in contact with the diaphragm. Due to the close proximity, it is sometimes very difficult to establish the main cause of pain in the left hypochondrium, since many internal organs are located in the area where the spleen is located.
Initially, the weight of the organ is about 180-200 g, but as a person grows older, its size gradually decreases. According to its functionality, it is closely connected with the hematopoiesis and blood circulation system. The spleen is directly connected to the portal vein through which passes the mole, enriched with useful substances and enzymes.
Despite the assertion of specialists that this body is not vital and after the removal of its functions are completely replaced, allegations of its futility are not substantiated. Therefore, with inflammation of the spleen, measures should be taken to maintain its functionality. This will help eliminate the possibility of a complete removal.
What is the spleen in the body responsible for?
Until now, the role of the spleen in the human body has not been fully studied. But the studies showed what basic functions it performs.
Of paramount importance is the protection and maintenance of the immune system in a normal state. This is achieved due to the processing ability of the organ, as a result of which it successfully fights against various pathogens, forming the necessary antibodies to combat them. Therefore, people who have had their organ removed surgically are immunocompromised.
To understand what the spleen does in the body, you should familiarize yourself with the full list of its functions:
- cleanses the blood of harmful microorganisms and parasites that provoke the development of infection and viruses;
- processes and promotes the elimination of toxins from the body;
- synthesizes the immunoglobulin necessary for immunity;
- identifies pathogens and produces antibodies to combat them;
- stimulates the dissolution of solids, the appearance of which is associated with mechanical and thermal damage;
- performs presentation of antigens.
What does the spleen do besides these functions? Due to its structure and location, this organ is a kind of filter for blood particles in the body. It accumulates lymphocytes, as well as the removal of dead or damaged red blood cells. The spleen also takes part in metabolic processes, in particular, without it, a full exchange of iron is impossible.
In addition, the spleen has a unique ability to accumulate blood volume of 30-40 ml, without pathological changes in its structure. If necessary, an additional release of biological fluid, a person feels a short pain in the left side near the heart. This symptom is a confirmation of the removal of blood stock by the spleen and a sharp decrease in its size. Based on this, it can be argued that this body helps to replenish the oxygen supply in the body.
From this it is clear that the spleen is not useless in our body, since its functions are very important for health. And a violation of its functionality cannot but affect the general well-being of a person. Therefore, you should know which side the spleen hurts, the causes of pain and the main methods of treating inflammation.
Signs
It is quite difficult to detect inflammation of the spleen, since it is very close to other organs. Symptoms of inflammation are largely similar to liver diseases, pancreatitis, osteochondrosis.
Key features:
- excessive allocation of cold sweat;
- fever;
- hypotension;
- general weakness;
- disturbed sleep patterns;
- feeling of thirst;
- pain in the left hypochondrium, extending to the shoulder, chest;
- lack of appetite.
In addition, a person may have intestinal cramps, digestive upset, dizziness, and vomiting. When bending forward, the pain increases significantly, and during the rest period it decreases.
If the spleen hurts after eating, then this is only confirmation of its inflammation. Due to the location of the organ (between the diaphragm and the stomach), an increase in size contributes to increased pressure on the adjacent organs. Therefore, a person feels pain in the upper abdomen. In this case, pain can be given to the back and shoulder. Therefore, when this symptom appears, it is recommended to consult a doctor, even if discomfort is felt only temporarily after eating.
It is not known for what reason, but spleen inflammation in women manifests itself much more often than in men.
Provoking factors of inflammation
Inflammation of the organ can occur for a number of reasons. Most often this occurs against the background of concomitant diseases in the body.
The main triggering factors why the spleen is enlarged are:
- diseases of the circulatory system;
- typhoid fever;
- food poisoning;
- indigestion;
- exposure to toxins, antibiotics;
- sepsis;
- jaundice;
- malaria;
- open or closed injury;
- anthrax;
- parasitic damage to the body;
- infectious mononucleosis;
- acute viral hepatitis;
- brucellosis;
- malaria.
Possible organ diseases
What causes a spleen in a person? In rare cases, organ inflammation, characterized by organ enlargement and soreness in the left side, is manifested due to the primary organ disease. Below are diseases that directly affect this organ.
- Heart attack. Necrosis of spleen tissue occurs due to blockage of the vessels that feed it. Often, the pathological process is asymptomatic, negatively affecting adjacent tissues and organs. A heart attack can be recognized at the stage of deterioration of overall well-being, which is manifested by weakness, profuse vomiting, nausea, tachycardia, shortness of breath and fever.
- Abscess. The disease is characterized by a vivid clinical picture. A person experiences acute pain in the left hypochondrium, the temperature rises to a critical level of 39-40 degrees. Additional symptoms are: vomiting, loss of consciousness, general debilitated condition. The cause of the development of an abscess may be liver cirrhosis, pyelonephritis, nephritis, abdominal injuries that provoked rupture of the spleen.
- Cyst. Most often, serous cysts form in the spleen against the background of human injury. When the size of the neoplasm is less than 2 cm in diameter, the pathological process is asymptomatic. With further growth of the cyst, dull pain appears in the left side, a feeling of heaviness after eating, vomiting, lethargy, coughing. With a critical size of the neoplasm (about 7 cm), as well as multiple organ damage (more than 20%), dysfunction of the stomach and abdominal organs is observed. Chills, belching, nausea, fever.
- Inversion of the spleen. Twisting of the splenic leg when the organ is displaced into the small pelvis, chest cavity, iliac region. The disease requires surgical intervention, as it leads to impaired circulation of the spleen. Inversion of the legs is characterized by acute pain without a certain localization, bloating, loss of consciousness, high fever.
- Congenital malformations. In some people, the size of the spleen has been increased since birth, and the shape and structure may also not fit into the standard framework. In medicine, a separate pathology is also distinguished - the vagus spleen, when an organ moves in the abdominal cavity due to weak abdominal muscles.
Priority actions
When acute pain appears in the left hypochondrium, it is necessary to take a comfortable position and call a doctor. While waiting, you can’t take medicine, drink or eat, as this can blur the clinical picture.
In case of acute pain attacks, painkillers are allowed, but if after that the well-being continues to deteriorate, an ambulance team must be called.
Diagnostics
Having found out what the spleen hurts in a person, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the diagnostic methods that help the doctor establish a diagnosis. The purpose of additional research and analysis depends on how the disease manifests itself and proceeds.
Diagnostic Methods:
- interrogation of the patient - in order to identify chronic diseases and the nature of discomfort;
- external examination, palpation - allows you to identify the estimated size of the spleen, the structure of the organ and the possibility of moving into the abdominal cavity;
- radiography - helps to identify a spleen tumor;
- blood test - reveals the concentration of red blood cells.
In rare cases, a puncture is indicated for the detection of malignant tumors. The method is considered dangerous, as it can lead to rupture of the capsule followed by internal bleeding.
Traditional treatment
What cures the spleen? Drug therapy is used if organ inflammation has been caused by concomitant diseases.
The following types of drugs are acceptable:
- antispasmodics and analgesics - help relieve painful syndrome;
- antibiotics - are used depending on the type of primary disease;
- enzyme therapy - to stabilize the digestive system;
- physiotherapy - used as necessary.
More accurate information about taking medication, treatment regimen and dosage of drugs is determined by the attending physician on the basis of an established diagnosis and the nature of the course of the disease.
Surgical removal
If the patient’s life is threatened, or if it is impossible to restore the functionality of the organ, a decision is made to remove the inflamed organ. The operation is performed under general anesthesia. In the treatment of cancer, in addition to the spleen, lymph nodes of the abdominal cavity are removed.
The rehabilitation period lasts for 4-6 weeks.
Diet
What treats the spleen besides drugs? To restore the body, a special therapeutic diet is prescribed.
Its basic principles:
- fractional nutrition at least 5-6 times a day;
- acceptable methods of preparation: baking in foil, cooking, stewing, steaming;
- compliance with the drinking regime (at least 1.5-2 liters per day);
- refusal of alcohol, preservatives.
Allowed Products:
- lean fish, meat,
- vegetable soups
- vegetable oils,
- Soft-boiled eggs
- dry bread, biscuit,
- dairy products,
- tea, coffee, natural juices,
- nuts
- preferred vegetables are avocado, cabbage,
- the most useful fruits are apples, pomegranate.
Prohibited Products:
- sour vegetables and fruits,
- spice,
- beans
- fried, smoked food,
- fresh baking
- mushrooms.
Folk remedies
The use of folk remedies for the treatment of the spleen is permissible only by prior agreement with the attending physician. The total course of treatment is 1 month. If there is a deterioration in well-being after their use, therapy should be urgently stopped.
Effective recipes:
- 30 g of chopped dandelion root, previously peeled, pour 200 ml of boiling water. Stand for 4 hours, clean. Drink the entire drink throughout the day in equal portions before eating.
- Pour 50 g of rose hips into a thermos. Add 500 ml of boiling water. Soak for 12 hours. Drink in the morning for 30 minutes. before meals, drinking 200 ml of drink at a time.
- 25 g of crushed leaves of sorrel pour 200 ml of boiling water, stand for 2 hours. Drink the drink cleaned of impurities at one time in the evening before dinner.
- Drink 200 ml of mineral alkaline water. After that, put 30 ml of honey in your mouth and gradually savor it. Reception is carried out 1 time per day on an empty stomach.
Prevention
There is no specific prophylaxis against spleen inflammation. But maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet will help minimize the likelihood of developing pathology. It is reliably known that in most cases, what a spleen hurts in a person is associated with bad habits and harmful food.
To prevent relapse, you must adhere to the following rules:
- Follow the rules of the diet, avoiding the use of prohibited foods.
- Enrich the diet with products that contribute to the production of hemoglobin.
- Avoid stressful situations.
- Dress according to the weather, avoid hypothermia.
- Conduct daily walks for 20-30 minutes.
- Avoid mechanical action on the abdominal cavity.
- Refuse alcohol and smoking.
conclusions
If the spleen hurts, the causes and treatment of this pathological process should be established only by an experienced specialist. It is strictly forbidden to engage in self-medication, since any delay can cause the need for organ removal. To avoid this, you should consult a doctor and determine the main cause of inflammation.