Robin Burden answered
In many cases, people don't know they have an enlarged spleen until they go to hospital for a physical examination.
That's because a spleen can become enlarged without showing any symptoms - although pain between the left upper abdomen and the left shoulder may be indicative of a problem.
How can I tell if my spleen is enlarged?
The most common thing to look out for is pain in your left upper abdomen, especially if the pain becomes more intense when you take a deep breath.
Other signals that might suggest you have an enlarged spleen include the following:
Often, these signs will only present themselves in the advanced stages of the condition, which means the best way to protect yourself against spleen problems is to schedule regular health checks.
That's because a spleen can become enlarged without showing any symptoms - although pain between the left upper abdomen and the left shoulder may be indicative of a problem.
How can I tell if my spleen is enlarged?
The most common thing to look out for is pain in your left upper abdomen, especially if the pain becomes more intense when you take a deep breath.
Other signals that might suggest you have an enlarged spleen include the following:
- A feeling of fullness even when you haven't eaten all that much (this can be caused by your spleen pressing on your intestines and making your feel fuller than you actually are).
- Tiredness
- Anemia (a drop in minerals and nutrients in your blood - especially iron).
- Catching colds frequently
- Bleeding easily
Often, these signs will only present themselves in the advanced stages of the condition, which means the best way to protect yourself against spleen problems is to schedule regular health checks.