Eventually, symptoms may include any of the following: Anemia and related symptoms, such as fatigue, pallor, and a general feeling of illness. Contact your nearest clinic for all appointment and treatment enquiries. This content does not have an English version. The symptoms above all point to a spleen imbalance. Our clinical experience combines acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, meridian massage, cupping and scrubbing with diet and lifestyle advice to achieve better results. Chewing and chewing on the same piece of information over and over, without being able to swallow and digest it may also show the Spleen needs help. It can be caused by anemia (too few red blood cells), which can happen when the WM cells crowd out normal cells in the bone marrow. Fatigue 7. 29 years experience in Clinical Psychology. Melbourne (03) 9629 9920 However, it is also possible for cancers located elsewhere in the body to metastasize to the spleen. HEAD OFFICE The signs and symptoms of spleen problems are generally very vague. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter. Dr. Lawrence Smith answered. Others might have: 1. An enlarged spleen, a condition called “splenomegaly,” is a clear warning sign that the immune system is fighting hard to remove threats from the body but failing to do so because it can’t keep up with high demand. As your spleen grows larger, it filters normal red blood cells as well as abnormal ones, reducing the number of healthy cells in your bloodstream. The survey notes … "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. © 2019 Ping Ming Health® is a registered trademark of The Ping Ming Health Trust ABN 80 311 519 817. Ping Ming Health provides quality and comprehensive Chinese Medicine services trusted by generations of families. Accessed June 14, 2016. You don't need a referral from your GP to see us. Your spleen: An enlarged spleen affects each of these vital functions. Try to have at least 30 minutes of physical activity in the sunshine per day. June 14, 2016. 4. The Spleen is located in your abdomen. It's a soft, spongy organ that performs several critical jobs. Spleen performs several functions in the body, like it helps with food and fluid transformation, nourish the muscles, produces antibodies which fight against foreign bacteria in … Pain or fullness in the left upper abdomen that may spread to the left shoulder, Feeling full without eating or after eating only a small amount from the enlarged spleen pressing on your stomach, Bacterial infections, such as syphilis or an infection of your heart's inner lining (endocarditis), Cirrhosis and other diseases affecting the liver, Various types of hemolytic anemia — a condition characterized by early destruction of red blood cells, Blood cancers, such as leukemia and myeloproliferative neoplasms, and lymphomas, such as Hodgkin's disease, Metabolic disorders, such as Gaucher's disease and Niemann-Pick disease, Pressure on the veins in the spleen or liver or a blood clot in these veins, Filters out and destroys old, damaged blood cells, Prevents infection by producing white blood cells (lymphocytes) and acting as a first line of defense against disease-causing organisms, Stores red blood cells and platelets, which help your blood clot, Children and young adults with infections, such as mononucleosis, People who have Gaucher's disease, Niemann-Pick disease, and several other inherited metabolic disorders affecting the liver and spleen, People who live in or travel to areas where malaria is common. By supporting our spleens, we can help restore balance and reduce other symptoms. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). **** Common signs and symptoms include sudden pain and tenderness in the upper left abdomen, left shoulder pain, fever, chills and a generalized feeling of being ill. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — Body. If you’re very slim, it may be possible for you to feel your enlarged spleen through your skin. Therefore, most people are surprised to hear of spleen problems. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/blood-disorders/spleen-disorders/enlarged-spleen. If the Spleen is weak or disordered, you can experience the following symptoms: Tired, fatigued Pale face, heart palpitations Iron … Health check: which symptoms indicate that your Spleen function is weak? The enlargement of the spleen may be temporary, depending on treatment. Feeling full without eating or after eating only a small amount from the enlarged spleen pressing on your stomach 4. Itchiness, especially following a warm bath or shower 2. Fatigue 6. Bleeding or bruising, usually minor 5. The tell-tale signs of Spleen Qi Deficiency include nausea, poor diet, diarrhea, and flatulence. These include a variety of infections, Parasites, Anemia, Leukemia, Hepatitis, Jaundice, Malaria, Liver disease, and some Cancers. Diseases and conditions that can cause an enlarged spleen are varied. She has over 30 years of experience in traditional Chinese medicine teaching and practice. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. For treating other symptoms of Spleen QI Deficiency like lethargy, weakness, fatigue, loose stools, frequent urination, a diet rich in grains and legumes can do wonders for your energy and increasing the QI. Longo DL, et al. A number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged. The information provided on our website is not intended to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. There is good news though. TCM practitioners refer to the digestive system as the spleen, which serves a different function than the organ by the same name in Western medicine. Radiological Society of North America. You'll feel like you're very tired due to a lack of red blood cells caused by the anaemia. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, one of the easiest ways to support the spleen is by making dietary choices that are stabilizing and nourishing to the Earth element. Pain or fullness in the left upper abdomen that may spread to the left shoulder 3. Avoid eating and drinking cold foods taken straight from the fridge, especially eating chilled foods often and in large amounts. