The spleen is a fist-sized organ in the upper left part of the belly under the ribcage. It helps the body fight infection and filters damaged cells. A blow to the belly or a big fall can bruise or tear (lacerate) the spleen. Kids with a spleen injury are watched in the hospital for internal bleeding. Most spleen injuries heal on their own, but some might need surgery.

Your child is doing well and is ready to leave the hospital to continue healing at home.

• Make sure your child carefully follows the activity guidelines from the health care team to help manage pain and prevent injuring the spleen again.
• No sports, gym class, or physical activity until your child's care team says it's OK.
• Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand) for pain, as directed by the care team. Don't give other medicines without checking with the care team first.
• Follow up with your child's trauma surgeon, as instructed.
• Ask how your child is feeling emotionally. Kids can feel stressed or worried after a serious injury or a hospital stay. If your child feels this way for longer than a few weeks, talk to your health care provider or someone on the care team about how to help your child manage stress.

Your child has:

• pain that isn't helped by acetaminophen
• swelling or bulging of the abdomen
• nausea or vomiting
• left shoulder pain (Bleeding in the belly can sometimes be felt as shoulder pain.)
• another injury involving the abdomen while recovering from the spleen injury
• a fever above 101°F (38.3°C)

Your child:

• has severe belly pain
• looks pale
• becomes very sleepy
• is dizzy or faints
• has signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, sleepiness, dry or sticky mouth and lips, sunken eyes, less pee than usual, darker pee than usual, or crying without making tears

How are spleen injuries treated? Treatment for a spleen injury depends on the injury. Most spleen injuries heal with rest and close monitoring for signs of bleeding. Some kids might need a procedure (an embolization) to block the spleen's blood vessels to stop the bleeding. Rarely, surgery is needed to remove the spleen (called a splenectomy).

How long does it take to heal from a spleen injury? The time it takes to heal depends on the injury. The care team will tell you how long your child must limit activities after going home from the hospital. It's important to follow their instructions so the injury doesn't get worse and has the best chance to heal quickly.