How does the spleen hurt? Symptoms you should pay attention to

Where is the spleen located

In the human body, several organs are responsible for the accumulation of platelets and the formation of lymphocytes. One of them is the spleen - all people need to know where the organ is located and how it hurts. Where the spleen is located depends on the physiological characteristics and height of the person. Typically, the organ is located in the left hypochondrium, a couple of centimeters to the left of the stomach. With below average height, it is found near the 11th rib, and with high growth, its upper part is located in the area of ​​the 8th rib.

The spleen is involved in blood purification and the life cycle of lymphocytes, producing them and producing bodies to maintain hematopoietic function. Participation in metabolic processes involves the utilization of old red blood cells and accumulated iron for the formation of hemoglobin. Lymphocytes produced by the organ act as protectors of the body. They recognize foreign agents and eliminate them.

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Spleen coordinates

Geographically, the spleen is hidden in the hypochondrium on the left, and is somewhat covered by the stomach.

Outwardly, it looks like a bean or bean, and reaches a size of approximately 6-9 centimeters and weighs up to two hundred grams.

Depending on the build of the wearer, it may be located slightly above the textbook place, or a little higher. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) it is not possible to palpate this organ due to its location behind the 9th and 11th ribs. In addition, the spleen is covered on all sides by peritoneal tissue. The English name for the organ is spleen.

Why does the spleen hurt?

Discomfort in the area where the organ is located is observed for various reasons. There are many diseases that affect it and cause pain. The first reason why the spleen may hurt is that it is damaged by pathogenic microorganisms. Parasites lay their eggs with larvae on the tissues of the organ, further injuring it with their jaws. Pests can simultaneously live in the pancreas. The main causes of pain in the organ include:

• Injuries. They can be open or closed, with or without internal bleeding. Often injuries occur as a result of a fall or pressure on the area.
• Problems with blood vessels that provoke pathologies.
• Malignant and benign tumors. They manifest themselves in the last stages of development and can be diagnosed using a biopsy.
• Cysts that interfere with normal function and blood supply.

Anatomical structure

Removing the spleen will not lead to disaster for the body.
Each organ plays its role. The main function that science knows about is hematopoietic. In the fetus it works as a source of blood cells, and in an adult it functions as a kind of cemetery for blood cells. In the spleen, surviving blood cells are broken down into individual elements.

The spleen controls blood flow. Proteins, albumin and globin are formed in this organ; they are later converted into immunoglobulins and protect the body from viruses.

Problems with an organ occur in 2 cases: exposure to external factors from outside or as a result of enlargement (it begins to put pressure on neighboring organs) and modification.

Where does the spleen hurt?

The irradiation of unpleasant sensations is one of the main reasons why it is difficult to recognize organ damage. In case of physical injuries, pain spreads across the entire back to the lower part of the shoulder blade, following from the shoulder to the collarbone. Blood pressure decreases, and the victim's sweating increases. The patient experiences chills. Severe hypertrophy of the organ causes a sharp, gusty cough. Symptoms of a diseased spleen include:

• cardiopalmus;
• painful sensations of a constant nature;
• abdominal cramps;
• constant weakness;
• unnatural whiteness of the skin.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of the causes of pain in the spleen is based on an assessment of its size, hemodynamic parameters, history of injury or other diseases, and other associated symptoms. Palpation of the inferior border of the spleen can help assess the degree of enlargement.

A doctor can confirm spleen problems based on one or more of these tests:

• Blood tests to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets
• Ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) to determine organ size
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to track blood flow through the spleen.

