Pain under the left rib cage is a common symptom with various potential causes, including gastrointestinal issues like gastritis or pancreatitis and musculoskeletal problems such as rib fractures. These conditions, among others, show the different reasons that can manifest as severe discomfort, stressing the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment to address this common concern globally.

Causes of Pain Under Left Rib Cage

Several conditions can lead to 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

Pain under the left rib cage can sometimes indicate life-threatening conditions, including:

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): A heart attack can present with symptoms such as tightness, pain, aching, pressure, or squeezing in the chest or arms. This discomfort may spread to the jaw, back, or neck. If you suspect a heart attack, seek immediate medical assistance by calling 911 or your local emergency number.
Angina (Chest Pain): Angina occurs when the heart does not receive sufficient oxygen-rich blood, leading to tightening or pain in the chest, jaw, back, shoulders, and arms. It is a symptom of potential undiagnosed heart issues such as coronary heart disease or coronary microvascular disease.
Pericarditis: Caused by the swelling and irritation of the membrane around the heart (pericardium), pericarditis can manifest in acute, incessant, recurrent, chronic, or subacute forms, depending on the duration of symptoms.

Digestive Causes

Several digestive issues can contribute to pain under the left rib cage, including:

Trapped Gas: Slow or obstructed movement of gas through the digestive tract can lead to pain and bloating.
Constipation: Infrequent bowel movements or hard-to-pass stools can cause discomfort in the abdominal region.
Heartburn and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Heartburn, or acid reflux, can cause mild to severe chest pain. When it recurs frequently, it may indicate GERD, which is characterised by acid reflux, heartburn, and cough.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a chronic condition involving a cluster of intestinal symptoms, such as diarrhoea, constipation, and bloating.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, which cause inflammation in the digestive tract, can lead to discomfort under the left rib cage.
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 varied 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

Since the precision of the treatment depends upon the cause, identifying the underlying cause of pain under the left rib cage involves a detailed approach, including:

Medical Evaluation : Seeking medical attention is imperative to diagnose the cause of the pain accurately. A healthcare professional will conduct a physical examination and may order diagnostic tests such as blood work, imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan), or endoscopic procedures to identify the source of the discomfort.
Symptom Analysis : Describing the nature of the pain (e.g., sharp, dull, stabbing), its duration, exacerbating or alleviating factors, and associated symptoms (e.g., nausea, fever, shortness of breath) can aid in narrowing down potential causes.
Medical History : Providing a detailed medical history, including any pre-existing conditions, recent illnesses, or trauma, can assist in identifying the cause of the pain.

Treatment Options for Pain Under Left Rib Cage

The treatment for pain under the left rib cage depends on the underlying cause and may include:

Medication : Medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or antacids may be prescribed if the pain is due to gastric issues. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or muscle relaxants can be beneficial for musculoskeletal pain.
Lifestyle Modifications : Dietary changes, stress management, and avoiding triggers such as spicy or fatty foods can help alleviate gastric-related discomfort.
Therapies : Physical therapy or targeted exercises may be recommended for musculoskeletal pain to promote healing and prevent recurrences.
Surgical Intervention : In severe conditions such as an enlarged spleen or pancreatic disorders, surgical procedures may be necessary to address the underlying issue.
Management of Underlying Conditions : Addressing underlying conditions such as diabetes (in the case of pancreatitis) or cardiovascular disease is essential to effectively managing pain under the left rib cage.

Conclusion

Various reasons can lead to pain under the left rib cage, but none are similar, necessitating diagnosis. Once diagnosed, accurate treatment can be given to cure severe discomfort due to 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 immediate medical attention 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. When breathing, sharp pain could indicate lung issues like infection, inflammation, or a blood clot. Seeking medical advice is crucial to determine the underlying cause of the 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. Understanding the potential causes and associated symptoms is essential to seek appropriate medical attention and treatment if necessary.

Q4. What causes pain in or around the ribs?
A4. Rib pain can stem 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.

Reference links:

https://www.tuasaude.com/en/pain-under-left-rib-cage
https://www.buoyhealth.com/learn/rib-pain
https://www.medicoverhospitals.in/symptoms/rib-cage-pain
https://www.healthline.com/health/upper-left-abdominal-pain-under-ribs#life-threatening-causes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov