Sudden sharp pain left side under ribs

Take pain below the ribs quiz. Our clinically-backed AI will ask you questions and provide an answer specific to your unique health situation.

People can experience pain under the ribs in the upper left abdomen for many reasons. Some possible causes include gastrointestinal issues and injuries to organs within the area. The rib cage attaches to the breastbone and spine, and the ribs protect many vital organs. On the left side of the body, these organs include the:. This article lists and explains 10 possible causes of upper left abdominal pain under the ribs and explains when a person with this symptom should contact a healthcare professional.

Sudden sharp pain left side under ribs

Pain under the left rib cage area can be concerning, as it may indicate a problem with the organs or other structures in that area. The left rib cage houses vital organs such as the heart, spleen, left lung, and part of the stomach, all of which are necessary for the body to function. Pain on the left side under the rib cage can range from mild to severe, and it may also come with other symptoms that could indicate more clearly what is going on. You might be experiencing pain around your chest or abdominal area for several reasons. For example, the pain may be caused by costochondritis , an inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone, or more serious issues like an enlarged spleen or pancreatitis. Whatever the cause, it can be a good idea to be aware of the potential causes and symptoms to seek the right course of action if necessary. In some cases, it may be necessary to seek immediate medical attention. Continue reading to learn more about possible causes of pain under the left rib cage and what to do about it. Various health problems can cause pain under the left rib cage. Some common causes of pain on the left side under the rib cage include injuries, inflammation, and issues related to the organs in the surrounding area. Here are potential explanations for this type of pain:. Injuries such as broken ribs, muscle strains, or other types of damage to the rib cage can lead to pain in the region. These injuries can be caused by physical trauma or excessive strain from activities like sports or heavy lifting. In addition, bruising of the ribs , which can occur due to a forceful impact or repeated pressure, can also result in discomfort and tenderness in the rib area.

When a spleen ruptures it requires immediate medical attention and it can result in excessive internal bleeding.

Your left ribs protect the organs that sit below them, like your heart and your stomach. Pain in this area can be caused by injury, infection, or an underlying condition. If you have pain in your chest, you might worry about a serious condition, such as a heart attack. Depending on the cause, left rib pain might feel sharp and stabbing, or dull and aching. For many people, pain in this area is due to a benign not harmful , treatable cause.

Take pain below the ribs quiz. Our clinically-backed AI will ask you questions and provide an answer specific to your unique health situation. Your response today was provided by ChatGPT trained on the proprietary content of this page. Please note, this tool is for information purposes only and not intended to be used as a substitute for professional advice. You assume responsibility for decisions made with your individual medical situation.

Sudden sharp pain left side under ribs

The spleen is a small organ usually about the size of your fist. But a number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged. Your spleen is an organ that sits just below your left rib cage. Many conditions — including infections, liver disease and some cancers — can cause an enlarged spleen. An enlarged spleen is also known as splenomegaly spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee. An enlarged spleen usually doesn't cause symptoms. It's often discovered during a routine physical exam. A doctor usually can't feel the spleen in an adult unless it's enlarged. Imaging and blood tests can help identify the cause of an enlarged spleen. Treatment for an enlarged spleen depends on what's causing it.

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The stories shared below are not written by Buoy employees. Pain caused by pancreatitis can happen suddenly acute pancreatitis , or it can slowly get worse over time chronic pancreatitis. People with broken or bruised ribs can speed up the process of healing and ease the pain by: Taking pain relievers Using a compress cold to the affected ribs to help reduce swelling Holding something soft as a pillow directly against the chest when the person needs to cough Taking deep and slow breaths to clear mucus in the lungs A broken rib can in some instances puncture organs that surround the rib cage. Less commonly, this pain could be related to gastrointestinal issues like ulcers or pancreatitis; in rare cases, it could signal lung or heart problems. It produces white blood cells that fight infection, and it processes other parts of your blood. Learn what you can do and when you should see a doctor. Symptoms include diarrhea or constipation and bloating. People with larger kidney stones may need shock wave treatment to break up the stones or surgery to remove them. If needed, they can refer you to a specialist, depending on the suspected cause. Strained muscles in the chest can cause pain that feels like rib pain.

People can experience pain under the ribs in the upper left abdomen for many reasons.

Enlarged Spleen Pain in the left upper abdomen can also be an indication of spleen issues. Abdominal pain is usually a sign of a common illness or infection. Rib cage pain can be associated with bruising, difficulty taking a deep breath, joint pain, and more. Your kidneys are part of your urinary tract. Thank you. Symptoms associated with this condition can include: Coughing Fever Tiredness Heart palpitations combined with a heart fluttering sensation When the heart pumps too fast or too hard, or when the heart skips a beat The pericardium is made up of 2 tissue layers that perform the function of protecting the heart and helping it to function. Frequent pain in the abdomen can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome IBS. Digestive causes. These viruses spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Slipping rib syndrome is a condition where the ribs slip away from their usual position. Learn more about symptoms and treatment for heart attack. We avoid using tertiary references. You can look after yourself by taking over-the-counter pain medication, applying an ice pack to the chest, resting periodically especially if your work involves a lot of physical labor , and holding a pillow against the chest if you needs to cough. If not treated, viral pneumonia can lead to respiratory and organ failure. Resident in Emergency Medicine at the University of Washington.