Enlarged Spleen in Children

Enlarged spleen is not a disease in itself, but a disorder experienced due to some other disease. Diseases and disorders, like anemia, cancer and other infections can cause enlarged spleen in children. These diseases might be a hurdle in child development. Enlargement of the spleen traps and stores extra blood cells and platelets. This leads to decrease of blood cells and platelets in the bloodstream. More the blood cells and platelets, more the spleen grows. It also traps the normal red blood cells which get destroyed with the abnormal ones. At times, excess blood cells and platelets block the spleen, which interferes with its functioning. If the spleen grows very large, then it does not get the required blood which can lead to its damage.

Symptoms
No specific symptoms are observed. Sometimes, its symptoms might be mistaken to be that of the other disease. But, the child might experience pain and fullness in the upper left abdomen or in the back. Even after eating little food, the child's stomach will be full and in some cases, even without eating anything. This pain will gradually move to the left shoulder. The pain is experienced in left shoulder, when the spleen does not get enough blood supply and parts of the spleen start getting damaged. The victim might also develop the tendency to bleed easily. Lack of blood cells and platelets in the blood stream give rise to disorders like anemia. Lack of white blood cells in the blood stream might also give rise to different kind of infections and other problems.

Diagnosis
Doctors can easily diagnose enlarged spleen in children. But, in order to determine the disease properly, X-rays and different imaging tests can be carried on the child. These tests will also help to know how much the spleen has enlarged. At times, computed tomography and ultrasonography can also be done to know the actual size of the spleen. These tests will also help to know, if the other organs are being pressed because of the enlargement. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is another test that may be done. This test is also used to find out the above results. Along with this, it also helps to know if there are traces of blood present in the spleen.

Treatment
Most of the time, treating the underlying medical condition which has caused enlargement can provide relief. But, if it does not, then other treatments have to be opted. If, nothing works then, the spleen has to be removed. In order to shrink the spleen, radiation therapy may be opted.

In some cases, a child might suffer from enlarged liver. Enlarged liver is a disease called hepatosplenomegaly. This is a more complicated condition and different reasons like malaria, overdose of vitamin A, etc. are responsible for it.

The symptoms should be detected as soon as possible and they should be given correct treatment at the earliest to avoid further damage. Take proper child care and keep your child away from all kinds of diseases. Live a healthy life!!