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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Dizziness In A Post Splenectomy Patient While Drinking Alcohol?

I had my spleen taken out a few years back and now I notice that when I drink alcohol ( which I do 3 or 4 times a year) I get the spins or dizzy easily and that I get drunk faster. Is this a myth, or am I experiencing the normal effects a post-splenectomy patient would experience?
Thu, 14 Jan 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi! You are right in suspecting that this is a myth and not a fact because the spleen has the functions of a cleanser of the blood stream and a home for the immune system. The spleen also may participate in endocrine issues. However, the spleen has indeed nothing to do with digestion and breakdown of alcohol. You may be missing certain enzymes after splenectomy but since you mention that you drink very rarely, This is the result of expecting side effects of the spleen removal. Thanks. Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
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What Causes Dizziness In A Post Splenectomy Patient While Drinking Alcohol?

Hi! You are right in suspecting that this is a myth and not a fact because the spleen has the functions of a cleanser of the blood stream and a home for the immune system. The spleen also may participate in endocrine issues. However, the spleen has indeed nothing to do with digestion and breakdown of alcohol. You may be missing certain enzymes after splenectomy but since you mention that you drink very rarely, This is the result of expecting side effects of the spleen removal. Thanks. Dr. Neel Kudchadkar