Spleen diseases

People who lose an organ in childhood temporarily lose the ability to resist viral infections. Occurs in 4% of the population, i.e. its complete absence. This phenomenon is accompanied by all sorts of pathologies in the development of the circulatory system. Diseases of the spleen are divided into primary and secondary. Primary ones occur in less than 15% of patients and are associated with leukemia, viral hepatitis, anthrax and other infectious diseases. Secondary diseases include:

• Heart attack. It occurs in 80% of hospitalized patients and is associated with leukemia and diseases that impair the functionality of the organs of the hematopoietic system.
• Inflammation. Associated with a severe infectious, viral or invasive disease. Accompanied by the accumulation of pus, which causes the organ to increase in size.
• Abscess. It is provoked by food poisoning, the entry of bacteria into the organ. 90% of cases of the disease are painless and go away on their own.
• Cysts. They provoke damage to the spleen, interfering with blood circulation inside the organ. Can be treated with medications.

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To be or not to be

Not so long ago, at the beginning of the last century, in the United States of America this organ was considered practically superfluous and unnecessary (like the appendix, which was removed for newborn babies in the countries of the Middle Kingdom). And in ancient times, the spleen was simply removed from professional athletes to increase their speed and athletic achievements.

It’s great that in our time, during the period of scientific and technological achievements, modern scientists are beginning to unravel the secrets of this organ, eliminating the need for unnecessary and unjustified surgical interventions. Experts note that a person who has lost his spleen experiences a disruption in his immune defense.

How does the spleen hurt?

At the first stage of inflammation, the discomfort is localized. In men, pain may radiate to the groin area. The frequency of pain attacks increases over time, making breathing and heart rate uneven. If your spleen hurts, you should immediately consult a doctor. In many patients, after a bruise, the area at the level of the left shoulder blade begins to ache. An increase in the size of the organ is easy to determine by palpation. It is impossible to treat it yourself without knowing the etiology of the disease.

How does the spleen hurt - symptoms in women

During pregnancy, the risk of contracting infectious mononucleosis and organ injury increases. Pain in this disease is concentrated in the upper left part of the abdomen. Mononucleosis is often confused with colitis or uterine growth. If the disease is not diagnosed in time, the organ will increase in volume until it ruptures. Signs of the disease in women are similar to symptoms of the disease. Patients develop:

• nausea after eating;
• heaviness in the left hypochondrium;
• allergies to fruits and vegetables;
• persistent constipation or diarrhea.

Cysts in the spleen develop in women due to frequent changes in hormonal levels. Pain sensations are most often localized under the costal mesh on the left side. Patients also experience sudden mood swings, acne or excessive dry skin, and noticeable weight fluctuations. Doctors diagnose problems late, after eliminating problems with the amount of hormones, when the organ is severely damaged.

Prevention

The basis of preventive measures against the development of spleen diseases is cleaning the blood system. There are both pharmaceutical preparations for this and folk recipes.

Important: any medication, in addition to its beneficial properties, also has side effects, which must always be taken into account.

Here are a few recipes for preventive purposes that are not used to treat an existing disease:

1. 1 glass of hop fruits (cones) is crushed, half a liter of vodka is poured in and left in a dark place for 10 days, after which you can drink the composition 25 g 3 times a day.
2. Combine, chop and brew yarrow, calendula and wormwood with a liter of boiling water in a water bath for 15 minutes. After this, cool, strain and drink 100 g.
3. Mix freshly squeezed carrot juices with beets and take 0.5 cups 3 times a day.

Pomegranate juice, which should be drunk 30 minutes before meals, also has a positive effect on the spleen. Cranberries, chokeberries and viburnum have a beneficial effect on the organ and the entire circulatory system.

Despite the fact that when the spleen is removed, a person continues to live fully, it is still necessary for the body. Therefore, if even seemingly minor symptoms appear, contact a specialist who will promptly and competently identify the problem and prescribe treatment, if necessary.

Protection factor

What does the spleen do? Of course, the function of lymphopoiesis is considered important, if not the main one. In other words, it is in the spleen that the formation of cellular elements of the immune system occurs - T- and B-leukocytes and macrophages.

It is thanks to the spleen that complete filtration of lymph and protection of the body is ensured due to constant phagocytosis, not only from hostile and foreign damaging agents such as viruses and bacteria, which attack cells and tissues from the outside and inside every second, but also from genetic mutant cells of one’s own body, which are the causes of oncological pathology . In addition, there are other, no less important role features of this lymphoid organ.

