Spleen Disorders in Children

The spleen is located in the body below the stomach. The spleen filters and stores blood and produces red blood cells. Despite the spleens function, children's bodies are able to function properly if the spleen has to be removed due to a disorder.

Effects

• Children with spleen disorders will have unexplained bruises, heart palpitations, pain in the back and stomach and unexplained bleeding from their nose.

Causes

• Causes of spleen disorders in children include trauma caused by injuries, viral infections and diseases.

Identification

• To identify spleen disorders a doctor will take a medical history and a physical examination. They will take an x-ray of the abdomen and perform an ultrasound.

Treatment

• A disorder of the spleen will be treated with surgery. The surgery, called a splenectomy, is minimally invasive and only takes at most three hours.

Warning

• Despite the fact that the body does not need the spleen to survive, children who have had their spleen removed are more susceptible to infections and need to receive inoculations and take antibiotics in order to stay healthy.