Spleen Problems
Some people are born without a spleen or may need to have it removed if they get an illness or injury.
Where is the spleen?
The spleen is about the size of a fist and is in the upper left side of your abdomen, just behind your left ribs and next to your stomach.
What does the spleen do?
The spleen has a particularly important job to do, if it is not working properly, it may remove healthy blood cells it fights invading germs in the blood by using its infection-fighting white blood cells, it also helps to control the level of blood cells and platelets, it will also filter the blood and remove any damaged or old red blood cells.
If a spleen is not working as it should be it can lead to an increased risk of infection, it can also lead to anaemia and bruising, and bleeding (this is caused by a reduced number of platelets).
Spleen problems
If you are feeling pain behind your left ribs, and tenderness when you touch the area it could be a sign that you have a ruptured, damaged, or enlarged spleen.
There are many causes of a ruptured or damaged spleen, it can happen in a car accident, a blow to the abdomen, a sporting injury, or broken ribs.
The symptoms of spleen problems are not limited to but will usually include, feeling tired or having no energy, dizziness and a rapid heart rate, discomfort behind your left ribs, and tenderness when they are touched
Abdominal Scan
If you are worried that you may have damaged your spleen why not give us a call here at Ultrasound Care, we can conduct an abdominal scan that will examine the abdomen area including the spleen, appendix, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. Starting from only £89 we can see you as soon as possible (usually within a couple of days) and can investigate any problems with the spleen you may be having.
The overall procedure will take 30-45 minutes to complete, and a full report will be compiled and given to you to take to your GP to follow up on.
We have abdominal scans available at each of our clinics why not give us a call we will endeavour to get you seen straight away.
