Symptoms of Poor Spleen Function
I have been feeling unwell lately, and my complexion seems rather pale. Additionally, my appetite has decreased, and I experience bloating after eating only a small amount of food. Could this mean I have an unhealthy spleen? What are the specific symptoms of spleen dysfunction?
When the spleen is not functioning properly, common symptoms may include:
1. Pain: Patients may experience intermittent dull pain or persistent distending pain in the upper left abdomen, with varying intensity depending on the condition.
2. Gastrointestinal discomfort: An enlarged spleen may compress the stomach and intestines, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating. In severe cases, difficulty with gas passage and bowel movements may occur.
3. Decreased appetite: Patients often experience loss of appetite and feel bloated easily while eating. Bowel movements may become loose or prolonged diarrhea may occur.
4. Increased susceptibility to infections: When spleen function is impaired, the body's resistance to infections decreases, leading to frequent colds or other infections.
5. Anemia: When the spleen is overactive, it may destroy excessive red blood cells, causing anemia. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and rapid heartbeat.
6. Thrombocytopenia: The spleen may also destroy excessive platelets, leading to thrombocytopenia. This can cause bruising on the skin and an increased tendency to bleed.
7. Chills and high fever: If spleen infection leads to a splenic abscess, patients may experience elevated body temperature, chills, and high fever.