Enlarged Spleen in Children

Enlarged spleen is not a disease in itself but, it is 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 of Enlarged Spleen in Children
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 starts getting damaged. The victim might also develop the tendency to bleed easily. Lack of blood cells and platelets in the blood stream might give rise to disorders like anemia. Decrease in the blood cells and the platelets in the blood stream, is also one of the symptoms of enlarged spleen. Lack of white blood cells in the blood stream might also give rise to different kind of infections and other spleen problems. Read more on:

• Spleen Function in Immune System
• Spleen Pain Causes

Diagnosis of Enlarged Spleen in Children
Mostly, the 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 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 of the spleen. 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 for Enlarged Spleen in Children
Most of the times, 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, rather than perform surgery, radiation therapy may be opted.

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

The symptoms of enlarged spleen in children 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 kind of diseases. Live a healthy life!!