How do you know if your spleen or liver is swollen?
Daniel Lopez
Updated on February 27, 2026
What does a swollen spleen or liver feel like?
An enlarged spleen typically causes no signs or symptoms, but sometimes it causes: Pain or fullness in the left upper belly that can spread to the left shoulder. A feeling of fullness without eating or after eating a small amount because the spleen is pressing on your stomach. Low red blood cells (anemia)What does a swollen liver feel like?
In some severe cases, you might notice a feeling of bloating or fullness in your belly, or an ache in your upper right abdomen, where your liver is. It's more likely your healthcare provider will discover it during an exam. They might notice that your liver is palpable to the touch, which it normally wouldn't be.Can you feel if your spleen is swollen?
An enlarged spleen does not always cause symptoms. Otherwise, look out for: feeling full very quickly after eating (an enlarged spleen can press on the stomach) feeling discomfort or pain behind your left ribs.How can you tell if your spleen is enlarged at home?
Technique
- Start in RLQ (so you don't miss a giant spleen).
- Get your fingers set then ask patient to take a deep breath. ...
- When patient expires, take up new position.
- Note lowest point of spleen below costal margin, texture of splenic contour, and tenderness.
- If spleen is not felt, repeat with pt lying on right side.
What is Spleen? Causes, Signs, Symptoms of enlarged spleen - Dr. Ravindra B S
Can you feel your liver by pressing?
Your liver is a triangular organ. It's located below your diaphragm, under the lower edge of your right ribcage. You may have an enlarged liver if your doctor can feel it during a physical exam. A typical liver can't be felt with your fingers.What causes enlarged spleen and liver?
Enlarged liver and spleen may be caused by infections including: Bacterial infections. Cat scratch disease (bacterial infection) Epstein-Barr virus infection (infectious mononucleosis)Can fatty liver cause enlarged spleen?
In conclusion, spleen enlargement was commonly seen in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver, and the recognition of this association may halt further attempts to evaluate the cause of spleen enlargement.What is the most common cause of an enlarged spleen?
Infections, such as mononucleosis, are among the most common causes of splenomegaly. Problems with your liver, such as cirrhosisand cystic fibrosis, can also cause an enlarged spleen. Another possible cause of splenomegaly is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This condition can cause inflammation of the lymph system.How do you know if your liver is struggling?
Symptoms
- Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice)
- Abdominal pain and swelling.
- Swelling in the legs and ankles.
- Itchy skin.
- Dark urine color.
- Pale stool color.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Nausea or vomiting.
Can liver inflammation go away?
“Hepatitis” is the term for liver inflammation. Some forms of liver inflammation produce mild symptoms and resolve on their own. Others can be serious or life threatening.What part of the body itches with liver problems?
Symptoms of itching with liver diseaseItching associated with liver disease tends to be worse in the late evening and during the night. Some people may itch in one area, such as a limb, the soles of their feet, or the palms of their hands, while others experience an all-over itch.
How do you tell if you have spleen problems?
Spleen pain is usually felt as a pain behind your left ribs. It may be tender when you touch the area. This can be a sign of a damaged, ruptured or enlarged spleen.What is dull pain under left rib cage?
Pain located under the left rib cage is typically associated with infection or inflammation in the stomach or injury to any other organs located on the left side of the body (like the heart, spleen, pancreas, lung or left kidney).What hurts on left side under ribs?
Causes of left rib painOn the left side, this includes your heart, left lung, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and left kidney. When any of these organs are infected, inflamed, or injured, pain can radiate under and around your left rib cage. It's also possible to injure your ribs themselves.
What are the 3 signs of a fatty liver?
Symptoms
- Abdominal swelling (ascites)
- Enlarged blood vessels just beneath the skin's surface.
- Enlarged spleen.
- Red palms.
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Can blood test show enlarged spleen?
It's often discovered during a routine physical exam. A doctor usually can't feel the spleen in an adult unless it's enlarged. Imaging and blood tests can help identify the cause of an enlarged spleen.Where does spleen pain hurt?
You may not have any symptoms from an enlarged spleen. However, you may: Feel a kind of dull pain on the left side of the abdomen or in your back.What causes liver to swell?
Causes of enlarged livercongestive heart failure. liver cancer or other cancers that have spread to the liver. glycogen storage disease, an inherited disorder that causes liver enlargement. hemochromatosis, a buildup of excess iron in body tissues, particularly the liver.