Infection or inflammation in the stomach and damage to other organs on the left side of the body are common causes of pain under the left rib cage (like the heart, spleen, pancreas, lung, or left kidney). Costochondritis, gastritis, or kidney stones are less significant health issues that might cause discomfort. However, discomfort in the wounded, left-sided organs might be severe and come with additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, or tremendous pain with movement, coughing, or sneezing.
This pain might signal a respiratory problem or a heart attack in more extreme circumstances. As a result, if your discomfort is severe or lasts more than two days, you should seek medical help for an assessment and begin the proper therapy.
Many things might cause pain under the ribs in your upper left abdomen. This is due to the presence of multiple vital organs in this region, including the following:
- Spleen
- Kidney
- Pancreas
- Stomach
- Colon
- Lung
Even though the heart isn't located in the upper left abdomen, it might cause pain there. Some causes of upper left abdominal discomfort can be managed at home, while others might be fatal. So, even if you don't believe your pain is significant, it's crucial to call your doctor if it's unexplained, persistent, or severe.
Symptoms of Abdominal Discomfort on the Upper Left Side
Upper left abdominal pain can be excruciating. It can be caused due to number of things, the most common of which are stomach problems or disorders affecting the region's internal organs.
The following are symptoms of discomfort in the upper left abdomen area:
- Tenderness in the area of your rib cage on the left side
- A burning sensation in the chest
- Under the left rib cage, there is stabbing pain.
- When lying down, there is a sense of discomfort.
Causes of Upper Left Side Abdominal Pain Under Ribs and How to Cure Them
Upper left a variety of factors can cause side abdominal discomfort. However, the most prevalent explanations are as follows:
Pericarditis
The pericardium, a fluid-filled sac that wraps around the heart, is inflamed in pericarditis. Inflammation of the pericardium can produce discomfort under the left rib cage. When laying down, the discomfort frequently intensifies. Pericarditis can develop due to an infection (such as pneumonia or TB), lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thoracic radiation treatment, or the use of drugs such as phenytoin, hydralazine, or phenylbutazone.
Pericarditis is divided into four categories. The duration of the symptoms determines the kind. These are the four types:
- Acute symptoms are those that persist shorter than three weeks.
- Symptoms are persistent and extend for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Recurrent: Symptoms recur 4 to 6 weeks after the last episode, with no symptoms.
- Symptoms that linger longer than three months are considered chronic.
The symptoms of each kind differ differently and may include:
- Severe discomfort in the middle or left side of your chest that worsens with inhalation
- Intense discomfort in the middle or left side of your chest that may intensify when you inhale
- An overall sense of being unwell, weary, or weak, cough unusual swelling in your abdomen or thigh, shortness of breath while lying down or reclining heart palpitations
- Slight fever
If you have any symptoms of pericarditis, you should consult a cardiologist. Pain and inflammation can be reduced using medications such as anti-inflammatories (e.g., ibuprofen), colchicine, or corticosteroids. Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or ciprofloxacin, can also treat pericarditis caused by infection. In more challenging situations, surgical treatments such as pericardiocentesis (to remove excess fluid) or pericardiectomy (to remove the sac or a section of it) may be required. Treatment is determined by the condition's kind, cause, and degree.
Among the options are:
- If an infection causes it, drugs such as aspirin, corticosteroids, and colchicine antibiotics may be used.
- Pericardiocentesis is a surgical treatment used to remove excess fluid from the pericardium (usually only in a complication called cardiac tamponade)
- Pericardiectomy is a surgical technique for constrictive pericarditis that involves the removal of a stiff pericardium.
Heart Attack
The pain of a heart attack is sometimes characterized as stomach ache or discomfort in the centre of the upper abdomen. The sensation is typically described as a heaviness rather than a sharp, stabbing pain, and it lasts for more than a few minutes. This can happen with or without discomfort in the chest. If you think you're suffering a heart attack or any medical emergency, dial 911 or your local emergency number right once.
Tightness, soreness, hurting, pressure, or squeezing in your chest or arms is a frequent sign of a heart attack. It is possible that this will extend to your jaw, back, or neck.
Other frequent signs of a heart attack include:
- Weariness and dizziness
- Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, or abdominal pain
- Chilly sweat and lack of breath
You may have all or just one or two of these symptoms, but if you have any of them and suspect a heart attack, contact 911 or your local emergency number.
Taking care of a heart attack
A hospital is required to treat heart attacks. Medication and surgery are among the treatment options, which include:
- Blood thinners, aspirin, and pain relievers
- Beta-blockers, nitroglycerin, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Heart bypass surgery using a medically inserted stent
Angina
Angina is a form of chest discomfort caused by a decrease in blood flow to the heart. Coronary artery disease causes angina, which is a symptom of the condition. (an-JIE-nuh or AN-juh-nuh).
Angina, also known as angina pectoris, is frequently characterized as a feeling of squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness, or discomfort in the chest. Some people who suffer from angina say it feels like a vice is crushing their chest or a heavyweight is resting on their chest. Angina might be a fresh discomfort that requires medical attention or a persistent ache that resolves with therapy.
