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Living without a working spleen (asplenia)

Also called: Asplenia, living without a spleen

Without a working spleen, some infections can become severe quickly. Vaccines and fast care for fever are key.

FeverGet care right away
VaccinesPneumococcal, meningococcal, Hib, flu

Overview

The spleen helps fight certain bacteria. Without it, infections can become life-threatening fast.

Sickle cell disease can cause the spleen to stop working.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • No spleen

Look up a symptom: Fever

When to get medical care

Call 911Fever with chills or feeling very sick.
Get care todayAny fever.
See a doctor soonVaccine check.

Causes

Surgery or sickle cell.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Sickle cell

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

  • Keep vaccines up to date
  • Wear medical ID
  • Carry emergency antibiotics if prescribed

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • Vaccines
  • Malaria prevention when traveling

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a hematologist (blood doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Travelers: Ask about extra protection.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Vaccines and fast care keep people safe.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • What's causing this?
  • What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Living without a working spleen (asplenia)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.