What to do

Spleen diseases are rarely diagnosed at an early stage. A person begins to suspect a problem after the organ increases significantly in size, causing severe discomfort or severe pain. If you have alarming symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor without waiting for the condition to worsen.

After this, you will need to undergo an examination and pass all tests prescribed by a specialist. If you have severe acute pain in the spleen, you need to call an ambulance. After this, the patient needs to take a lying position. In this case, it is recommended to monitor the patient’s breathing - it should be deep and calm. It is forbidden to apply hot or warm compresses to the sore spot, as such actions can harm the patient’s condition.

Anatomy and histology [edit | edit code]

Topography [edit | edit code]

Holotopia.

Left hypochondrium.

Skeletotopia

. The length of the spleen extends from 9 to 11 left rib.

Relation to the peritoneum

. In general, it is covered with peritoneum on all sides (intraperitoneal); however, in the area of ​​the hilum of the spleen there is an area free of peritoneum.

Building [edit | edit code ]

The spleen has 2 surfaces: convex diaphragmatic ( facies diaphragmatica

) and concave internal (
facies visceralis
).
On the visceral surface, the renal, gastric and colonic surfaces adjacent to the corresponding organs are distinguished. The surfaces are separated from each other by a blunt lower edge ( margo inferior
) and a sharp upper edge (
margo superior
).
In addition, in the spleen there is a rear end (pole) facing backwards and upwards ( extremitas posterior
) and an anterior end (
extremitas anterior
), facing forwards and downwards.

Between the visceral surface of the spleen and the internal organs are stretched ligaments - layers of peritoneum - lig. gastrolienale (to the stomach), lig. phrenicosplenium (to the diaphragm; passes into lig. lienocolicum - to the large intestine). Some authors also distinguish lig. hepatolienale (ligament to the liver). Due to the presence of these ligaments, changes in the position of the internal organs (lowering and raising of the diaphragm during breathing, filling and emptying of the stomach during digestion) are reflected in the position of the spleen.

The outer surface of the spleen is covered with a capsule of dense connective tissue, to the outer surface of which the serous membrane (peritoneum) grows. Trabeculae (beams) formed by dense connective tissue extend from the capsule into the spleen. The capsule and trabeculae also contain smooth muscle cells, the number of which is increased in animals whose spleen performs a pronounced depository function (horse, seal). When the muscle elements of the capsule contract from the trabeculae, the blood deposited in the spleen is released into the general bloodstream. Trabeculae form the internal framework of the organ. Large trabeculae contain arteries and veins.

The internal contents of the spleen are called pulp. There are two main zones in the splenic pulp: red and white pulp.

Red pulp of the spleen [edit | edit code]

It makes up 80% of the organ’s volume and performs the following functions:

1. Deposition of mature blood elements.

2. Monitoring the condition and destruction of old and damaged red blood cells and platelets.

3. Phagocytosis of foreign particles.

4. Ensuring the maturation of lymphoid cells and the transformation of monocytes into macrophages.

The red pulp of the spleen includes the venous sinuses

(
sinus venulares
) and
splenic (pulp) cords
(
chordae splenicae
)
of Billroth
(part of the red pulp located between the sinuses).

The cords of Billroth contain blood cells, macrophages, and plasma cells lying in the loops of reticular connective tissue. Here, by analogy with the medullary cords of the lymph nodes, plasma cells, the precursors of which move here from the white pulp, complete their differentiation and secrete antibodies. In the pulp cords there are accumulations of B and T lymphocytes, which can form new nodules of white pulp. The red pulp retains monocytes, which differentiate into macrophages.

As a result of the breakdown of hemoglobin in erythrocytes absorbed by macrophages, bilirubin and iron-containing transferrin are formed and released into the bloodstream. Bilirubin is transported to the liver, where it becomes part of the bile. Transferrin from the bloodstream is taken up by bone marrow macrophages, which supply iron to newly developing red blood cells.

