how can having poor spleen function hurt you (symptoms)?
462778
Absent or defective splenic function is associated with a high risk of fulminant bacterial infections and a high mortality rate. Asplenia and splenic hypoplasia are terms used to indicate complete or partial lack of splenic function. Loss of splenic function usually occurs as a result of surgical removal or autosplenectomy, ie, infarction in patients with hemoglobinopathies. Congenital splenic anomalies are usually accompanied by abnormalities in other organ systems, especially cardiac abnormalities, but they may occur in isolation. Polysplenia, ie, bilateral left-sidedness, is also frequently associated with congenital cardiac anomalies. \n\nPatients with polysplenia have multiple spleens, and their splenic function is usually normal. Isolated asplenia or hyposplenia is often diagnosed only after the patient has had a serious, fulminant, and often fatal infection. These conditions are extremely difficult to diagnose in the absence of other indicators. Morphologic anomalies of peripheral blood erythrocytes, such as Howell-Jolly (HJ) bodies, may be the only evidence of the presence of a nonfunctional spleen .\nWorldwide, most patients with asplenia or hyposplenia have an underlying hemoglobinopathy such as sickle cell disease.\nIsolated asplenia and polysplenia are commonly associated with significant abnormalities involving other organ systems.\nAn awareness of these associations and syndromes may help in screening the patient for splenic dysfunction.\nThe most important clinical indication for the evaluation of splenic function is the presence of complex congenital heart disease. Patients should be evaluated for splenic dysfunction if any of the following are present:\nRecurrent infection or sepsis, especially with encapsulated organisms\nFamily history of asplenia or polysplenia\nCyanotic congenital heart disease or complex cardiac malformations\nEvidence of visceral heterotaxy or other associated malformations\nBilateral trilobed or bilobed lungs on chest radiographs\nIn contrast, the presentation of patients with isolated congenital absence or hypoplasia of the spleen may be less dramatic.\nChildren with these conditions may present to the primary caretaker with fever or overwhelming sepsis, or they may even be moribund.\nAssociated cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, or genitourinary abnormalities may not be present to alert the physician to their underlying immunocompromised state.\nFeatures such as thrombocytosis, HJ bodies in red cells, and recurrent episodes of invasive infections with encapsulated organisms may be helpful in identifying individuals with isolated absence or hypoplasia of the spleen. The absence of these features, however, does not exclude splenic malfunction, although it may make the diagnosis more difficult.
498509
usually loss of apetite, feeling tired, and bruises. it's all caused by the lack of white blood cells and platelets.
488104
The symptoms you describe can cause peptic ulcers - which can bleed and cause ALOT of problems!  Your best bet is to see a physician to evaluate your symptoms. Hopefully it has not caused too much damage yet!  Please see a physician ( a gastroenterologist would be best).  Best of luck!
317850
When possible, a doctor treats the underlying disease that caused the enlarged spleen. Surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy) may be necessary but can cause problems, including an increased susceptibility to infections. However, the risks are worth taking in certain critical situations: when the spleen destroys red blood cells so rapidly that severe anemia develops; when it so depletes stores of white blood cells and platelets that infection and bleeding are likely; when it is so large that it causes pain or puts pressure on other organs; or when it is so large that parts of it bleed or die. As an alternative to surgery, radiation therapy can sometimes be used to shrink the spleen.
812771
We frequently remove the spleen both from injury but also as a means of treating other illnesses such as thrombotic thrombocytopaenia purpura. It is not necessary to replace the spleen as it is basically a recycling center of hemoglobin. There are very few side effects but we may wish to check your blood count from time to time to insure that your iron levels are fine.
1070991
The spleen monitors, destroys and stores red blood cells. In addition to this, the spleen has two functions, the red and white pulp. The white pulp helps fight infections and the red pulp removes unwanted materials.\nIt is increasingly recognised that its absence leads to a predisposition to certain infections\n\ndefinitely not a good thing.\n\nImmunisations and splenectomy\nPeople who have had their spleen removed or have a spleen disorder are at increased risk of infection, most commonly Pneumococcal infection. Some vaccines are recommended especially for these people and they should be discussed with the doctor. They are: \nPneumococcal vaccine \nMeningococcal vaccines \nHaemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (recommended in an adult who has close contact with children less than 5 years of age).  http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Spleen_explained?OpenDocument
1058242
I don't think it's real serious, my son had an enlarged spleen when he had mono. He had to take it easy- no contact sports etc. I think you have to figure out why it is enlarged.
