Symptoms Of Leishmaniasis

Enlarged Liver And Spleen

The liver and the spleen are two of the organs most easily compromised by leishmaniasis. That means both organs are likely to become enlarged over time, especially if the condition goes unchecked for an extended period. In much the same way that the heart can become enlarged when it is forced to work too hard over a long time, so too can the liver and spleen. The condition often becomes more pronounced as the body grows weaker, especially when various infections begin to take hold.

Eventually, the patient may start to present with additional symptoms more directly related to the enlargement of these organs. The patient may have abdominal pain, nausea, abdominal tenderness, or jaundice. In some severe cases, the spleen may have to be removed to prevent it from rupturing, which would be immediately life-threatening. If the condition is caught early enough, the patient may be managed with medication aimed at controlling the leishmaniasis itself, as well as any additional symptoms that occur as a result.