Your spleen is an organ that sits under your rib cage in the upper-left portion of your abdomen. It is a part of the lymph system and works to defend your body against infection. Certain diseases can cause your spleen to swell much larger than its normal size, which can cause you to feel pain under your left rib. Although an enlarged spleen can be painful, it isn’t always a sign of a problem.
If you are experiencing pain under your left rib, come to FastMed to rule out any serious causes and receive quick, affordable treatment.
Pain under Your Left Rib?
An enlarged spleen can be caused by infections, cirrhosis and other liver disease, blood diseases, problems with the lymph system, or a number of other conditions. Some common causes include:
- Viral infections, such as mononucleosis
- Parasitic infections, such as toxoplasmosis
- Bacterial infections, such as endocarditis
- Cancer
- Trauma or injury
Symptoms of an enlarged spleen are rare. If you are suffering from an enlarged spleen, you may notice your inability to eat a large meal; you may also feel discomfort or pain under your left rib. There are a few other symptoms of an enlarged spleen:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Frequent infections
- Easy bleeding
- Jaundice
- Anemia
If you are experiencing pain under your left rib, along with any of these symptoms, visit FastMed immediately. If left untreated, an enlarged spleen could lead to serious complications—and may even rupture. In most cases, an enlarged spleen can be taken care of by treating the underlying cause.
When you come to FastMed, a medical professional will work to determine if the pain under your left rib is caused by an enlarged spleen or something else, then prescribe your treatment options.