The spleen is a small but crucial organ that filters the blood and helps the immune system ward off germs. Damage to the left side of the midsection, where the organ is located, can result in a splenic rupture. Ruptured spleens carry a significant bleeding risk, which is why this medical issue must be treated immediately.
Injuries are the primary cause of spleen rupture. Incidents commonly associated with damage to the spleen include car accidents, sports injuries, and assaults. Injuries located on the left side of the body in the upper abdomen or lower chest carry the greatest risk of splenic rupture.
People with enlarged spleens, which can result from infection and certain types of cancer, also have a higher risk of rupture. In this case, less severe trauma may cause the enlarged organ to begin bleeding. Both occurrences constitute a medical emergency.
A ruptured spleen can cause symptoms like:
If these symptoms follow bodily trauma, they should be assessed by a doctor without delay. Additionally, people with enlarged spleens are encouraged to be vigilant about possible symptoms should they occur.
In the event the damage to the spleen is relatively minor, medical staff may want to monitor you in the hospital until the injury heals. More serious damage will require surgery to repair the organ, and in some cases, patients will need all or a portion of their spleens removed. This procedure is called a splenectomy, and people without spleens will need to take precautions against infections in the future (such as taking a daily antibiotic).