Symptom 10: Enlarged Spleen: A Hidden Hiccup
Tucked under your ribcage on the left side, the spleen isn’t an organ most people are acquainted with, unless it starts acting up. With mononucleosis, this organ often enters the spotlight.
The spleen, much like the lymph nodes, is involved in filtering unwanted materials from the blood and helps in the fight against infections. When mononucleosis strikes, it’s on the front lines, working overtime. In doing so, it may enlarge — a condition termed splenomegaly.
Splenomegaly doesn’t just pop up. It’s the spleen’s way of signaling that it’s involved in a significant battle. And as it grows in size, you might feel discomfort or pain in the upper left abdomen or even a feeling of fullness without eating.
What’s fascinating is that this organ, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, plays a crucial role in our immune response. Its reaction during mononucleosis is a testament to its vital function. (10)
