Symptoms of an Enlarged Spleen

Most people don't know they have an enlarged spleen because symptoms are rare. People usually find out about it during a physical exam. Since symptoms can sometimes be nonexistent, or at least minimal enough to not cause any concerns, an enlarged spleen is usually first discovered during a routine physical exam, catching most people by total surprise. Normally in adults, doctors can’t feel the spleen when it isn’t enlarged, so if they press below the rib cage during an exam and notice a swollen spleen, it points to the fact that something isn’t right.

In a healthy person, the normal weight and size of the spleen can vary a lot depending on factors like age, sex, body weight and body surface area. For example, studies suggest that the spleen can range from 58 grams in a 79-year-old woman to 170 grams in a 20-year-old man. An enlarged spleen that isn’t normal for someone’s body type and age can possibly signify the presence of disease, a virus, cognitive disorders or other issues (although this isn’t always the case, so don’t get alarmed just yet!).

Enlarged spleen symptoms can include:

• indigestion or feeling uncomfortable when eating, especially after a large meal
• pain and tenderness around the spleen, on the upper left side of the abdomen
• pain that has spread from the abdomen to the left shoulder
• pain when taking deep breaths or moving around
• low energy levels, possibly even chronic fatigue
• symptoms of jaundice (including yellowing of the skin)
• symptoms of anemia
• unexplained weight loss
• frequent infections (such as ear, urinary tract, respiratory or sinus infections)
• bleeding and bruising easily



Unfortunately, one of the side effects of a damaged spleen is becoming more susceptible to illnesses and feeling very fatigued. That’s because normally the spleen works as part of the body’s natural “drainage network,” producing protective white blood cells and carrying waste and bacteria away from the body. The spleen produces white blood cells that capture and destroy bacteria, dead cells and tissue, and other outside particles that make their way into the body and circulate via the bloodstream.

As blood filters through the spleen, it’s cleaned, and threatening microbes are engulfed and filtered out. Without the spleen working properly, we can’t maintain red and white blood cells we need for ongoing energy or produce enough platelets that are required for blot clotting.

Your doctor will ask you questions and do a physical exam to diagnose an enlarged, painful spleen. This involves palpating (examining by touch) your spleen. You will also likely need diagnostic tests to confirm the cause of the swollen spleen. These may include blood tests, an ultrasound, or computerized tomography (CT) scan. In some cases, other tests may be needed.

How to Treat an Enlarged Spleen

Treatment options for dealing with an enlarged spleen are usually aimed at reducing any noticeable symptoms and pain, while also tackling the underlying causes like a chronic disease, diet, lifestyle, infection and so on. Only as a last resort would a doctor decide to perform surgery to remove an enlarged spleen. For most people, luckily it’s possible to remove the trigger that causes an enlarged spleen before surgery becomes necessary.



Remember, the spleen is necessary and important for keeping the body guarded from disease and bacterial infections, so removing it comes with risks of its own. After surgery to remove the spleen, further down the line someone can become more prone to infections and becoming sick since removing the spleen means the body is left with one less line of defense.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can help protect yourself from developing or worsening an enlarged spleen.

Dr. Huntoon has a completely different perspective based on understanding given to him by one of his mentors, Dr. Victor Frank.

Over the past 28 years while applying the understandings of Dr. Frank with additional understandings of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dr. Huntoon has learned to remove the offending organisms associated with infections of the spleen, restore balance to the spleen, feed the spleen and stop any autoimmune response affecting the spleen. Once the treatment to remedy the CAUSE of the problem have been applied, using whole food supplements from Standard Process, (such as Dessicated Spleen for feeding the spleen, Spleen PMG for rebuilding the spleen and other supplements to help the body and spleen clean the blood) are given on a case by case basis.

Working with a Holistic Chiropractor that understands how to do this for their patient becomes vital for resolution of this serious concern.



Others have benefited by using Acupuncture, Homeopathy and Naturopathy.

Treatment options for dealing with an enlarged spleen are usually aimed at reducing any noticeable symptoms and pain, while also tackling the underlying causes like a chronic disease, diet, lifestyle, infection and so on. Only as a last resort would a doctor decide to perform surgery to remove an enlarged spleen. For most people, luckily it’s possible to remove the trigger that causes an enlarged spleen before surgery becomes necessary.



Remember, the spleen is necessary and important for keeping the body guarded from disease and bacterial infections, so removing it comes with risks of its own. After surgery to remove the spleen, further down the line someone can become more prone to infections and becoming sick since removing the spleen means the body is left with one less line of defense.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can help protect yourself from developing or worsening an enlarged spleen.