Another heart-related illness that can produce discomfort in this area is angina. Angina develops when the blood going to your heart is depleted of oxygen. Tightness or soreness in your chest, jaw, back, shoulders, and arms may result.
Other symptoms include:
- Breathing difficulty
- Dizziness
- Nausea fatigue
- Sweating
A doctor should assess these symptoms as soon as possible to establish if you have stable or unstable angina, which can lead to a heart attack. Angina isn't a cardiac condition. Instead, it's a sign of an undiscovered heart problem like coronary heart disease or coronary microvascular disease.
Angina Treatment
If you're experiencing chest discomfort for the first time, consult your doctor to find out what's causing it and receive the proper treatment. If your symptoms worsen or alter after you've been diagnosed with stable angina, see a doctor very once. The underlying cause determines angina treatment choices. There are several treatment options available, including:
Medications such as blood thinners and beta-blockers and lifestyle adjustments can help minimize the chance of developing heart disease in the future. In addition, stents and bypass surgery are two surgical therapies that can assist.
Kidney Stones
Calcium and salt deposits solidify and form stone-like lumps in the kidneys, causing kidney stones. This can cause a blockage in the passage of urine, resulting in severe back discomfort radiating to the front and up near the ribs on the affected side.
Other symptoms may appear, such as burning when urinating, nausea, vomiting, a temperature of more than 38 degrees Celsius (or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), or blood in the urine. Kidney stones are more prevalent in adult males, although women and children can still have them. Low hydration intake is one of the leading causes of kidney stones.
When waste piles up in your kidneys and clumps together, kidney stones form. This is due to a lack of water moving through the system.
Kidney stones can cause the following symptoms:
- A severe ache in your back and abdomen
- When you have to urinate, there is a lot of agonies.
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Blood and pain in urine
Kidney Stone Treatment
Treatment for a kidney stone is determined by the severity and size of the stone. Treatment options include:
taking pain relievers, a surgical procedure such as shock wave lithotripsy, which uses sound waves to break up the stone ureteroscopy, which involves inserting a small scope into your ureter to remove the stone percutaneous nephrolithotomy, which involves inserting a small scope through an incision in your back to remove the stone
Take yourself to a hospital and seek medical care since IV analgesics can help to ease pain quickly. In other circumstances, the doctor may choose to remove or break up any kidney stones creating a urinary blockage using lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or nephrolithotomy. Increase your fluid intake to induce frequent urination, which will help you avoid kidney stones.
Pancreatitis
The pancreas, a gland beneath the stomach that generates digestive enzymes as well as hormones like insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin, becomes inflamed in pancreatitis. This inflammation can result in severe pain under the left rib cage, spreading to the back. Pancreatitis can also cause nausea, vomiting, and a fever. Excessive alcohol consumption is the most frequent cause of pancreatitis. However, viral illnesses (such as measles or mumps), gallbladder stones, cystic fibrosis, or certain medicines can also cause it (like liraglutide, losartan, or corticosteroids).
When your pancreas is inflamed, you get pancreatitis. Acute and chronic pancreatitis are the two forms of pancreatitis. Each person's symptoms are different.
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include:
- Back discomfort that originates in the abdomen
- Abdominal pain that grows worse after eating
- Soreness in the stomach
- Fever
- Nausea and Vomiting
- A faster heart rate
Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include:
- Upper abdominal discomfort
- Unintended weight loss
- Feces with a greasy odour and appearance
- oily odour and look of feces
Pancreatitis treatment
Acute pancreatitis can be treated in a variety of ways, including:
- Pain relievers
- Fasting for a specific time
- Fluids are injected into your vein using a tube
- Surgical treatments that may include gallbladder removal and the drainage of fluid from the gallbladder
- Eliminating blockages in the bile duct or the pancreatic
All of the therapies for acute pancreatitis may be used to treat chronic pancreatitis, as well as:
- dietary modifications
- Supplements for pancreatic enzymes
- Treatment of Pain
You should see a general practitioner or a gastroenterologist, who may advise you to go to the hospital for IV fluids and analgesics. In more severe cases, surgery might be necessary. In addition, diet changes (like avoiding fatty foods) can help reduce the risk of pancreatitis flares. Your doctor can also recommend supplements like oral enzymes.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Gerd)
GERD can also cause the following symptoms:
- Acid regurgitation
- Hoarseness
- Chest discomfort
- Throat constriction
- Cough
- Stale breath
- Swallowing difficulties
GERD Treatment
You have several treatment options. They also comprise a mix of lifestyle adjustments and drugs in most cases.
GERD can be relieved by making the following lifestyle changes:
- Shedding pounds
- Smoking cessation
- Restricting alcohol intake
- Sleeping with your head elevated
- Consuming fewer meals
- Not sleeping within three hours of eating
GERD medications include:
- Antacids (PPIs) are H2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors.
- When drugs and lifestyle modifications aren't working, or difficulties arise, your doctor may suggest surgery.
