TUMMY ACHE OR MORE? Understanding Spleen and Gallbladder Condition Symptoms

e spleen and gallbladder are important organs that help your body’s immune and digestive systems function. Yet thousands of gallbladders and spleens are removed from American patients each year.

e spleen is an organ that contributes to your body’s immune system by regulating the levels of red and white blood cells. It is about the f a fist and can be found on the upper left side of your abdomen near the stomach.

“When the spleen isn’t working properly, it can remove healthy blood cells from circulation, leading to anemia and an increased risk of infection, bleeding and bruising,” said Dr. LaRon Mason, general surgeon at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital.

The gallbladder is an organ that releases bile into the small intestine to help with your digestion. It’s about the size of a pear and is located on the right side of your abdomen, just beneath the liver.

Gallbladder disease can include infection, inflammation, stones or blockages. These can lead to jaundice, severe pain and sudden changes in blood pressure.

Let’s take a closer look at symptoms you shouldn’t ignore that indicate something’s gone wrong with these organs.

Symptoms Of Spleen Trouble

Problems with the spleen can produce many symptoms. Here are a couple of things to look out for:

■ Pain and tenderness behind the left ibs

■ Dizziness and a rapid heart rate

These symptoms could indicate a ruptured or damaged spleen. Ths is a medical emergency that can cause life-threatening bleeding.

Less serious, an enlarged spleen can be the result of infection, injury or disease. Symptoms include:

■ Feeling very full right after eating

■ Pain and discomfort behind the ribs

■ Anemia or fatigue

■ Frequent infections

■ E asy bleeding

“Your doctor can diagnose your enlarged spleen during a physical exam, since a spleen cannot be felt unless it is enlarged. Following up with X-rays and blood work can help identify the cause,” explained Mason. “Sometimes surgery is needed if an enlarged spleen is causing serious complications.”

Symptoms Of Gallbladder Problems

Gallbladder conditions can have a variety of symptoms. If a gallstone lodges in a duct and causes a blockage, symptoms can include:

■ Sudden pain in the upper right abdomen

■ Sudden pain in the center of the abdomen

■ Pain in the back between the shoulder blades

■ R ight shoulder pain

■ Nausea or vomiting

Make sure you seek immediate care from a doctor if you experience these symptoms of a serious gallstone complication, such as an infection:

■ Intense abdominal pain

■ Yellowing of the skin and white of eyes

■ High fever and chills

Th e spleen and gallbladder are important, but sometimes when they develop problems, the best course of action is surgery to remove the organ. When the spleen is removed, the liver assumes many of its jobs. The same goes for the gallbladder — the liver is there for backup.

You shouldn’t ignore symptoms of spleen or gallbladder trouble, as these conditions could be severe and lifethreatening. “A warning sign is severe abdominal pain that intensifies on the right side,” said Mason. “Make sure to seek immediate care — don’t wait.” •