183504
Hi. I have systemic lupus and my pain sort of varies. Sometimes I feel really good. Sometimes I feel horrible. I have aching that is sometimes accompanied by a low fever. I take Ibuprofen and go to bed. Rest is one of the best things for Lupus. The joints that it seems to affect the most on me is my hip, knee, and shoulders.\nHope this helps :-)
679296
read this\n\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spleen
259878
The liver is one of the hardest working organs in the human body. But sometimes the liver is overworked and begins to show signs that it isn’t functioning at total capacity. Some of the signs of liver problems are fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, bruising or bleeding easily, bloating due to a fluid buildup in the abdomen and declining mental function. Liver problems often make the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow, a condition called jaundice, and may cause swelling in the legs and the abdomen. A human cannot live without a liver that works. If your liver fails, your doctor may put you on a waiting list for a liver transplant. In adults, the most common reason for liver transplantation is cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is caused by many different types of liver injuries that destroy healthy liver cells and replace them with scar tissue. Cirrhosis can be caused by viruses such as hepatitis B and C, alcohol abuse, buildup of fat in the liver, and autoimmune and hereditary liver diseases.
242797
Weaker immune system, more likely to contract diseases and general depression.\n\nThere are stress tips, relief, management and products on this site.
234417
your stomach is grumbling all the time your weak half sick.and when your system runs down then your in for more serious problems. don't try it
326382
You're probably talking about leukemia, and usually you bruise very easily, you're tired, you get breathless from doing normal tasks, etc. But the bruising is one of the first symptoms. Here is a more complete list:\n\nFever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms \nWeakness and fatigue \nFrequent infections \nLoss of appetite and/or weight \nSwollen or tender lymph nodes, liver, or spleen \nEasy bleeding or bruising \nTiny red spots (called petechiae) under the skin \nSwollen or bleeding gums \nSweating, especially at night; and/or \nBone or joint pain \n\nThere are other types of blood cancer, such as lymphoma etc. Lymphoma symptoms include a flu-like feeling that won't go away, along with swollen lymph nodes, most often in the groin. If you ahve these symptoms, you should see a doctor right away. The cure rate is increasing quite a bit for some types of blood cancer, but chances are best if you go in as early as possible. Cancer is harder to treat the longer you wait.
9101
Having swollen glands (Lymph Nodes) are a typical symptom of many viral illnesses, such as colds or sore throats, that often get better with home treatment.\n\nThe lymph nodes filter lymph fluid as it flows through them, trapping bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances, which are then destroyed by special white blood cells called lymphocytes.\n\nLymph nodes may be found singly or in groups, and they may be as small as the head of a pin or as large as an olive. Groups of lymph nodes can be felt in the neck, groin, and underarms. Lymph nodes generally are not tender or painful. Most lymph nodes in the body cannot be felt.
204707
This is purely theoretical.  \n\nRice, in the system of food cures, is categorized as neutral and sweet.  Because it is sweet, it is considered to be a Spleen and Qi tonic.  However, too much sweet food (breads, fruits, etc) is damaging to the Spleen.  Eating COOKED foods (I think that is the symbolism of the day old food, it is cooked longer) at room temperature is tonifying to the Spleen, because it takes less energy to digest them.  The Spleen is also the regulator of the five tastes.  The Spleen is correlated with the earth element, food and the act of eating.  In Chinese medicine, you will want to research the Spleen organ and meridian as all aspects of your dream lead to it (note: the Chinese medicine Spleen is not the same as the western medicine spleen).\n\nVinegar is considered sour, and sour is correlated with the Liver.  Vinegar is categorized as being cold.  A sour taste in the mouth can be a sign of Liver excess in Chinese medicine.  I would start by researching the Spleen, then moving on to examine the Liver.  \n\nAlso, in Chinese medicine "dream disturbed sleep" is seen as unhealthy.  I think dreams can guide you, but I caution you against cultivating them.  Balance is the key in all things.
8352
possibly the lack of blood to that area... unless it's all over your body. Then you have some serious problems.
33581
Hi there! I'm not a doctor, but I'd be glad to help you. People with thin blood do tend to bruise easier. Here are some less common side effects from taking blood thinners:\nLess common side effects: \n\nCoughing up or throwing up blood \nDark stools \nA skin rash, hives, or itching \nSore throat \nHair loss \nBruising more often \nBack pain \nFever, chills, or weakness \nYellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice\n\nI wouldn't worry to be honest, but so you know when you take blood thinners it reduces the cells ability to clot. Try to aviod sitting on one side for a long time,etc. If your having other side effects contact your doctor.