The red pulp sinuses, located between the splenic cords, are part of the complex vascular system of the spleen. These are wide, thin-walled vessels of irregular shape, lined with endothelial cells of an unusual spindle-shaped form with narrow gaps between them, through which formed elements migrate into the lumen of the sinuses from the surrounding cords. The basement membrane is discontinuous and is supplemented by reticular fibers and processes of reticular cells.

White pulp of the spleen [edit | edit code]

Makes up to 20% of the organ's volume. It looks like whitish-grayish inclusions of an elongated or ellipsoidal shape, the color of which is due to accumulations of lymphocytes, one of the types of leukocytes - white blood cells. Includes lymph nodes

(follicles, Malpighian bodies) and
periarterial lymphatic sheaths (muffs)
(
PALV
, PALS). The stroma of the white pulp is also formed by reticular connective tissue. In addition to reticular cells, stromal elements also include some types of macrophages, dendritic and interdigitating cells, which perform antigen presentation functions.

Directly along the pulp arteries, clusters of lymphocytes (PALV) form in the outer shell of their walls. T-lymphocytes accumulate in these formations ( T-dependent zone

). These periarterial zones are considered to be thymus-dependent zones of the spleen in which T lymphocytes undergo antigen-dependent proliferation and differentiation. Specific elements of the microenvironment of this zone are interdigitating cells.

Lymph nodes develop on the periphery of the periarterial zones. The coloring of these formations on histological preparations is heterogeneous. The central part of the nodule appears lighter. In this zone, antigen-dependent proliferation and differentiation of B-lymphocytes occurs ( B-dependent zone

). This part of the nodule is considered a bursa-dependent zone and is called the germinal (germinal) center of the nodule. Specific elements of the microenvironment of this zone are dendritic cells. The peripheral zone of the nodule (mantle zone) contains small lymphocytes sandwiched between circular reticular fibers. The mantle zone in the preparations is intensely colored and looks darker compared to the germinal center.

Marginal zone [edit | edit code]

On the border between the white and red pulp, next to the marginal sinus, there is a marginal (marginal) zone

lymph node. This zone is characterized by the presence of specific macrophages, which in a number of properties differ from other macrophages of the white and red pulp. These cells take part in the body's antibacterial defense. In the marginal zone, antibody-producing plasma cells accumulate, which are formed during the differentiation of B lymphocytes. In the marginal zone, unlike other zones of the white pulp, red blood cells are found that exit through the perforated wall of the marginal sinus, which lies on the border of the marginal and mantle zones.

Vessels and nerves of the spleen [edit | edit code]

Innervation

: branches of the vagus nerve and sympathetic fibers in the splenic plexus.

Blood supply

: splenic artery (from the abdominal aorta), which in the area of ​​the hilum of the spleen splits into several splenic branches, splitting into segmental arteries (4-5), trabecular arteries and pulpal arteries. The latter are divided into arterioles (pass into capillaries flowing into the venous sinuses).

Venous drainage

: from the venous sinuses - into the pulpal, trabecular veins, the splenic vein, which flows into the portal vein.

Causes

The peculiarity of the spleen is that it does not have pain receptors, so it cannot hurt. Discomfort occurs due to stretching of the splenic capsule against the background of various pathologies, open or closed injuries. Pain in the spleen is often a consequence of damage to other organs and systems. As a rule, the cause of this problem is injury, infectious diseases, tumors, abscesses, and tuberculosis.

Also, disturbances in the functioning of the spleen occur against the background of:

• congenital defects (absence of the spleen, its non-standard size or shape)
• twisting of the splenic pedicle (volvulus)
• irreversible degenerative processes in elderly people
• splenomegaly (pathological enlargement of the spleen due to infectious diseases, increased temperature or lymph nodes, jaundice, anemia, etc.)

It is impossible to identify the cause of pain in the spleen without qualified medical care. Timely consultation with a doctor increases the patient’s chances of recovery.

Infectious diseases

Infectious diseases of individual organs and systems caused by pathogenic biological agents (viruses, fungi, bacteria, etc.) cause dysfunction of the spleen.

