Symptom 9: Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly)
Tucked beneath our ribcage, the spleen is often the unsung hero of our immune system. Not only does it filter blood and remove damaged blood cells, but it also serves as a storage unit for platelets and white blood cells. However, in the world of ALPS, the spleen often faces challenges, leading to its enlargement – a condition known as splenomegaly.
Why would the spleen enlarge in ALPS? It’s primarily due to the accumulation of lymphocytes. While these cells are crucial for our immunity, an overproduction, which is characteristic of ALPS, can crowd the spleen, causing it to swell. This swelling might not be immediately evident but can present as a feeling of fullness or pain on the left side of the abdomen.
While pain or discomfort is a clear signal, splenomegaly’s implications run deeper. An enlarged spleen might not function optimally. It can become overactive, filtering out and destroying more blood cells than necessary. This can lead to anemia, increased susceptibility to infections, or even excessive bleeding. (8)
