Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesDescribing PainEmergency SymptomsTreatmentHospitalizationDiagnosis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Describing Pain
Emergency Symptoms
Treatment
Hospitalization
Diagnosis
In this article, we’ll explore a comprehensive list of potential causes, helping you identify when such pain warrants immediate attention.
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Causes of Pain Under or Around Left Rib Cage
There are several reasons why you may experience pain under or around the left rib cage, as this area contains various vital organs and can also be a site for referred pain.
The rib cage provides vital protection for the lungs and heart, encasing them in a bony shield. There are 24 ribs in total, 12 on each side of the body.
Emergency Causes
The following are emergency causes of pain under the left rib cage:
Heart Attack
Ruptured Spleen
An enlarged or ruptured spleen can result from trauma or certain medical conditions. Due to its location in the upper left abdomen, near the ribs, the spleen can cause sharp pain under the left rib cage. In severe cases of spleen rupture, there may be signs of internal bleeding, such as light-headedness and a rapid heart rate.
Kidney Infection
A kidney infection, also known aspyelonephritis, is a bacterial infection of the kidneys. This can cause sharp, intense pain in the back and sides of the abdomen, potentially extending to the left rib cage area due to the involvement of the left kidney.
Other symptoms may include:
Pericarditis
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart. Due to the pericardium’s proximity to this area, pericarditis can cause chest pain that radiates to the left side, including under the left rib cage. The pain is typically sharp and worsens with deep breathing or lying flat.
Other symptoms of pericarditis may include:
Splenomegaly
Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen, which can occur due to various underlying conditions such as infections, liver diseases, blood disorders, or certain cancers. This enlargement can lead to discomfort or fullness in the left upper abdomen, including under the left rib cage, as the spleen is located in this area. If the spleen becomes significantly enlarged, it can cause pressure on surrounding structures, leading to pain and tenderness, especially with deep breathing or movement.
Pleurisy
Other pleurisy symptoms may include:
Pancreatitis
Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot (usually from the leg or pelvis) travels to the lungs and blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. This can result in symptoms such as:
The pain associated with a pulmonary embolism can be sharp and may be felt under or around the left rib cage due to the proximity of the affected lung area.
Pneumonia
The inflammation and fluid accumulation can cause pain under or around the left rib cage due to irritation of the pleura and localized lung tissue involvement, especially if the infection affects the lower lobes of the left lung.
Shingles
If the shingles rash affects the area around the left rib cage, it can cause sharp, burning, or shooting pain under or around the left rib cage due to inflammation of the nerves in that region. This pain is known as postherpetic neuralgia and can persist even after the rash has healed, requiring specific treatments to manage.
Less-Threatening (But Bothersome) Causes
The following are less-serious causes of pain under the left rib cage.
Kidney Stone
A kidney stone is a solid mass formed in the kidney. It often causes intense flank pain that can radiate to the lower abdomen and groin. If the stone moves downward, it can cause referred pain that can be felt under the left rib cage due to the position of the left kidney.
Symptoms of kidney stones can also include:
Gastritis
Gastritis can also lead to symptoms like pain in the upper part of the belly or abdomen, loss of appetite, and nausea.The resulting abdominal discomfort may also extend to the left side, potentially causing pain around the left rib cage as the stomach is situated in this region.
Stomach Ulcer
A stomach ulcer is a sore or lesion that develops in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). It can cause a burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, just under the rib cage. Stomach ulcer pain often occurs on an empty stomach or after eating certain foods.
Broken or Bruised Ribs
Broken or bruised ribs can result from trauma or repetitive strain. This can cause sharp pain on and around the left rib cage, especially with movement or deep breathing, as the ribs protect the organs in the chest cavity. Other symptoms may include bruising on the skin, tenderness in the area, pain with movement or rest, and increased pain with coughing or sneezing.
Costochondritis
Other symptoms include:
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
GERD is a condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and chest pain that can possibly radiate to the left side of the rib cage. This pain is often worse after eating or lying down.
Other common symptoms are:
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Left-sided abdominal pain near the rib cage can occur in IBS, along with other symptoms like diarrhea or constipation.
