Left Side Pain? Why Your Spleen Is Swollen & Medically Approved Steps

Left-sided abdominal pain can be confusing. Sometimes it's gas or a muscle strain. Other times, it may involve an organ you don't think about often: your spleen.

A swollen spleen—also called splenomegaly—can cause discomfort or pain on the upper left side of your abdomen, just under your rib cage. While many spleen conditions are treatable, some require prompt medical care. Understanding what your spleen does, why it may swell, and what steps to take can help you respond calmly and appropriately.

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What Does the Spleen Do?

Your spleen is a fist-sized organ located in the upper left part of your abdomen, behind your stomach and under your ribs. Though you can live without it, the spleen plays an important role in your health.

The spleen helps:

• Filter old or damaged red blood cells
• Store white blood cells and platelets
• Fight certain bacterial infections
• Support your immune system
• Recycle iron from old blood cells

When the spleen becomes enlarged, it may not function properly. In some cases, it starts removing healthy blood cells too quickly, which can lead to complications like anemia or low platelets.

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What Does Spleen Pain Feel Like?

Pain from the spleen is usually felt:

• On the upper left side of the abdomen
• Just below the left rib cage
• Sometimes spreading to the left shoulder

The pain may feel:

• Dull or achy
• Sharp and sudden (in more serious cases)
• Worse when taking a deep breath

Some people also notice a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount. This happens because an enlarged spleen can press against the stomach.

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Why Is Your Spleen Swollen?

A swollen spleen is not a disease itself. It's usually a sign of another underlying condition. Common causes include:

1. Infections

Infections are one of the most frequent reasons for spleen enlargement.

These include:

• Viral infections (such as mononucleosis)
• Bacterial infections
• Parasitic infections
• Certain blood infections

When your body fights infection, the spleen works overtime. This can cause it to enlarge.

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2. Liver Disease

Conditions such as cirrhosis can increase pressure in the veins that flow into the spleen. This may cause the spleen to enlarge.

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3. Blood Disorders

Some conditions affect how blood cells are produced or destroyed. These may include:

• Hemolytic anemia
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Other bone marrow disorders

These conditions can lead to abnormal spleen activity and swelling.

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4. Inflammatory Diseases

Autoimmune conditions and chronic inflammatory diseases may enlarge the spleen over time.

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5. Splenic Infarction

A splenic infarction happens when blood flow to part of the spleen is blocked. This can cause sudden, sharp pain on the left side and may be serious.

If you're experiencing sudden severe pain or suspect your symptoms may align with this condition, you can use a free Splenic Infarction symptom checker to help determine whether immediate medical evaluation is needed.

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When Is Spleen Pain an Emergency?

Most causes of mild spleen discomfort are not immediately life-threatening. However, certain symptoms require urgent medical care.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden, severe left upper abdominal pain
• Pain that spreads to your left shoulder
• Dizziness or fainting
• Confusion
• Signs of internal bleeding (such as weakness or pale skin)
• Pain after an injury or trauma to the abdomen

A ruptured spleen can cause internal bleeding and is a medical emergency.

Do not ignore severe symptoms. Speak to a doctor or seek emergency care if anything feels serious or rapidly worsening.

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How Doctors Diagnose a Swollen Spleen

If your doctor suspects spleen enlargement, they may:

• Perform a physical exam (sometimes an enlarged spleen can be felt)
• Order blood tests to check:
  • Red blood cells
  • White blood cells
  • Platelet levels
• Request imaging tests such as:
  • Ultrasound
  • CT scan
  • MRI

The goal is to determine the underlying cause of the swollen spleen, since treatment depends on what is triggering it.

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Medically Approved Steps If You Have Left-Side Spleen Pain

If you suspect your spleen may be involved, here are practical and medically sound steps to take:

1. Don't Ignore Persistent Pain

If left upper abdominal pain lasts more than a few days or keeps returning, schedule a medical appointment. Early evaluation can prevent complications.

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2. Avoid Contact Sports

If your spleen is enlarged, it becomes more fragile. A blow to the abdomen could cause rupture.

Your doctor may recommend avoiding:

• Football
• Soccer
• Martial arts
• Heavy lifting

Until your spleen returns to normal size, protecting it is important.

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3. Follow Treatment for the Underlying Cause

Because a swollen spleen is usually secondary to another condition, treatment focuses on the root problem.

Examples include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antiviral management (when appropriate)
• Treatment for blood disorders
• Management of liver disease
• Anti-inflammatory medications for autoimmune causes

When the underlying issue improves, the spleen often returns to normal size.

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4. Monitor Blood Counts

If your spleen is removing too many blood cells, your doctor may monitor your blood counts regularly.

Low blood counts can lead to:

• Fatigue
• Increased infection risk
• Easy bruising or bleeding

Careful monitoring helps prevent complications.

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5. Surgery (In Rare Cases)

In severe cases—such as repeated rupture, certain blood disorders, or persistent complications—surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy) may be recommended.

People can live without a spleen, but they may need:

• Specific vaccinations
• Preventive antibiotics in some cases
• Extra caution regarding infections

Your doctor will carefully weigh risks and benefits before recommending surgery.

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Can a Swollen Spleen Heal on Its Own?

Yes, sometimes.

If the enlargement is due to a temporary infection, the spleen may return to normal once the infection clears. However, chronic conditions require long-term management.

It's important not to assume the issue will resolve without evaluation—especially if symptoms persist.

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How to Reduce Risk of Spleen Problems

While not all spleen conditions are preventable, you can reduce risk by:

• Staying up to date on vaccinations
• Avoiding excessive alcohol use
• Managing chronic conditions like liver disease
• Using protective gear during sports
• Seeking medical care for persistent infections

Maintaining overall immune health supports spleen function.

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When to Speak to a Doctor

You should speak to a doctor if you experience:

• Ongoing left upper abdominal pain
• A feeling of fullness without eating much
• Frequent infections
• Unexplained fatigue
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Any sudden or severe symptoms

While many spleen issues are manageable, some can become serious if untreated. Prompt medical evaluation is the safest approach.

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Final Thoughts

Left-side pain involving the spleen can range from mild and temporary to urgent and serious. The spleen plays a vital role in filtering blood and supporting your immune system, so changes in its size or function should not be ignored.

The key points to remember:

• A swollen spleen is usually a sign of another condition.
• Mild cases may resolve with treatment of the underlying cause.
• Severe or sudden pain requires immediate medical care.
• Protecting an enlarged spleen from injury is essential.
• Ongoing symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

If you are experiencing concerning symptoms, speak to a doctor promptly. Early care leads to better outcomes—and peace of mind.