as a storage center for platelets, and red and white blood cells.
Conditions of the spleen
Although the spleen is a powerhouse organ, like any other organ in your body it can be impacted by disease. Here are some of those conditions:
- Splenomegaly – This is an enlargement of the spleen that can be caused by liver disease, mononucleosis (mono), cancers like leukemia or lymphoma and tuberculosis
- Sickle Cell Anemia – The abnormally shaped red blood cells that are characteristic of sickle cell anemia can cause damage to the spleen
- Thrombocytopenia – With splenomegaly, an abundance of platelets can be stored in the spleen. As a result, there aren’t enough platelets being released back into the blood stream. This leads to a low platelet count in the body
Your body works harder without your spleen
The spleen is the largest organ of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system ensures that the body maintains proper fluid levels, removes foreign invaders from the lymphatic fluid and absorbs fat from the digestive tract. Pretty important stuff, right?
You can live a healthy life without your spleen, but other organs will have to work harder to maintain your body’s normal functions. If your spleen ruptures from an injury, or if your spleen must be removed (called a splenectomy), the liver will take over the spleen’s job. A healthy liver can take on those additional tasks, but you are more susceptible to infections without your spleen.
Ways to keep your spleen happy
To ensure that your spleen is working to keep your body free and clear of viruses and bacteria, here are some things that…