The spleen helps protect the body against infection through the production of red blood cells and removal of damaged blood components or pathogens from the blood. A traumatic injury or certain types of infection, such as mononucleosis, can damage the spleen. People who develop spleen damage symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor immediately. In the absence of prompt medical care, spleen damage symptoms can be fatal.
Pain in the Abdomen
Pain in the abdomen is the most common symptom experienced by people who sustain damage to the spleen. Typically, patients report experiencing discomfort in the upper left region of the abdomen beneath the ribcage, which is where the spleen is internally located, the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library notes. The severity of pain symptoms can vary depending upon the extent of damage. Severe damage can cause the spleen to rupture, which can lead to pain symptoms that radiate throughout the abdomen.
Pain in Left Shoulder
When the spleen is damaged, it can leak blood into the abdominal cavity, which can irritate a patient's diaphragm muscle. Diaphragm irritation can cause symptoms of pain in the left shoulder, according to Texas Pediatric Surgical Associates. Shoulder discomfort typically occurs in conjunction with abdominal pain.
Low Blood Pressure
Blood loss from the spleen following an injury can result in the progressive decline of a patient's blood pressure levels. Unusually low blood pressure, also called hypotension, can cause sensations of lightheadedness or dizziness in affected patients, particularly when they attempt to stand up quickly. Additional symptoms include blurred vision, confusion or loss of consciousness. Patients who experience these symptoms after sustaining damage to the spleen require emergency medical care.
