Difference Between Hypersplenism and Splenomegaly

Splenomegaly refers strictly to spleen enlargement, and is distinct from hypersplenism, which connotes overactive function by a spleen of any size. Splenomegaly and hypersplenism should not be confused.

1. Does Hypersplenism cause enlarged spleen?
2. What is the meaning of splenomegaly?
3. What are the symptoms of Hypersplenism?
4. Can Hypersplenism cause pancytopenia?
5. Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal size?
6. What happens if your spleen is not working properly?
7. What foods to avoid if you have an enlarged spleen?
8. What is the most common cause of splenomegaly?
9. How do you sleep with an enlarged spleen?
10. What foods irritate the spleen?
11. How do you test for Hypersplenism?
12. Is splenectomy a disability?

Does Hypersplenism cause enlarged spleen?

Hypersplenism is a common disorder characterized by an enlarged spleen which causes rapid and premature destruction of blood cells.

What is the meaning of splenomegaly?

Splenomegaly: Abnormal enlargement of the spleen. Splenomegaly is a sign of an underlying condition, such as severe liver disease, leukemia, or mononucleosis.

What are the symptoms of Hypersplenism?

An enlarged spleen may cause:

• No symptoms in some cases.
• 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.
• Anemia.
• Fatigue.
• Frequent infections.
• Easy bleeding.

Can Hypersplenism cause pancytopenia?

This is a pancytopenia occurring in patients with an enlarged spleen. It is due to large numbers of cells being pooled and destroyed in the spleen's reticulo-endothelial system, and haemodilution because of an increased plasma volume. It can present with symptoms of anaemia, infection, or bleeding.

Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal size?

What Is the Prognosis for Enlarged Spleen? Depending upon the cause, the enlarged spleen may return to normal size and function when the underlying disease is treated or resolved. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better.

What happens if your spleen is not working properly?

If the spleen does not work properly, it may start to remove healthy blood cells. This can lead to: anaemia, from a reduced number of red blood cells. an increased risk of infection, from a reduced number of white blood cells.

What foods to avoid if you have an enlarged spleen?

Avoid sugar and fat

Excessive sugar which overworks the pancreas is not good for the spleen. It is important to avoid foods that are “damp”: Alcohol, fat, fast sugars and excessive quantities of dairy products — for example, “fromage blanc”, which has a moisture content of 80 per cent.

What is the most common cause of splenomegaly?

Infections, such as mononucleosis, are among the most common causes of splenomegaly. Problems with your liver, such as cirrhosisand cystic fibrosis, can also cause an enlarged spleen. Another possible cause of splenomegaly is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This condition can cause inflammation of the lymph system.

How do you sleep with an enlarged spleen?

By sleeping on your right side, more pressure is put on the abdomen, which hinders the function of the abdomen. The spleen is also located on the left. This organ purifies our blood. The waste substances that are transferred through the lymph vessels will reach the spleen easier if we sleep on our left side.

What foods irritate the spleen?

Think of the spleen as being powered by heat. Frozen food, icy drinks, cucumber, bitter or winter melon, lettuce and grapefruit deplete the spleen's "fire". Foods that are "damp" - such as dairy products, refined sugars and sweets - can also smother the digestive process.

How do you test for Hypersplenism?

How hypersplenism is diagnosed

1. a physical exam in which your doctor will check for an enlarged spleen.
2. blood tests to examine your concentration of red and white blood cells.
3. imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, to help visualize your spleen.

Is splenectomy a disability?

38 C.F.R. § 4.7. Under Diagnostic Code 7706, a splenectomy warrants a 20 percent disability rating. This diagnostic code also provides the instruction to rate complications such as systemic infections with encapsulated bacteria separately.