Oaf Dieting

Should a child who had an enlarged spleen play sports?

My son had spherocytosis, because of this he has an enlarged spleen. We have been told that his spleen could rupture if he plays sports. Does anyone know anything about this. Finding it hard to get answers. What are the chances of it happening and what are the dangers? My son is a sports fanatic so this is extremely important to him.

Public Comments

1. Absolutly not--- My daughter had 1 two years ago and with medical personel in the family the vote was NO WAY!!!!
2. Hi! Contact sports (i.e. football, hockey) are EXTREMELY dangerous for your son, like they told you he could possibly rupture his spleen. Absolutely talk to his doctor before he starts anything. Unfortunately even a minor injury that wouldn't bother most people like an elbow to the ribs could seriously injure your son. Good luck!
3. I think this would be very dangerous for him,If he would get a hard hit his spleen could be ruptured and he may never walk again,I suggest asking your Dr to explain this face to face with your Son so he knows what to expect.
4. An enlarged spleen traps and stores an excessive number of blood cells and substances that help blood to clot (platelets). This may clog the spleen and interfere with its ability to function. Eventually, an enlarged spleen may outgrow its own blood supply — damaging or destroying part of the organ. An enlarged spleen is also at risk of rupturing, usually as a result of a blow to the abdomen. A ruptured spleen can cause life-threatening bleeding into the abdominal cavity. If your child has an enlarged spleen, avoid contact sports — such as soccer, football and hockey — and limit other activities as recommended by your doctor. Modifying your activities can reduce the risk of a ruptured spleen. It's also important to wear a seat belt. If you're in an accident, a seat belt can help prevent injury to your spleen. Hereditary spherocytosis and hereditary elliptocytosis are congenital RBC membrane disorders. Symptoms, generally milder in hereditary elliptocytosis, include variable degrees of anemia, jaundice, and splenomegaly. Diagnosis requires demonstration of increased RBC osmotic fragility and a negative direct antiglobulin test. Rarely, patients < 45 yr with symptomatic disease require splenectomy.
5. i would have to agree with everyone else it is exteremely dangerous and can be life threating. i had a friend with spherocytosis and I did a report on it. she had to have her speen out when she was 17. no contact sports.