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/adult.html. https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/bone-marrow/tab/test/. The spleen is an organ in the upper left portion of the abdomen that serves as a filter for the bloodstream, stores red blood cells and platelets, and produces lymphocytes, part of the body’s immune system. Wandering Spleen is an extremely rare birth defect in which there is complete absence or weakness of the ligaments which holds the spleen together in its normal anatomical position in the upper left abdomen. Treatments & Services, Don’t wait for minor health symptoms to become worse and more difficult to solve. Enlarged spleen. Enlargement of lymph nodes and spleen. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Splenomegaly. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Dr Ping’s Weight Loss Program: Why do I struggle to lose weight? Consult With Our Experienced Team of Chinese Medicine Practitioners, Sluggish or loose bowel movements, often with undigested food (especially children), Puffy face and eyelids especially in the morning, Easy to gain weight and difficult to lose weight, Scanty and delayed periods, even no periods, Insomnia, light sleep or waking up frequently. About Us. 3. Your spleen is an organ located just below your left rib cage. If the Spleen is weak or dysfunction occurs, it will affect certain areas of the digestive system including the Stomach, Small Intestines and Large Intestines.This can cause the following symptoms: bloating especially after eating or drinking, constipation, sluggish bowel movements, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, fatty or sticky stools. Computed tomography (CT) — Abdomen and pelvis. Little experience: Weakness in personality is not a meaningful concept to most mental health professionals. IIn TCM, fatigue is often attributed to a deficiency in spleen ‘qi’ and is commonly accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of appetite, abdominal fullness especially after meals, loose stools, breathlessness and a pale yellow complexion. Accessed June 14, 2016. Dr Ping especially enjoys sharing her knowledge of Chinese medicine through our popular clinic articles, seminars and clinical training of students and practitioners. A common symptom of an enlarged spleen is a feeling of pain or discomfort in the upper left side … One of the … Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Spleen Qi Sinking occurs with chronic Spleen Qi Deficiency and has the same indications of Spleen Qi Deficiency symptoms plus the following: Bearing-down sensation in the abdomen Prolapse of organs stomach, uterus, and/or urinary bladder Frequency and urgency of urination No symptoms in some cases 2. Avoid staying in cold and damp environments for long periods of time. As for Spleen Qi Deficiency, or from overeating of Cold and raw foods, or exposure to Cold and Damp environment. Excessive sweating 9. APPOINTMENTS Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) symptoms may include pain in the upper abdomen, indigestion, or hiccups. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology_and_oncology/spleen_disorders/splenomegaly.html. Your doctor generally can't feel a normal-sized spleen in adults but can feel an enlarged spleen. Cancer of the spleen: Cancers can sometimes arise from the spleen tissue. An enlarged spleen usually doesn't cause symptoms. Some of the symptoms of a weak spleen might include: Pain in the upper left abdomen Anyone can develop an enlarged spleen at any age, but certain groups are at higher risk, including: Potential complications of an enlarged spleen are: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Spleen deficiency symptoms include weakness, pallor, headaches, dizziness, shallow breathing and weak limbs. Lung Damp Phlegm doesn’t happen suddenly. The spleen is associated with the the earth element. Some people also feel weak when the blood thickens from the buildup of the abnormal protein. In order for the lymphatic system to properly … Accessed June 14, 2016. spleen weakness symptoms. How does Chinese medicine help a persistent cough that you cannot get rid of? Treatment for an enlarged spleen depends on the condition causing it. Accessed June 14, 2016. Exercise. Symptoms of qi deficiency in … A 47-year-old member asked: What symptoms are considered weakness in personality? On the other hand good mental focus and the stamina for in-depth study is a sign of strong Spleen Qi. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=abdominct#preparation. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of Canine Spleen Cancer. Lab Tests Online. These are the most common symptoms of an enlarged spleen: Being unable to eat a large meal. General symptoms associated with injury to the spleen include pain in the left side of the abdomen that spreads to the left shoulder, fatigue, lightheadedness and a weak pulse. Frequent infections 7. You can see us for a Preventative Health Consultation, Our clinic is committed to the clinical training of Australia’s next generation of Chinese medicine practitioners. It arrives gradually, preceded by months if not years of eating foods that have weakened the Spleen. Weakness: This is one of the most common symptoms of WM. The spleen is a small organ normally about the size of your fist. Weakness 6. Common symptoms of WM. Eating the following foods more frequently can help your Spleen function: ginger tea, mandarins, onions, Chinese red dates, lotus seeds, white radish, green vegetables. Typically foods eaten have been too rich, or greasy, too cold or raw, with too much dairy food in them and too many sweeteners, including sugar, honey and artificial sweeteners. It's often discovered during a routine physical exam. Symptoms of Spleen Qi Deficiency. Enlargement of the spleen is medically known as splenomegaly and occurs because of an underlying illness. Treatment for an enlarged spleen focuses on the underlying condition that's causing it. 19th ed. The spleen is an organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen and below the ribs. Many people with polycythemia vera don't have signs or symptoms. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed June 14, 2016. Under normal circumstances, your splee… Splenomegaly. Approach to the adult patient with splenomegaly and other splenic disorders. Contact Us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your health. Feeling discomfort, fullness, or pain on the upper left side of … See your doctor promptly if you have pain in your left upper abdomen, especially if it's severe or the pain gets worse when you take a deep breath. Perth (Yokine) (08) 9345 2668 Internal dampness mainly affects the spleen, but can also affect the kidneys. Radiological Society of North America. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education; 2015. http://accessmedicine.com. Dogs with hemangiosarcoma in the spleen may not show any symptoms at the early stage. Your doctor will likely request imaging and blood tests to help identify the cause. ... Chewing foods well is also important when spleen energy is weak. If the spleen becomes deficient and its ability to transport and transform fluids is affected, it will lead to the accumulation of fluids, creating dampness. The Merck Manuals: Merck Manual Consumer Version. **As with a spleen injury, signs and symptoms vary according to the extent of organ damage 9. Accessed June 14, 2016. Accessed June 14, 2016. This content does not have an Arabic version. Shortness of breath 11. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. The Spleen is located in your abdomen. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor. Other signs to watch out for include varicose veins, hemorrhoid, and fatigue. Chinese medicine considers that the Spleen organ system’s main functions involve digestion, circulation and blood production. In: Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. Practitioners say that qi is a person's energy or life force, often related to the spleen. Cravings for sweets and muscle weakness could also point to Spleen Qi Deficiency. You can see us for a wide range of health issues, from Fertility & Pregnancy to Women’s, Men’s, Children’s, Senior’s and Preventative health. Painful swelling of one joint, often the big toe 10. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bodymr#preparation. There are no natural treatments for an enlarged spleen. Raw foods, citrus fruits and dairy products should be avoided and cooked grains, soups, rice, peas, garlic and carrots to be included. All rights reserved. Contributing factors include: Your spleen is tucked under your rib cage next to your stomach on the left side of your abdomen. If you frequently experience the symptoms listed above, please see your medical doctor for a check-up or visit our experienced Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners who can help you. As a crucial part our lymphatic system, the spleen is a vital “guardian” organ that we rely on every single day to keep the body free from infections, virus and dangerous pathogens of all kinds. Dizziness 4. Our professional practitioners work together as one team from 10 clinic locations across Perth & Melbourne. Anemia 5. Causes of Weak Spleen and Problematic Symptoms. Sometimes this cancer may cause weakness, especially in the hind legs, and decreased energy that lasts for a day or two, … Privacy Policy. Not just muscle or body aches but also joint pain, headache, chest pain, sore throat, low back pain, nerve pain, and kidney pain. Headache 3. Many conditions — including infections, liver disease and some cancers — can cause an enlarged spleen, also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee). Recommended adult immunization schedule: United States - 2016. Email clinic@pingminghealth.com, Ping Ming Health complies with Australian Privacy Principles according to Australian law (Privacy Act 1988). Surgically removing an enlarged spleen isn't usually the first treatment, but is sometimes recommended. An enlarged spleen may even outgrow its own blood supply, which can damage or destroy sections of the organ. 2. Accessed June 14, 2016. Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Az. Chinese medicine considers that the Spleen organ system’s main functions involve digestion, circulation and blood production. You should also try and eat green leafy vegetables. Excess red blood cells and platelets eventually can clog your spleen and affect normal functioning. Merck Manual Professional Version. Make a donation. A number of infections and diseases may cause an enlarged spleen. Blurred vision 8. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003276.htm. Clinical Training. 1. Know the causes, symptoms, treatment of Wandering Spleen. It also traps too many platelets. Accessed June 28, 2016. Easy bleeding Landaw SA, et al. Treatment Principle: Tonify and warm Spleen Yang; Points: How to Spot Spleen Problems. Pathology: Similar pattern to Spleen Qi Deficiency but has symptoms of Cold because Spleen Yang fails to warm the body. According to Western science, many conditions can cause an enlarged spleen. Numbness, tingling, burning or weakness in your hands, feet, arms or legs 12. Dr Ping Wang is the clinic founder and senior practitioner of Ping Ming Health. It is not a substitute for seeking care from a qualified health practitioner. An enlarged spleen is caused by other illness like low platelet count, infections (mono, hepatitis, TB), liver disease from alcohol use, anemia, leukemia, and lymphoma. Enlarged spleen treatment includes exercise. Intended to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease one of the Ping Ming health a concept... To watch out for include varicose veins, hemorrhoid, and fatigue red blood cells platelets. 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