Other symptoms may include a whitish mucus in the stool and the feeling that you have not completed a bowel movement.
IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
IBD includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.Left-sided abdominal pain near the rib cage can be a symptom of IBD if the flare-up occurs in that area.
Other IBD symptoms can include:
Slipping Rib Syndrome
Describing How Left Rib Pain Feels
Left rib pain can manifest in various ways depending on the underlying cause. It may feel like a sharp, stabbing sensation, especially with movements like breathing deeply, coughing, or twisting. Some may describe it as a dull, achy discomfort that lingers or intensifies over time.
In certain cases, the pain may radiate to the back, abdomen, or shoulder. It’s important to note any additional symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling, or tenderness, as these can provide important clues to the cause of the pain.
Describe your symptoms in detail to your healthcare provider so they can determine a cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Epiploic Appendagitis: What to Know
Emergency Left Rib Pain and Related Symptoms
Emergency left rib pain can indicate several serious conditions that require immediate medical attention. If you experience sudden, severe left rib pain along with any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical care:
These symptoms may indicate a range of potentially life-threatening conditions such as a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, pleurisy, or a ruptured spleen.
Prompt medical evaluation and treatment are crucial to assess the underlying cause and prevent complications. If in doubt, always err on the side of caution and call 911 right away.
Left Rib Pain Treatment Overview
Treating left rib pain depends on its underlying cause. It is important to see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and for the appropriate treatments. Treatment options vary and could include the following:
Gastrointestinal Issues
Rib Fracture or Bruise
Cardiovascular Issues Such as a Heart Attack or Pulmonary Embolism
Hospitalization and Rehabilitation
Hospitalization for pain under the left rib is required when there is a need for immediate medical attention, diagnostic clarification, pain management, monitoring of complications, or specialized interventions based on the severity and suspected cause of the pain.
Emergencies such as a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, ruptured spleen, or other severe trauma require hospitalization until the person is stable for discharge.
In some cases, you may be able to take care of yourself at home. If that is the case, your healthcare provider may recommend some of the following (depending on your diagnosis):
Testing to Confirm Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests for left rib pain would depend on the suspected cause of the pain. Here are some common diagnostic tests that may be performed:
Physical Examination
Imaging Studies
Blood Tests
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging can evaluate the abdominal organs, helping diagnose conditions like gallstones, liver disease, or spleen enlargement that may cause referred pain to the rib area.
Endoscope
If gastrointestinal issues are suspected, such as gastritis, GERD, or peptic ulcers, an endoscopy may be performed to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and upper digestive tract for abnormalities.
Summary
Understanding the potential causes of pain under or around the left rib cage is crucial for prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Whether the pain is related to emergency conditions like a heart attack or pulmonary embolism, or less-threatening causes such as gastritis or costochondritis, seeking medical attention and following a treatment plan tailored to your diagnosis is paramount.
Talk with your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized care approach.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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NHS.Spleen problems and spleen removal. February 22, 2023.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Health.Definition & facts of kidney infection (pyelonephritis). April 2017.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
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Medline Plus.Splenomegaly.
Medline Plus.Pleurisy.
Medline Plus.Pancreatitis.
Medline Plus.Pulmonary embolism.
National Institute of Health.What is pneumonia?
Centers for Disease Control or Prevention.Signs and symptoms.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About shingles.
National Kidney Foundation.Kidney stones.
Medline Plus.Gastritis. January 30, 2023.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Health.Symptoms & causes of peptic ulcers (stomach or duodenal ulcers). September 2022.
Medline Plus.Bruised rib care.
Medline Plus.Costochondritis. October 20, 2022.
Medline Plus.Gastroesophageal reflux disease. January 30, 2023.
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IBD Clinic.What is IBD?
IBD Clinic.Common symptoms of IBD.
Medline Plus.Slipping rib syndrome. October 15, 2023.
NHS.Pleurisy.
National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders.Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
BetterHealth.Abdominal pain in adults.
Medline Plus.Diagnostic imaging.
Medline Plus.Complete blood count.
Patient.info.Blood test to detect inflammation.
Medline Plus.Abdominal ultrasound. July 5, 2022.
Medline Plus.Endoscopy.
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