As a rule, discomfort or pain in the spleen area occurs as a complication of the following diseases:

• sepsis
• typhoid fever
• measles
• meningitis
• scarlet fever
• anthrax
• sepsis
• syphilis
• malaria
• hepatitis
• mononucleosis
• lymphocytosis, etc.

These diseases can provoke the occurrence of an arterial thrombus, which, in turn, causes a severe pathology - splenic infarction. Another consequence of infectious diseases is spleen abscess. Enlargement of the organ occurs due to damage by toxins, poisons, and pathogens.

Closed and open injuries

According to the generally accepted classification, splenic injuries can be open or closed. The first type is wounds (gunshot or stab wounds), with damage to nearby organs and systems. According to statistics, open wounds of the spleen are much less common than closed ones. As a result of such injuries, the functionality and integrity of the stomach, liver, lungs, gall bladder, etc. are impaired. Closed (or subcutaneous) injuries to the spleen occur as a result of injuries, bruises, single or multiple ruptures. With such injuries, the integrity of the capsule and parenchyma is destroyed (separately or together). The most severe complications of closed-type spleen injuries are rupture of the capsule, hemorrhage into the peritoneal cavity, and complete separation of the organ.

Infectious diseases

Swelling of the spleen is one of the common signs of infectious diseases. The organ increases in size within 350-550 g, its structure and color change. If the patient has an infectious disease, the spleen becomes very fragile. Minimal trauma or bruise can cause rupture of this organ. A person feels mild discomfort or acute pain in the left hypochondrium due to enlargement and stretching of the spleen capsule.

Splenic infarction

Vascular spasms, blood clots or embolism can provoke a serious disease - splenic infarction. The pathology is characterized by the death of organ tissue (necrosis). In advanced cases, the following clinical picture can be observed:

• discomfort, heaviness, pain in the left hypochondrium
• temperature increase
• stool disorders
• general intoxication

To make a diagnosis, studies using ultrasound, MRI, and CT are required. In the final stages of the disease, death of large areas or all of the splenic tissue can be observed. The pathology is common between men and women, whose average age is about 65 years.

Typically, splenic infarction occurs from spasm or blockage of the splenic artery. Such conditions lead to:

• hematological pathologies
• deterioration of blood properties
• heart or vascular diseases
• benign or malignant formations
• open and closed injuries
• infections and parasites

A splenic infarction develops due to a disruption of the blood supply to the tissues of the organ and blockage of the arteries. This affects the immune system, endocrine and metabolic processes in the body.

Abscess

A splenic abscess is an abscess (suppuration) of a certain area of ​​the organ. This is a cavity filled with pus, which is often a consequence of another disease: an infectious process, hematoma, or splenic infarction. The formation can be large, single, or collected from multiple small ulcers, capable of connecting with each other as the disease progresses.

Symptoms of splenic abscess:

• pain in the left hypochondrium area
• pain may radiate to the left side of the body and intensify with breathing, tension, or increased load
• weakness
• dizziness
• temperature increase
• digestive disorders: nausea, vomiting

The cause of an abscess can be trauma, infection, parasites, or splenic infarction. As a rule, the patient is indicated for urgent surgical treatment in combination with drug therapy. Patients suffering from immune system disorders: HIV infection, lymphocytic leukemia, anemia, leukemia are predisposed to abscesses. A spleen abscess can cause the development of complications: fistulas, intestinal bleeding, purulent contents entering the abdominal cavity, sepsis.

Tuberculosis

In most cases, splenic tuberculosis is a complication of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients. As an independent disease, this pathology is much less common. The causative agents of the disease are pathogenic bacteria that spread throughout the body through the blood or lymph. Tuberculosis of the spleen is characterized by the appearance of small single or multiple nodules on the tissues of the organ. A provoking factor in the development of the disease can be reduced immunity, polluted air, or the presence of a patient diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. As a rule, the disease progresses slowly, without pronounced symptoms. Over time, the pathology becomes chronic.