Broken or Bruised Ribs
A person may experience pain if one or more ribs are bruised or shattered as a result of an injury. For example, when breathing in, there is pain in the area of the affected ribs, as well as chest ache. They could have also heard a crack at the time of the accident.
Ribs that have been injured usually heal in 3–6 weeks on their own. People can lessen their suffering and hasten their recovery by performing the following:
- Anti-inflammatories
- are used to treat inflammation.
- Apply a cool compress to the ribs to reduce swelling.
- Place a cushion across your chest if you're coughing.
- Clearing the lungs of any mucous with calm, deep breaths
Broken ribs can occasionally penetrate nearby organs. As a result, anyone who has a cracked rib should get medical help right once if they:
- Chest discomfort is becoming worse
- Experiencing a lack of oxygen
- Suffer from shoulder discomfort
- Blood is coughed up
Digestive Reasons That Causes Pain in the Upper Left Abdominal Pain Under Ribs
Trapped Gas
When gas moves slowly or cannot travel through your digestive tract, it is called trapped gas. Certain meals or digestive issues might bring it on. The following are some of the signs and symptoms of trapped gas:
- Spasms in your abdomen that feel like knots passing gas
- Bloating in the abdomen
- Getting rid of trapped gas
Getting Rid of Trapped Gas
Although gas is a natural component of the digestive process, it may be irritating. To get rid of trapped gas
- , try the following methods:
- Lowering or eliminating gas-producing foods, such as:
- Fiber-dense foods
- Dairy
- Foods that have been fried
- Carbonated beverages
- Slowing down and eating smaller quantities might help you change your eating habits.
- Using a straw or not chewing gum
- Beano, GasX, or Mylanta are examples of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
If you have persistent trapped gas, consult your doctor to discover if it results from a digestive problem.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a frequent ailment that causes mild to severe chest discomfort. According to estimates, heartburn affects more than 60 million Americans at least once a month. After eating, heartburn is expected. It usually occurs when acid from the stomach rises into the esophagus. This generates a burning sensation in your chest as well as pain. The pain may be intense or searing, or a tightening sensation may accompany it.
Heartburn can also be described as a burning sensation that travels up the neck and throat or as pain behind the breastbone.
Taking care of heartburn
Heartburn might last 2 hours or longer, depending on the reason and how you address it. You might be able to control your heartburn by doing the following:
- Shedding pounds
- Breaking the habit of smoking and eating less fatty meals
- Avoiding meals that are hot or acidic
- Heartburn that is mild and occurs infrequently can also be addressed with antacids. So now is the time to get antacids.
If you're using antacids many times a week or more, your doctor should check you out. Heartburn might indicate a more severe issue, such as acid reflux or GERD.
Spleen Enlargement
A variety of disorders and situations can result in an enlarged spleen, also known as splenomegaly. One of the most prevalent reasons for an enlarged spleen is infection. In addition, an enlarged spleen can be caused by liver problems such as cirrhosis and cystic fibrosis.
An enlarged spleen can cause the following signs and symptoms:
- Even after consuming only a tiny amount of food
- Left-side back discomfort
- Backache that travels up your arm
- Infections are increasing in number
- Exhaustion
- Tiredness
- A spleen that is enlarged might sometimes cause no symptoms.
Constipation
Constipation is characterized as having fewer than three bowel movements per week or faeces that are hard to pass. The most common cause of stomach discomfort in children is constipation. Constipation can cause the following symptoms:
- Stools that are hard to pass
- Attempting to pass stool with difficulty
- Not being able to clear your bowels
- An obstruction is obstructing a bowel movement
- Need abdominal pressure to pass stools
Constipation Treatment
Constipation can be treated in a number of ways, including the following:
- Adopting lifestyle adjustments such as ensuring you exercise regularly
- Not putting off having a bowel movement when you have the desire
- Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet and taking supplements
- Using over-the-counter and prescription laxatives
- Undergoing pelvic floor muscle tightening and loosening treatment
- Surgery may be required in some cases of persistent constipation.
When Should You See a Doctor?
As you can see, the cause of upper left abdominal pain varies significantly and maybe something as minor as heartburn. A fractured rib or several disorders affecting the adjacent organs can cause pain or soreness on the left side of the upper abdomen under the ribs. People may also have discomfort in their chest or back. If the pain in your upper left abdomen is chronic or severe, see a doctor to find out what's causing it. The doctor will suggest treatment options based on the underlying disease. Pain under the ribs in the upper left abdomen can be caused by a number of things. GI issues, as well as diseases or accidents affecting specific organs in the upper left side of the body, are all likely causes. Although the heart is not located in the upper left abdomen, it can cause pain.
If the pain is new, persistent, or severe, however, you should see a doctor. If you are experiencing any of the life-threatening symptoms listed in this article, dial 911 or contact your local emergency services right once.
If pain or discomfort in the upper left abdomen is severe or regularly, see a doctor.
If any of the following symptoms occur along with the abdominal discomfort, see a doctor straight away:
- Weakness
- Stools that look like tarS
- tools, urine, or vomit with blood
If you have chest discomfort, dizziness, or a fever, you should visit a doctor. Call 911 or the appropriate emergency number in your area
