A ruptured spleen is an emergency medical condition that occurs when the capsule-like covering of the spleen breaks open, pouring blood into your abdominal area. Depending on the size of the rupture, a large amount of internal bleeding can occur. Your doctor may refer to a ruptured spleen as a "splenic rupture."

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Besides, can you die from a ruptured spleen?

The main complication of a ruptured spleen is bleeding and the problems that can come from it, such as cysts and blood clots. Delayed bleeding and spleen death may also result from a ruptured spleen. It is often these serious complications that result in surgery.

Likewise, how long does it take to die from a ruptured spleen? You can live without your spleen but you have a much higher risk of infection and need vaccinations to help protect you. Recovery after a splenic rupture can take quite some time and it can be three to six months until you can resume all previous activities.

Also Know, what does it feel like when your spleen ruptures?

The main symptom of a ruptured spleen is severe pain in the abdomen, especially on the left side. The pain may also be referred to (felt in) the left shoulder, and can make breathing painful. Other symptoms, which are associated with a decrease in blood pressure due to internal bleeding, include: Feeling lightheaded.

How do you treat a ruptured spleen?

Treatment for a ruptured spleen will depend on the severity of your condition. Some people require immediate surgery. Others heal with rest and time.

Surgery to repair or remove the spleen

1. Repairing the spleen.
2. Removing the spleen (splenectomy).
3. Removing part of the spleen.

Related Question Answers

How do you detect a ruptured spleen?

Imaging tests can help diagnose a ruptured spleen. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen is one of the most common methods used. During the test, a special substance, called contrast, is injected into a vein, usually in the arm. The contrast helps the doctor determine the amount of bleeding from the spleen.

What do you do for internal bleeding?

Internal bleeding damages the body both from the loss of blood and from the pressure the misplaced blood puts on other organs and tissues. Treatment usually takes place in a hospital's emergency department. Intravenous fluids and blood transfusions may be given to prevent or correct an unsafe drop in blood pressure.

Can you rupture your spleen from coughing?

Splenic Rupture From Coughing. To the Editor. —Spontaneous rupture of the normal spleen is rare without serious trauma but has been reported after apparently trivial insults such as jogging, squash, cycling, and electroconvulsive therapy.

How do you know if your spleen is swollen?

Symptoms you may experience with an enlarged spleen include: pressure or pain in the left upper part of your abdomen (near the stomach), feeling full without eating a large meal, or pain your left shoulder blade or shoulder area when taking a deep breath.

What are the first signs of internal bleeding?

Symptoms and signs of internal bleeding depend on where the bleeding is coming from, but may include:

• Headache.
• Stiff neck.
• Confusion.
• Stroke symptoms (vision loss, weakness, and slurred speech)
• Lightheadedness.
• Shortness of breath.
• Low blood pressure.
• Blood in the stool.

Is spleen pain an emergency?

Sometimes if you lie down and raise your legs, you can feel the pain at the tip of your left shoulder. A ruptured spleen is a medical emergency, as it can cause life-threatening bleeding. Go straight to A&E if you think you have ruptured or damaged your spleen.

How long does spleen pain last?

It may take just a couple of weeks to recover from a bruised spleen. If you need surgery, your recovery time may be longer—at least 4 to 6 weeks if your spleen has to be removed. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.

Can a spleen rupture without trauma?

Although the spleen is the most common intra-abdominal organ that can rupture with blunt abdominal trauma, splenic rupture in the absence of trauma is very rare. Nontraumatic splenic rupture (NSR) has been associated with pathological and nonpathological spleens.

What does it mean if your spleen hurts?

An enlarged spleen can be caused by infections, cirrhosis and other liver diseases, blood diseases characterized by abnormal blood cells, problems with the lymph system, or other conditions. Other causes of an enlarged spleen include: Inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

How long does your spleen stay enlarged after Mono?

Enlarged spleen and a swollen liver are less common symptoms. For some people, their liver or spleen or both may remain enlarged even after their fatigue ends. Most people get better in two to four weeks; however, some people may feel fatigued for several more weeks.

What is Kehr's sign?

Kehr's sign is the occurrence of acute pain in the tip of the shoulder due to the presence of blood or other irritants in the peritoneal cavity when a person is lying down and the legs are elevated. Kehr's sign in the left shoulder is considered a classic symptom of a ruptured spleen.

What foods irritate the spleen?

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.

What does your spleen do in your body?

The spleen plays multiple supporting roles in the body. It acts as a filter for blood as part of the immune system. Old red blood cells are recycled in the spleen, and platelets and white blood cells are stored there. The spleen also helps fight certain kinds of bacteria that cause pneumonia and meningitis.

What are the chances of your spleen rupturing with mono?

However, spontaneous rupture or atraumatic rupture of spleen secondary to infectious mononucleosis is rare with an estimation of 0.06%² to 0.5%³ and it is the most frequent cause of death in infectious mononucleosis.

Why is the spleen so easily ruptured?

Causes. The most common cause of a ruptured spleen is blunt trauma to the abdomen, usually as the result of a road traffic collision. However, splenic rupture can occur due to sports injuries and physical assault. The spleen is the abdominal organ to which it is most likely an injury will occur during physical trauma.

How do you know if you have damaged your organs?

These are signs and symptoms to look for:

1. Abdominal pain.
2. Tenderness over the injured area.
3. Rigid abdomen.
4. Left arm and shoulder pain (spleen)
5. Right-sided abdominal pain and right shoulder pain (liver)
6. Blood in the urine (kidney)
7. Cold, sweaty skin (early signs of shock)

What organs are under your left rib cage?

Your rib cage consists of 24 ribs — 12 on the right and 12 on the left side of your body. Their function is to protect the organs that lie beneath them. On the left side, this includes your heart, left lung, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and left kidney.

Can a spleen grow back?

Unlike some other organs, like the liver, the spleen does not grow back (regenerate) after it is removed. Up to 30% of people have a second spleen (called an accessory spleen). These are usually very small, but may grow and function when the main spleen is removed.

How does internal bleeding kill?

A ruptured blood vessel can cause bleeding that doesn't clot, but the formation of clots can also be dangerous, as they can prevent blood from circulating. Symptoms can also include breathing problems, bruising and bloody vomit or urine. Organ failure and death may result if internal bleeding is not treated promptly.