There are many different things you should know about your spleen. This article will provide you with information about its function, splenomegaly, symptoms, and medications for your spleen. You’ll learn about the red pulp, made up of blood vessels and connective tissue that filters blood and removes old blood cells. The white pulp, on the other hand, made up of lumps of lymphoid tissue.
Functions of the spleen
The functions of the spleen include filtering blood, storing important blood components and handling pathogens. It composes of two distinct parts. The white pulp, primarily made of lymphatic tissue, which surrounds blood vessels. This part is vital for immune response. It contains large numbers of T lymphocytes, macrophages and naive B lymphocytes. It also serves as a reservoir for iron and recycles old red blood cells.
Ancient Greek physicians recognized the importance of the spleen, including Hippocrates. According to Hippocrates, the spleen was a key organ in regulating bodily functions. It was also the location for the removal of black choler from the body.
The spleen receives most of its blood from the splenic artery. This artery arises from the coeliac trunk and travels along the superior surface of the pancreas. It branches into five arteries and veins. These vessels drain to the hepatic portal vein and coeliac lymph nodes.
The spleen is a very vascular organ. It composes of parenchyma (red or white), which divides into segments by septa. Each segment has its own distinct vascular spaces (trabeculae). These trabeculae separate by a fibroelastic tissue capsule. These trabeculae contain myoepithelial cells. These cells help the organ pump blood to the bloodstream when needed.
The spleen is an important organ in the immune system. Its function includes filtering the blood and removing damaged blood cells. The spleen also degrades and recycles senescent red blood cells. It also matures lymphocytes and produces plasma cells when an antigen is detected. These plasma cells then produce antibodies and supply humoral immunity.
Symptoms of spleen infarction
A spleen infarction is a condition in which the spleen’s blood supply is insufficient. This can happen due to a variety of causes, including injury or trauma to the spleen or to the blood vessels in the organ. It can also result from an underlying condition or disease.
The symptoms of a spleen infarction include pain in the upper abdomen, radiating shoulder pain, and left-sided basal pain. A doctor will typically perform a CT abdominal scan with IV contrast if he suspects a splenic infarction. The doctor may also order routine blood tests, such as a WCC level of higher than normal. He may also perform bilirubin and lipase tests.
Splenic infarction is rare in the general population. It occurs when arterial and venous branches occlude, causing ischemia and necrosis in the spleen. It is more likely to happen in patients with certain underlying diseases.
Patients under 40 are more likely to develop a splenic infarction if they have an underlying disease. A bacterial infection can cause the condition, but sometimes it is an autoimmune disorder. In these cases, the condition can treat with antibiotics and analgesics to relieve the pain.
Other signs of splenic infarction include abdominal pain, vomiting, and leukocytosis. However, some patients with a splenic infarction may not have any symptoms at all. Consequently, physicians should use a broad differential diagnosis. A splenic infarction is a potentially life-threatening condition that should prompt investigation to find a cause.
A CT scan recommend to detect any blockage. A contrast liquid may give to improve the image. If a blockage is find, a repeat CT scan may need. A repeat CT scan may reveal the presence of fibrosis in the area of the infarct. In some cases, surgery is necessary to remove the infarcted spleen.
Medications that can treat spleen concerns
If you have spleen concerns, you may prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics are important after any surgery, and they can also be given whenever an infection is suspected. Fever is a common symptom of an infection, but antibiotics are not always needed. You should also limit your activities and avoid certain sports or activities that can harm your spleen. Also, you should wear a seat belt while driving so that you won’t injure it if you’re in an accident.
Blood tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. These tests can detect spleen concerns caused by specific blood disorders or diseases. They may also reveal whether the spleen is pressing on other organs. A bone marrow analysis may be necessary as well to test the spleen’s blood cell count and function.
If you have spleen concerns, you should contact your doctor immediately. This will help you treat a septic infection before it gets worse. Also, it will help you prevent infection, as minor infections can lead to sepsis, which is a potentially life-threatening disease. You should also get recommended vaccinations and make an emergency plan with your doctor. Also, make sure to have antibiotics with you at all times and carry an alert card or bracelet.
While your spleen is an important organ for your immune system, it can malfunction and stop producing enough red blood cells. It can also cause anemia, which is when your body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should go to the emergency room for further testing.
Surgery to remove the spleen
Before undergoing surgery to remove the spleen, you will give a complete physical examination. Your doctor may also order blood work and X-rays of your chest and abdomen. You will also be given preventive antibiotics and may need to stop taking some medications. You may also have to stop eating or drinking for a short period of time. Some patients may also need to have a blood transfusion after the surgery.
Surgery, to remove the spleen, is a surgical procedure, in which the spleen is cut away from other organs in the body. This type of surgery involves making several small incisions in the abdominal wall. Through one of these cuts, the surgeon inserts a flexible tube with a camera. He then uses specially designed instruments to remove the spleen. Spleen removal is a risky procedure, as it leaves a weakened immune system and can cause serious infection.
Surgery to remove the spleen can be done by open or laparoscopic procedures. The procedure is less invasive and can be done in a shorter hospital stay. The choice of procedure depends on the size of the spleen and the condition of the patient. Patients with scar tissue in the spleen may not be candidates for laparoscopic surgery.
A ruptured spleen can cause internal bleeding and may be fatal. A ruptured spleen can cause by a car or motorbike accident or even by extreme sports.
