Pain under left rib cage?

Discomfort under left rib cage often feels worrying. There are many important organs in the area, which is why it is essential to understand the likely sources of pain. Some causes are trivial and others non-trivial, or even medical emergencies. In this post, we discuss a few common reasons behind feeling this way, as well as what conditions may be a part of that.

Digestive Causes:

• Often, pain in this area is due to digestive problems. Gas in the digestive tract may irritate and cause stabbing pain. This happens when gas cannot escape, causing gas and bloating. Large meals or specific foods may cause it to be worse.
• Another digestive-related cause is indigestion. This is usually due to overeating or eating spicy food. Burning sensation, in turn, is a manifestation of bloating that can cause discomfort in the ribs.
• Another possible problem is gastritis, which is inflammation of the stomach lining. It can cause a burning sensation in the upper abdomen and on the left side under the rib cage.

Musculoskeletal Factors:

• Pulls or stretches in the muscles can cause pain in the area. Straining muscles by moving heavy objects or twisting awkwardly can cause pain.
• Such strains can lead to tenderness and pain, especially during movement.
• Another musculoskeletal problem to think about is likely costochondritis. This is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone.
• The pain can be stabbing or aching, as it may appear to mimic heart-related conditions.

Cardiovascular Concerns:

• Under the left rib cage, cardiovascular problems can also cause pain, although this phenomenon is less common.
• Chest pain in the centre of the chest can be a sign of conditions like angina or a heart attack.
• Chest pain you get from angina happens when the heart doesn’t get enough blood flowing to it, and the pain can radiate to nearby areas, such as the area under the ribs.
• Angina may feel like a heart attack; however, angina is less severe than a heart attack. If this pain is associated with other symptoms, such as shortness of breath or nausea, you need to seek medical help right away.

Respiratory Issues:

• Disorders involving the respiratory system also cause discomfort under the left rib cage.
• Pain occurs because the lungs become inflamed, often from an infection such as pneumonia or pleurisy. This discomfort is commonly exacerbated by deep inhalation or shortness of breath.
• Another potential reason would be the rare collapsed lung. This condition may lead to crashing, ripping chest pain, and needs to be treated instantly.

Splenic Problems:

• Pain can also be felt at the spleen, located under the left rib cage.
• Pain may arise from conditions of the spleen, like spleen enlargement or rupture.
• A swollen spleen, mostly resulting from infections or liver diseases, may cause fullness as well as pain in thisarea.
• It is a medical emergency when the spleen is ruptured. It can be an injury that usually requires urgent treatment. This condition may trigger intense pain and other symptoms such as dizziness or fainting.

Kidney Stones:

Although related to the back, the kidney stones can cause discomfort under the left rib cage too. As stones travel in the urinary tract, they can cause an extreme state of discomfort. You may get this pain, and it may radiate towards the front area under the ribs.

When to Seek Medical Help:

Knowledge of when you should seek medical advice is paramount for anyone experiencing persistent or severe pain. If you’re also having alarming symptoms like trouble breathing, tightness in your chest, or sudden weakness, then you’ll need to seek medical help right away. Seeing a healthcare provider can help find out the exact cause and treatment.

Conclusion

Depending on the cause, pain under the left rib cage can be a simple digestive problem or a sign of a serious underlying disease. Realising these possible reasons gives individuals the ability to make choices when it comes to their health. Though some maladies can be addressed with home care, others need a professional assessment. Awareness of the signs and symptoms and being informed about when to consult a physician will enable early treatment. Health and wellness should be a priority for every individual to balance life.

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