What is the Spleen? Everything you need to know about this small organ in our body!

Have you ever wondered what this small organ on the left side of your abdomen, just below your rib cage, is and what it really does? Today we are going to talk about an organ that most people don't talk about much, but it is indispensable to the body and silently does a lot of important work. That is the Spleen . It is like an unsung hero in our body. Let's try to understand everything about this hero in a simple way.

What service does the spleen provide to our body?

The spleen is part of our immune system and lymphatic system. The spleen in an adult is usually about the size of an avocado. But the work this small organ does is no small feat.

Think of it as a super filter that cleans the blood in our body. Here are some of the main functions of the spleen:

• Blood storage: It works like a small blood bank. In case of emergency, if a lot of blood is needed, blood is released from here.
• Blood purification: It helps keep the blood clean by removing expired, old, and damaged red blood cells. In other words, it's like managing waste.
• Fighting infections: Another important function of the immune system is to produce white blood cells and antibodies to fight disease-causing germs, such as bacteria and viruses, when they enter the body.
• Regulating fluid levels in the body: The spleen also helps maintain the balance of fluids in our body.

Simply put, the spleen is a body that plays all three roles: protector, purifier, and storer.

The spleen has two parts, two functions!

There are two main parts inside the spleen. These two do two different jobs. Let's see what they are.

Diseases and problems affecting the spleen

Unfortunately, this silent worker can also be affected by various diseases, conditions, and accidents. Let's take a look at a few of them.

1. Splenomegaly

This is the most common problem seen with the spleen. What happens here is that the spleen becomes larger than normal due to various reasons. It is like a balloon that swells when you inflate it. When the spleen is swollen, you may experience pain in the left side of the abdomen, a feeling of heaviness, and a feeling of fullness even after eating a little. This can be a dangerous condition because there is a risk of a swollen spleen rupturing.

Things that can cause the spleen to swell:

• Blood-related cancers: Cancers such as leukemia and Hodgkin's lymphoma.
• Infections: Infections like malaria, dengue, and mononucleosis.
• Liver diseases: Due to liver diseases like cirrhosis.
• Blood clots: Blood clots in the veins of the spleen or liver.
• Some types of anemia: Conditions such as hemolytic anemia.
• Birth defects: Hereditary diseases such as Gaucher disease.

2. Spleen not working properly (Functional Asplenia)

This is when the spleen is present in the body, but it doesn't do its job properly. Sometimes it can become overactive (hypersplenism) and start destroying healthy red blood cells. This can lead to easy bruising, bleeding, and an increased risk of infection.

3. Damaged or ruptured spleen (Ruptured Spleen)

This is a very dangerous condition that requires emergency medical attention . Imagine that you are playing cricket and a ball hits you hard on the left side of your stomach. Or you are in a car accident. Such a strong blow to the stomach can damage, injure, and sometimes even burst the spleen. If this happens, there can be excessive bleeding inside the body and even death.

How can I keep my spleen healthy?

Many people wonder if they need to do anything special for their spleen. Actually, there's no need to do anything special. The same things you do to keep your entire body healthy are good for your spleen too.

• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

These things will strengthen your immune system. It's also a great help for the spleen.

Is it possible to live without a spleen?

Yes, surprisingly, it is possible to live without a spleen . Some people are born without a spleen (this is very rare). In other cases, if the spleen is damaged in an accident or due to a medical condition, it may need to be surgically removed (splenectomy).

When the spleen is removed, the liver takes over most of the work it used to do. However, there is one major risk of not having a spleen.

What is the risk of damage to the spleen if it is missing?

The main risk is increased susceptibility to infections . The spleen is like a main base of our body's defenses. When it is lost, the body's ability to fight off some serious bacterial infections is reduced.

Therefore, if your spleen has been removed, or if it is not working properly, you should follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

• Get all necessary vaccinations on time.
• Sometimes the doctor may tell you to take antibiotics every day.
• It is very important to seek medical advice even if you develop a minor illness such as a fever or cough.

When to see a doctor immediately

If you have one or more of the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately. These could be signs of an enlarged spleen or another problem.

• Feeling full even after eating a little (early satiety).
• If you have bruises or bleeding for no reason.
• If you feel pain under the rib cage on the left side or if that area hurts when touched.

Don't ignore these symptoms. Early treatment can prevent serious conditions.

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