In this article, we are discussing the causes of pain under left rib cage. The major role of the rib cage is to protect vital tissues and organs in the chest, the thoracic cavity, and the abdominal region. A rising number of people are experiencing pain under left rib cage at some point in their lives. This pain may be related to various causes. The rib cage, abdominal and chest regions are also vulnerable to various injuries, which may lead to a varying degree of anxiety.
What Causes Pain Under Left Rib Ribs?
Many people fright when they suffer pain in left side under ribs because they believe that it is a heart problem. While this may be the cause of various other problems which may lead to this problem.
1.) Indigestion Causes of Pain Under Left Rib Cage
Most of the times, indigestion is caused by having too much food. Because when there is more food in the digestive system your stomach system automatically slows down leading indigestion. Due to the slow digestion process, gases get intent and build up in the colon. These trapped gases cause a force to trapped in the digestive system, hence that causes pain in the left rib cage.
2.) Acid Reflux Causes of Pain Under Left Rib Cage
Just like the name, acid reflux is caused due to excessive intake of acidic beverages and foods. This acid gets trapped in the digestive system leads to acid reflux or heartburn. The condition is described by a prickly pain in the thorax. Many people get confused this pain with a heart condition. This is could be one of the causes of pain in the left rib cage.
3.) Kidney Stones Causes of Pain Under Left Rib Cage
This is also one of the common causes of pain left side under ribs. The condition may take place multiple times for an individual. Kidney stones may also affect either kidney. As such, the pain is felt on the side of the kidney that is exaggerated by the condition. Pain connected with this condition normally starts from the back and slowly shifts to the front. If you are suffering this kind of pain, you should consult your doctor immediately for the right treatment.
4.) Pancreatitis Causes of Pain Under Left Rib Cage
Pancreatitis is a condition that is described by irritation and inflammation of the pancreas. Patients with this condition experience a medium to severe pain in left side under ribs. In some cases, this pain tends to spread out to the back. Drinking and eating tend to aggravate the pain linked to this condition. Other conditions that may associate with this problem are nausea, fever and vomiting.
5.) Spleen Damage Causes of Pain Under Left Rib Cage
The spleen is an organ located in the upper part of the stomach. The main function of this spleen is to regulate and filtrate red blood cells. This could be the problem due to the pancreas that causes pain in the left rib cage.
Sometimes, a ruptured or an enlarged spleen can lead to massive pain under the left rib cage. This pain can slowly shift to the shoulders and back. Patients suffering from splenomegaly, leukemia or asplenia should consult a doctor immediately, if the pain is getting severe under the ribs on the left side.
6.) Rib Damage Causes of Pain Under Left Rib Cage
A broken rib can also be the cause of pain in the left rib cage. This not only causes severe pain on the rib cage but will also hinder with regular movements of the patient. As a result, a person with a broken rib will not be able to move around due to the discomfort and pain. Rib damage is generally caused by external trauma, especially non-penetrating trauma or blunt force trauma. In some cases, this damage is associated with visible signs of bruising on the surface.
7.) Respiratory Disorders Causes of Pain Under Left Rib Cage
A problem in the lungs can cause pain in the rib cage too. For example, inflammation in the lung linings can lead to extreme pain under the rib cage. Moreover, respiratory problems, including pneumonia, pleurisy, pleural effusion, tuberculosis, pneumothorax and lung cancer can also cause pain in the left rib cage. The pain gets is worsened by coughing.
8.) Angina Pectoris or Heart Attack Causes of Pain Under Left Rib Cage
It is not good to overlook pain under the rib cage, especially when it is on the left side. Some of this sharp or stabbing pain may be accompanied by an angina pectoris or heart attack. Such cases need to be considered immediately. Therefore, it is good to get treated immediately, if you experience pain under the left rib cage.
How to Manage the Pain Under Left Rib Cage?
Depending on what is the main reason behind this pain under left rib cage, there are several remedies that may be used to ease the pain and cure this condition. Since there are many kinds of pains, many people may get confused about the suitable medication for the pain. The following are some of the solutions that may be used to treat this condition.
1.) Dietary Changes
Pain under the rib cage can be the reason by indigestion or acid reflux. So a small change in the diet can be beneficial to treat this problem. For instance, you can avoid foods that are hard to absorb. To treat this indigestion problem avoid acidic beverages and processed foods to prevent acid reflux. Both of these will help in relief pain under the left rib cage.
2.) Medications
There may some other problem that cause pain under the left rib cage may need some form of medication. Pain in the rib cage can be a result due to a digestive problem or a muscle pain that can be treated with the help of medication. So consult your doctor about this condition for the right medication.
3.) Surgery
This remedy is generally recommended for the serious cases. In some cases, if the pain in the left side under ribs is a result of a ruptured spleen or broken rib, you may have to go through a surgery to treat this problem, failure to which then worsen this condition more.
4.) See a Doctor
Although several medications may be used to treat the pain, but the best thing to do at this moment is to visit a good doctor for the right treatment. This will not only find out the real cause of the problem but also help in deciding the most suitable cure for it. In some instances, the pain will keep on repeating after a while. Therefore, the best thing is to seek a medical advice to solve the problem once and for all.