8 reasons and how to eliminate them

Pain under the left ribs is usually caused by infection, inflammation, or injury to an organ located on the left side of the body, such as the heart, spleen, stomach, pancreas, lung, or left kidney, such as costochondritis, gastritis, or kidney stones. ,For example.

When these organs are affected, it can cause sudden pain on the left side just below the ribs, with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, or pain that gets worse when you move, cough, or sneeze, for example..

However, this pain can also be a symptom of a respiratory problem, and in the most severe cases, it can indicate a heart attack. In this way, whenever the pain is very severe or takes more than two days to pass, it is best to go to the general practitioner to find out the cause and start the most appropriate treatment. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack.

main reason

The main causes of pain under the left rib cage include:

1. Costochondritis

Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum, the bone in the middle of the chest that supports the collarbone and ribs.

For example, this inflammation can be caused by infection, physical trauma, or arthritis, causing symptoms similar to a heart attack, such as severe pain in the left chest, tightness under the ribs on the left side, and more pain. Increased rib or pain when breathing or coughing.

How to remove: You should rest, apply heat to the area, and avoid activities that may exacerbate pain, such as lifting heavy objects or playing sports. It’s important to consult your doctor, who may recommend anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen, as well as physical therapy such as stretching exercises.

If symptoms are accompanied by shortness of breath or pain spreading to the arms or neck, seek medical help or go to the nearest emergency center as soon as possible, as this may be a symptom of a heart attack. Learn more about costochondritis treatment.

2. Pericarditis

Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the fluid-filled membrane that surrounds the heart, and when inflamed, causes pain under the left rib cage, usually worse when lying down.

This inflammation of the pericardium may be caused by an infection such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis; for example, radiation therapy to the chest, or medications such as phenytoin, hydralazine, or phenylbutazone.

How to delete: If symptoms suggestive of pericarditis are present, a cardiologist should be consulted, who may recommend anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, colchicine, or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain, or amoxicillin or ciproxa Star class antibiotics, eg, cases of pericarditis caused by infection.

Also, in the most severe cases, doctors can perform a procedure called a pericardiocentesis, which involves removing excess fluid, or a pericardiectomy, in which part of the heart of the heart is removed. Find out more about pericarditis treatment.

3. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the gland behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin.

Inflammation of the pancreas causes severe pain under the left rib cage that may radiate to the back, with nausea, vomiting and fever among other symptoms.

In general, pancreatitis is most commonly caused by excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, but can also be caused by viral infections such as mumps or measles, gallstones, cystic fibrosis, or by use of liraglutide, losartan, or corticosteroids Medications such as steroids. example.

How to delete: A general practitioner or gastroenterologist should be consulted to initiate the most appropriate treatment, usually during hospitalization, with intravenous serum and analgesics for pain control. In more severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery.

It’s also important to change your diet, avoid fatty foods, and take pancreatic enzyme supplements as recommended by your doctor. Find out more about pancreatitis treatment.

4. Pleurisy

Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, the lining of the lungs. When this inflammation affects the left lung, it can cause pain under the left rib cage that gets worse when you breathe, cough, or sneeze, along with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, shortness of breath, and fever.

For example, inflammation in the pleura can be caused by bacterial, viral or fungal pneumonia, lung cancer or pulmonary infarction.

How to delete: Consult your pulmonologist or GP to prescribe treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and discomfort, as well as antibiotics for pneumonia or anticoagulants for pulmonary infarction . Doctors may also prescribe bronchodilators to help improve breathing and reduce shortness of breath. Learn more about pleurisy treatment.

5. Kidney stones

Kidney stones, or nephrolithiasis, occur when hardened deposits of calcium and lime become stones in the kidneys, blocking the passage of urine. This often causes pain in the lower back, and when the stone is in the left kidney, the pain radiates forward and causes pain under the left rib cage.

Likewise, other symptoms may occur, such as pain or burning when urinating, nausea, vomiting, fever over 38°C, or blood in the urine.

Kidney stones are more common in adult men, but can also occur in women and children, and low fluid intake is one of the main causes.

How to remove:

Medical help should be sought, and pain medication put directly into a vein for pain relief. In some cases, doctors may perform surgery, such as lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or nephrolithotomy, to remove or break up the stones into smaller pieces that can pass through urine.

In addition, it is important to increase water consumption to facilitate the removal of stones and prevent their formation. View all treatment options for kidney stones.

6. Gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining that causes pins and needles pain under the left rib cage, as well as a burning sensation in the stomach, nausea, slow digestion, a feeling of fullness, and frequent belching.

This inflammation may be caused by a bacterial infection. Helicobacter pyloritaking anti-inflammatory medications because they attack the lining of the stomach, or drinking too much alcohol.

as eliminate: Eat a light diet consisting of cooked fruits and vegetables and lean meats without much seasoning, drink only water, and avoid foods and drinks that further irritate the stomach lining, such as coffee, chocolate, alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks.

Likewise, a gastroenterologist should be consulted, endoscopy ordered to confirm the diagnosis, and treatment with gastroprotective drugs (such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, or pantoprazole) indicated, or in the treatment with antibiotics Helicobacter pylori, For example. View all drug options for gastritis.

7. Inflammation of the spleen

The spleen is an organ located in the upper abdomen, behind the lower ribs on the left side. The function of this organ is to filter the blood and remove old or damaged red blood cells, in addition to producing and storing white blood cells involved in immunity.

Inflammation of the spleen may occur as a result of an injury to the spleen, causing pain under the ribs on the left side, in addition to abdominal swelling, weight loss, excessive fatigue, and fever. Check out the main causes of spleen pain.

How to remove: In such cases, consultation with a gastroenterologist is recommended for evaluation of the abdominal region and for laboratory and imaging studies to better assess the function of the spleen. After a diagnosis, a doctor can recommend the best treatment options, which may include the use of pain relievers, anti-inflammatory and/or antiviral drugs, depending on the cause of the inflammation, and in some cases surgical removal of the organ.

8. Changes in the upper gut

Parts of the small intestine and large intestine lie behind the left ribs, so changes in these areas can cause pain and discomfort. Some of these conditions include irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, and Crohn’s disease, which can cause symptoms such as excessive gas, constipation, or diarrhea that can lead to pain under the left rib cage.

Likewise, intestinal obstruction can cause pain in the area, causing symptoms such as vomiting, decreased bowel movements, cold sweats, and fever.

How to delete: If symptoms are frequent, it is important to consult a gastroenterologist to investigate the cause of the pain and thus point to treatment, which may involve dietary changes and, in some cases, medication.