What does an enlarged spleen feel like?
A common symptom of an enlarged spleen is a feeling of pain or discomfort in the upper left side of abdomen, where the spleen is located. You might also experience a feeling of fullness after only eating a small amount. This usually happens when the spleen becomes enlarged to the point that it presses on the stomach.
How do you check your spleen at home?
Technique
- Start in RLQ (so you don’t miss a giant spleen).
- Get your fingers set then ask patient to take a deep breath.
- When patient expires, take up new position.
- Note lowest point of spleen below costal margin, texture of splenic contour, and tenderness.
- If spleen is not felt, repeat with pt lying on right side.
Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal size?
What Is the Prognosis for Enlarged Spleen? Depending upon the cause, the enlarged spleen may return to normal size and function when the underlying disease is treated or resolved. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better.
What foods to avoid if you have an enlarged spleen?
Frozen food, icy drinks, cucumber, bitter or winter melon, lettuce and grapefruit deplete the spleen’s “fire”. Foods that are “damp” – such as dairy products, refined sugars and sweets – can also smother the digestive process.
Is an enlarged spleen serious?
Left untreated, an enlarged spleen can lead to serious complications. In most cases, treatment of the underlying cause of the enlarged spleen can prevent removal of the spleen. In some cases, the spleen will need to be removed surgically (splenectomy).