If you’ve ever felt pain under the left rib cage, you’re probably not alone. Most of the time, pain in this area is related to the stomach or spleen. There are a number of causes for this pain, including torn muscles, aneurism of the abdominal aorta, and pericarditis. You can also have a torn muscle in this area, which is why you’ll need to consult a doctor if the pain does not go away.
Costochondritis
The symptoms of costochondritis under the left rib cage may be similar to those of a heart attack. This is why it is so important to visit a doctor or call triple zero for an ambulance. However, costochondritis is often confused with another condition called Tietze syndrome, which causes chest pain and swelling. A physician will likely be able to diagnose the problem after talking with you about your symptoms and running a few tests. These may include blood tests and x-rays. An electrocardiogram may also be ordered if there are any abnormal cardiac signs.
The symptoms of costochondritis are described as a sharp, aching pain in the chest that typically worsens with deep breathing, exercise, or physical exertion. They may also spread to the back, shoulders, and arms. The pain may also become worse when you cough or take a deep breath. The pain may spread to other areas of your chest or may settle after a change in position. It is common to experience pain at the 4th, 5th, and sixth ribs, which are closest to the breastbone.
A physical examination may reveal signs of costochondritis, a condition of inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum. The cartilage acts as a shock absorber and cushions the joints in the chest. Costochondritis is not permanent, but it can be a nuisance and require treatment. In some cases, people may confuse costochondritis with Tietze’s syndrome, a condition involving inflammation of the costochondral joint. Nonetheless, the symptoms of the two conditions are similar, and the two diagnoses should be performed together.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to treat the condition. These medicines are effective at reducing the pain associated with costochondritis. However, these drugs do have side effects and may not be recommended for all patients. Cold packs and ice can also be applied to the affected area to help with the discomfort. In some cases, the pain will improve with rest.
Gastritis
A sharp pain under the left rib cage may be caused by an inflammation of the costochondral joint, which surrounds the heart. This condition can be caused by an injury, straining, respiratory infection, or arthritis. If the pain is prolonged, or worsens during physical activity, you should consult a doctor. Other symptoms of costochondritis may include a fever, nausea, and difficulty breathing.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and feel for tenderness in this area to rule out other possible causes of pain in this location. Your doctor may also perform a blood test and request samples of your stool and urine. X-rays are another way to determine the exact cause of the pain. If you have pain under the left rib cage, consult a doctor as soon as possible. If it persists for more than a week, visit a doctor as soon as possible.
In addition to pain, Gastritis under the left rib cage can cause sudden weight loss. This can lead to malnutrition. You may also experience a vomiting sensation after eating. These symptoms can interrupt your body’s normal processing of food. In severe cases, you may even faint, as your blood pressure can be too high. Diarrhea and fever are also signs of Gastritis under the left rib cage.
Symptoms of Gastritis under the left rib cage can include burning, nausea, or a full stomach. Some people may not experience any symptoms. Other people, however, report sharp, stabbing pain in the upper left abdomen. The pain may radiate to the back. Other common symptoms include bloating and nausea. If you’re experiencing pain in this area, consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Pleuritis
Pleuritis under the left rib cage is a common condition that can be painful. It occurs when the pleura, a fluid-filled sac that surrounds the heart, becomes inflamed. The symptoms of pleurisy can be exacerbated by coughing and sneezing. Despite the name, this condition is usually caused by an infection, a bacterial or viral disease, or a reaction to medications or other drugs.
If pleurisy is left untreated, the infection may become more serious. The inflammation could spread to nearby organs, such as the heart. In this case, a doctor will need to drain the pleural fluid and treat the condition accordingly. The pain caused by pleurisy may disappear completely after a couple of days. The pleural effusion can also lead to complications, including atelectasis (shortness of breath) and an abscess.
Treatment for pleuritis under the left rib cage depends on the underlying condition and the location of the fluid. Treatment may involve a chest tube insertion under a general or local anaesthetic. The fluid is then removed to determine the cause and extent of infection. Sometimes, it will go away without treatment, or may require surgery. In the meantime, your doctor will recommend a treatment for pleuritis under the left rib cage.
A physician may also prescribe a prescription if you suspect that you have pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, which sits behind your rib cage. Inflammation of the pancreas can cause intense pain under the left rib cage, radiating to your back and abdomen. You may also experience nausea and vomiting. The pain may intensify when you cough or breathe.
Pericarditis
While the symptoms of pericarditis under left rib cage are often vague, they can be indicative of the disease. Some symptoms of pericarditis include shortness of breath, chest pain, indigestion, sweating, and stomach aches. Most cases of pericarditis can be managed with empiric anti-inflammatory treatment. However, the symptoms should not be overlooked. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your doctor.
If you have pain under the left rib cage, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor will conduct a thorough diagnostic evaluation and discuss the symptoms and your family history. An electrocardiogram will help rule out other heart problems. Blood, stool, and urine tests can reveal other organ damage. In some cases, your doctor will order x-rays to determine the underlying cause of your chest pain. The pain in the left rib cage is a common symptom of pericarditis, and you should seek medical attention immediately.
For acute pericarditis, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce pain and inflammation. If the pain is particularly severe, a stronger medication, such as colchicine, may be prescribed. The steroid prednisone is also used to treat severe cases of pericarditis. However, NSAIDs may prolong the disease’s course and increase its risk of recurrence.
Other causes of pain under left rib cage include inflammation of the appendix or stomach, pericarditis, or an infection of the inner lining of the heart. Other causes include a heart attack or a more common condition called costochondritis. This type of pain may be accompanied by nausea or difficulty breathing. The pain will be worsened by coughing or other respiratory problems.
Jaundice
If you are experiencing pain under the left rib cage, you should be looking for a more serious condition. Although it is often related to a stomach infection, you should also seek medical help if you notice that your pain is extending to the back and tummy. There are many other reasons why you might be experiencing pain in this area. Listed below are some common causes:
Pancreatic cancer is a condition that causes jaundice. It is the first symptom of pancreatic cancer and almost always experienced by patients. Bilirubin is released from the liver through the common bile duct and helps break down fats. In the event of cancer, this bile is no longer produced in the liver. So, if you’re experiencing this pain, your symptoms may be related to a problem with your liver.
Other possible causes of pain include kidney stones and back or rib issues. If your pain is located in your rib area, it could be an indication of kidney stones. If you develop a fever, you may be experiencing inflammation. The inflammation may also make you feel cold or shivery. It’s important to seek medical advice if you notice a fever or swelling under the left rib cage. In addition to increased blood pressure, your symptoms could be a result of an infection. A doctor can also prescribe medication to help with the discomfort. Sleep tablets may also help relieve the itching. Alcohol, spicy food, and direct sunlight will make your symptoms worse. Blood clots are particularly risky in people who have breast cancer.
