What are spleen problems?
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The spleen is an organ is the upper left section of the abdomen near the stomach.
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The spleen is responsible for producing and filtering out red blood cells. It is also a part of the immune system, which protects against infection.
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It is an important organ but is not critical to survival.
How common are they?
Because the spleen can be affected differently by different diseases, it is difficult to say how many children have spleen problems.
What are some characteristics of children with spleen problems?
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Other conditions mentioned in this book may affect the spleen, such as sickle cell and other blood diseases, or cancer.
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The spleen can also be enlarged temporarily in infectious mononucleosis or HIV.
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Sometimes the spleen is injured during trauma and must be removed surgically.
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Some children are born with abnormal spleens.
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The spleen can be a problem if it is enlarged, does not work properly, or is missing.
What adaptations may be needed?
Medications
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The spleen filters out bacteria. If it is not working well, the body can get an overwhelming infection very quickly. Certain vaccines, such as pneumococcal and meningococcal, help to prevent infections. Influenza vaccine can also be helpful.
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Some children take penicillin to prevent overwhelming bacterial infections.
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Fever can be a more serious symptom and should be evaluated by a health care professional capable of doing blood studies for and administering antibiotics to a child with an absent or a nonfunctioning spleen.
Physical environment
Enlarged spleens may be at risk for rupturing (breaking open), which is a life-threatening emergency. Therefore, it is important to avoid hitting the abdomen in rough play or sports activities. Sometimes the cause of an enlarged spleen is temporary, such as infectious mononucleosis, and sometimes it is chronic, such as some blood diseases.
What should be considered an emergency?
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Call emergency medical services/911 for
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Serious pain in the left upper abdomen
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A child who appears pale or weak
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Fever if the parent cannot take the child for immediate evaluation
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Serious trauma to the abdomen in a child known to have an enlarged spleen
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Enlarging spleen (belly swelling)
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Call parents/guardians for
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Fever, if the Care Plan specifies that the parent will take the child for evaluation and the parent is able to do so
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Decreased energy
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Minor abdominal pain or discomfort
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Minor abdominal trauma
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What types of training or policies are advised?
Recognizing signs and symptoms of possible emergency
Source: Managing Chronic Health Needs in Child Care and Schools: A Quick Reference Guide.
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The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.