Pain left side below the ribs

Pain in your upper left abdomen under your ribs can have a variety of causes. There are several important organs in this area, including the spleen, kidney, pancreas, stomach, colon, and lung.

Pain under the left rib cage is commonly a sign of pancreatitis, kidney stones, or inflammation in the stomach. However, it can also be associated with injury to any other organs located in the upper left abdomen, such as the heart, spleen, pancreas, lung or left kidney. Pain in injured, left-sided organs can be sudden and is usually accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or increased pain with movement, coughing or sneezing. Since pain under the left ribs can be caused by so many different problems, it should always be assessed by a doctor preferably a gastroenterologist , specially if it is very intense or if it lasts for more than two days. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach, in the left upper quadrant. It is responsible for producing digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin, glucagon and somatostatin. This inflammation can cause an intense pain under the left rib cage that can radiate to the back.

Pain left side below the ribs

The spleen is a small organ usually about the size of your fist. But a number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged. Your spleen is an organ that sits just below your left rib cage. Many conditions — including infections, liver disease and some cancers — can cause an enlarged spleen. An enlarged spleen is also known as splenomegaly spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee. An enlarged spleen usually doesn't cause symptoms. It's often discovered during a routine physical exam. A doctor usually can't feel the spleen in an adult unless it's enlarged. Imaging and blood tests can help identify the cause of an enlarged spleen. Treatment for an enlarged spleen depends on what's causing it. Surgery to remove an enlarged spleen usually isn't needed, but sometimes it's recommended. See your doctor promptly if you have pain in your left upper belly, especially if it's severe or the pain gets worse when you take a deep breath.

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Pain under the left rib cage area can be concerning, as it may indicate a problem with the organs or other structures in that area. The left rib cage houses vital organs such as the heart, spleen, left lung, and part of the stomach, all of which are necessary for the body to function. Pain on the left side under the rib cage can range from mild to severe, and it may also come with other symptoms that could indicate more clearly what is going on. You might be experiencing pain around your chest or abdominal area for several reasons. For example, the pain may be caused by costochondritis , an inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone, or more serious issues like an enlarged spleen or pancreatitis. Whatever the cause, it can be a good idea to be aware of the potential causes and symptoms to seek the right course of action if necessary. In some cases, it may be necessary to seek immediate medical attention. Continue reading to learn more about possible causes of pain under the left rib cage and what to do about it.

Pain left side below the ribs

The rib cage, also known as thoracic cavity, is an area that is most prone to accidents, and exposed to injury. It surrounds the chest muscles by supporting the shoulder girdle. The rib cage encases a large number of critical organs and pains in this region can be due to an underlying medical condition of these organs. A pain in the chest area is often a cause of alarm due to the possibility of heart pains. However, it is important to understand that not all pains in the rib cage indicate serious medical conditions. Having a proper understanding of what causes pain under left rib cage and surrounding areas can be useful when deciding whether the pain is a negligible matter or a medical emergency. There can be a number of reasons for experiencing pain in left side under ribs.

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Weight loss and not smoking are also important lifestyle modifications. In some cases, you may need an antibiotic to clear up a bacterial infection. Netter's Sports Medicine. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Stretching that affects the abdomen, like certain yoga poses, may also help you release the gas. They may also have heard a crack at the time of the injury. Causes 1. Submit story. If an injury results in one or more bruised or broken ribs, a person may experience pain around the affected ribs as well as chest pain when breathing in. The symptoms of trapped gas include pain and bloating. Learn more about symptoms and treatment for endocarditis. Kidney disorders, including infections or stones, may also present with pain in this area.

There are numerous reasons your ribs may be hurting, ranging from mild to severe. Pain in the ribs is a common symptom of odd sleeping positions, fracture, bronchitis, or even costochondritis. Thus, it is important you get yourself checked by a physician to rule out potentially fatal diseases like lung cancer and bronchitis.

Read more about an enlarged spleen. You assume responsibility for decisions made with your individual medical situation. If cholecystitis is untreated, it can cause life-threatening problems such as gallbladder rupture and severe infections. Whatever the cause, it can be a good idea to be aware of the potential causes and symptoms to seek the right course of action if necessary. Ulcer surgery may also be indicated for more serious cases. Your spleen is an organ that sits just below your left rib cage. These include the liver, the largest internal organ, playing a vital role in metabolism and detoxification; the gallbladder, which stores bile necessary for digestion; and part of the pancreas, involved in both digestive and hormonal functions. Medically reviewed by Angela M. Learn more about the symptoms of heart disease and assess your risk if you suspect your pain may be related to a heart problem. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Some are minor, but others could be life threatening…. Your ribs are the bones in your chest that wrap around your upper body. People with DVT may also have leg pain and swelling. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. These include:.