Pain under the left rib cage can have many causes, from muscle strain to organ-related conditions. Learn the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and when to seek medical care.

Overview

There are many possible causes for left-sided pain under the ribs, such as gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, including pancreatitis and gastritis, or musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, such as ruptured ribs. These and other conditions are examples of how these factors can cause significant pain and discomfort, underscoring the need for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment to resolve this issue worldwide.

Causes of Pain Under Left Rib Cage

Several conditions may cause pain under the left rib cage. Some can be life-threatening, while some can be related to the gut. The causes of this discomfort are as follows:

Life-Threatening Causes

If the pain is under the left rib cage, it may sometimes be a sign of serious problems such as:

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): A heart attack may cause symptoms such as tightness, pain, aching, pressure, or squeezing in the chest or arms. This discomfort can radiate to the jaw, back, or neck. Call for medical help (911 or local emergency number) if you think someone is having a heart attack.
Angina (Chest Pain): Angina is a condition in which the heart does not get enough oxygen-rich blood, causing chest tightness or pain in the arms, shoulders, back, jaw, and chest. It may be a sign of underlying heart problems (coronary heart disease or coronary microvascular disease) that have not yet been diagnosed.
Pericarditis: Pericarditis occurs when the membrane around the heart (the pericardium) becomes swollen and inflamed, and is classified into acute, incessant, recurrent, chronic and subacute, depending on the duration of symptoms.

Digestive Causes

There are a number of digestive disorders that can cause pain under the left rib cage, such as:

Trapped Gas: If digestion takes longer or if there is a blockage in the digestive system, it can cause pain and bloating.
Constipation: A lack of bowel movement or having hard stools may lead to abdominal pain.
Heartburn and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux (heartburn) may result in mild to severe chest pain. If it happens regularly, it can be a sign of GERD, a condition marked by acid reflux, heartburn and cough.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a chronic condition characterized by a group of gut symptoms including diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.
Kidney Stones: Kidney stones form when waste accumulates in the kidneys, resulting in sharp pain, vomiting, and nausea.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, presenting as acute or chronic pancreatitis, can cause a range of symptoms.

Other Causes

Other potential causes of pain under the left rib cage include:

Pneumonia
Pleurisy
Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax)
Costochondritis
Broken Ribs
Endocarditis
Appendicitis
Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly)

Identifying Pain Under Left Rib Cage

The treatment will be accurate only if the cause is known, which requires a comprehensive approach, such as the following:

Medical Evaluation : It's important to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis of the source of the pain. A physical exam and possibly blood tests, imaging (ultrasound, CT scan, etc.), or endoscopy will be performed by a health care professional to determine the source of the discomfort.
Symptom Analysis : The pain may be sharp, dull, or stabbing, and may be worse or better with certain activities, and may be accompanied by symptoms like nausea, fever, or shortness of breath, which will help narrow the possible causes.
Medical History : A comprehensive medical history, including any preexisting medical conditions, recent illnesses or trauma, can assist in determining the cause of the pain.

Treatment Options for Pain Under Left Rib Cage

Treatment for the pain beneath the left rib cage will vary depending on the cause and could involve:

Medication : If the pain is caused by stomach problems, a medication called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or an antacid may be prescribed. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or muscle relaxants can be beneficial for musculoskeletal pain.
Lifestyle Improvements : To reduce the discomfort associated with the gastrointestinal tract, dietary adjustments, stress management and avoidance of trigger foods (spicy and fatty) can be helpful.
Therapies : For musculoskeletal pain, physical therapy or specific exercises might be recommended to promote healing and to prevent recurrence.
Surgical Intervention : If the condition is severe, for example if the spleen is enlarged, or if there are any disorders of the pancreas, surgery to fix the problem may be required.
Management of Underlying Conditions : Managing underlying conditions such as diabetes (in the case of pancreatitis) or cardiovascular disease is essential to properly managing pain under the left rib cage.

Conclusion

There are many reasons that you may have pain under your left rib cage, but they are not all the same and need to be diagnosed. After the diagnosis, appropriate treatment can be provided to relieve severe discomfort caused by the specific underlying cause.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. How do you know if you have a bruised rib?
A1. Bruised ribs can be challenging to differentiate from cracked or broken ribs. Symptoms may include bruising on the skin, sharp pain when breathing in, and sometimes a cracking noise. Severe shortness of breath post-injury requires prompt medical evaluation to rule out lung complications.

Q2. Why do my ribs feel bruised for no reason?
A2. Unexplained rib pain can be a sign of various conditions. During breathing, sharp pain could indicate lung issues such as infection, inflammation, or a blood clot. Seeking medical advice is important to determine the underlying cause of discomfort.

Q3. Why do I have pain under my left rib cage?
A3. Pain under the left rib cage can result from costochondritis, enlarged spleen, or pancreatitis. Comprehending the potential causes and associated symptoms is essential to seeking appropriate medical attention and treatment if necessary.

Q4. What causes pain in or around the ribs?
A4. Rib pain may result from trauma, infections, gastrointestinal problems, or systemic illnesses like autoimmune disorders. Prompt medical evaluation is recommended, especially for severe or persistent pain, to identify the specific cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

Q5. When should I see a doctor for rib pain?
A5. Seeking medical attention is advised if rib pain persists, is particularly severe, or interferes with daily activities. Immediate evaluation is necessary for traumatic rib injuries, while ongoing pain may require diagnostic tests like imaging or blood work to determine the underlying condition and guide treatment.