Symptoms of chronic tuberculosis of the spleen:

• temperature rise to 37-37.5 degrees
• pain in left side
• loss of appetite
• weakness, low performance
• pain in the left side of the body
• enlarged spleen
• changes in blood composition, decrease in blood clotting
• anemia
• liver tuberculosis

Splenic tuberculosis in acute form is manifested by a sharp increase in temperature, a decrease in platelets and leukocytes in the blood. The person becomes weak and sick.

Oncology

Malignant tumors of the spleen are rare. As a rule, this problem is a consequence of other oncological processes in the body.

Malignant formations in the spleen area:

• sarcoma
• lymphosarcoma
• reticulosarcoma
• fibrosarcoma
• angiosarcoma

At the initial stages of the disease, an enlargement of the spleen and its bulging may be observed. The patient's general condition remains unchanged, as do the blood composition indicators.

Discomfort on the left in the hypochondrium area, extending to the scapula area, can occur in the later stages of cancer. Such a symptom indicates the neglect of the disease, and possible death within several years.

Women may develop cysts in the spleen. The reasons for their appearance are one or a combination of several unfavorable factors:

• frequent changes in hormonal levels;
• bad ecology;
• poor nutrition;
• other diseases;
• injuries;
• bad heredity, etc.

Symptoms of cysts in the spleen include stool disturbances and pain in the left hypochondrium. A woman may feel heaviness in the stomach and nausea immediately after eating. Manifestations of allergies may occur; upon palpation, the doctor diagnoses an enlarged spleen.

Preventive actions

Prevention is always easier than cure. No one has yet canceled this truth. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining basic personal hygiene, eliminating bad eating habits, following safety precautions when playing sports and proper behavior in public places, can prevent the development of most diseases and disorders, including changes in the functioning of the spleen.

By maintaining the normal functional ability of this organ - a highly effective filter that captures and neutralizes any pathological agents, you will not be afraid for your health and think with confidence about the future.

Symptoms

Severe pain behind the stomach, in the area of ​​the left hypochondrium, indicates a pathology of the spleen. Discomfort may extend to the shoulder blade area. Similar manifestations occur due to various cracks and wounds, ruptures of the spleen. If the problem is accompanied by hemorrhage into the abdominal cavity, the patient may experience an attack of shock. In this case, symptoms are observed:

• nausea and vomiting
• tremor
• paleness of the skin
• thirst
• lowering blood pressure
• anemia
• difficulty breathing

A protruding lump in the left side may indicate an enlarged spleen. At the same time, a person’s skin turns pale, especially on the face. When moving or straining, the pain in the left hypochondrium intensifies, and discomfort occurs in the navel. These manifestations are accompanied by excessive fatigue, decreased immunity, and damage to the lymph nodes.

Symptoms of an enlarged spleen:

• decrease in hemoglobin
• decreased immunity
• ulcers on the upper and lower extremities, as well as in the mouth
• increased heart rate
• frequent bleeding
• increase in temperature indicators
• feeling of heaviness in the stomach

If you experience such symptoms, you should seek medical help.

Folk remedies

The use of folk remedies for the treatment of the spleen is permissible only with prior agreement with the attending physician. The general course of treatment is 1 month. If there is a deterioration in health after their use, therapy must be stopped immediately.

Effective recipes:

1. 30 g of crushed dandelion root, previously peeled, pour 200 ml of boiling water. Leave for 4 hours, clean. Drink the entire drink throughout the day in equal portions before meals.
2. Pour 50 g of rose hips into a thermos. Add 500 ml boiling water. Leave for 12 hours. Drink in the morning 30 minutes before. before meals, drinking 200 ml of drink at a time.
3. Pour 25 g of crushed sorrel leaves into 200 ml of boiling water and leave for 2 hours. Drink the drink free of impurities in one serving in the evening before dinner.
4. Drink 200 ml of alkaline mineral water. After this, put 30 ml of honey in your mouth and gradually savor it. Take once a day on an empty stomach.