Medicines Two Choices for You

Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can help protect yourself from developing or worsening an enlarged spleen.

1. Protect the Spleen from Rupturing

Anyone who has an enlarged spleen should be careful to avoid any type of rough contact, especially near the abdomen, since this can cause a ruptured spleen. This means avoiding contact sports (like football, basketball, wrestling, hockey, etc.) and limiting any type of physical activity where the spleen can become further damaged.

An important precaution to take is to always wear a seat belt when driving, since a car accident is likely to cause even more injury to the spleen. Remember that not every case of an enlarged spleen is problematic, so find out from your doctor first what types of activities you’re cleared to do.

1. Eat a Nutrient-Dense Diet

Historically in Eastern medicine, the spleen is viewed as one of the most important organs to well-being, strength and immunity. That’s because it’s more than just a guardian and organ capable of managing blood cells — the spleen also helps turn nutrients from digested foods into useable fuel.

In Ancient Chinese Medicine and other schools of Eastern medicine, an unhealthy spleen is one of the key contributors to fatigue and anemia, and it can impact how other digestive organs work, including the colon, uterus, rectum, liver or stomach.

The best way to support your spleen and entire lymphatic and digestive systems is to eat a diet high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and essential fluids. This helps lower inflammation and fight free radical damage that can make an enlarged spleen turn into a worsened problem.

A healthy diet can benefit the entire body, including the spleen, which will work more efficiently to carry blood cells and nutrients to tissue, while also removing waste, when you obtain plenty of nutrients. A diet high in plant foods also helps provide enough hydrating water, which is important for helping the spleen rid itself and the body of excess fluids and foreign matter.

Try to avoid eating foods that place stress on your circulatory and immune systems. The more chemicals you obtain through the foods you eat, the more work your liver, spleen and other organs have to do.

Foods to limit or eliminate from your diet include:

• common allergens (like dairy products, gluten, soy, shellfish or nightshades, for example),
• low-quality animal products,
• sugary snacks,
• refined vegetable oils (corn, safflower, sunflower and soybean) and
• processed foods that contain chemical sprays or toxins.

Some of the key anti-inflammatory foods to load up on include:

• green leafy vegetables
• brightly colored fruits and veggies of all kinds, including cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.) and berries
• lean proteins, especially omega-3 foods like salmon and wild seafood
• nuts and seeds (chia, flax, hemp, pumpkin, etc.)
• unrefined oils like extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil
• herbs, condiments and spices (ginger, capsicum, molasses, turmeric, garlic, for example)

1. Move Your Body

Drainage of the lymphatic system depends heavily on you moving your body regularly. While lymph fluid can move through the lymph nodes and spleen somewhat on its own thanks to gravity and blood circulation, you’re much more prone to illness and swelling when you’re stagnant. Regularly exercising benefits your spleen because it helps keep blood flowing and fluids moving through your body. This is important considering the spleen is responsible for the filtering and transformation of particles within lymph fluids.

Exercise increases blood flow to your digestive organs and engages muscles in your digestive tract, so once the spleen and liver do their jobs to clean the body, more movement further helps usher out waste. Following exercise with foam rolling, massage therapy or infrared sauna treatments is also beneficial for supporting the lymphatic system and helping with detoxification.

1. Reduce Stress

Your Lymphatic, Immune and Digestive Systems are all vulnerable to the effects of stress. Your brain communicates with organs around your entire body, and every time it suspects that you’re in a threatening situation, hormones are altered that affect your body’s ability to defend itself from threats.

Chronic stress can weaken the Immune System and cause

• inflammation,
• digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers and much more. 

To help combat high amounts of stress, make it a priority to try relaxing exercises like being more active, doing hobbies you love, spending time in nature, taking warm baths, breathing exercises and so on.

1. Try Supplements that Support Lymphatic 

Several essential oils are beneficial for improving the body’s ability to drain swelling, fight infections, increase blood flow and reduce pain. Essential oils that are useful for targeting swelling in the lymph nodes include lemon, myrrh, oregano, cypress and frankincense oils.

Combine several drops with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil, and massage them over the spleen two to three times per day. Other supplements that can help improve liver health, circulation and fight inflammation include:

• omega-3 fish oils,
• turmeric,
• burdock root,
• digestive enzymes, 
• activated charcoal and
• milk thistle.

Working with a Holistic Chiropractor that understands how to do this for their patient becomes vital for resolution of this serious concern. Dr. Huntoon has over 30 years of experience doing this for his Practice Members and would look forward to helping you.