Pain on your left side below your rib cage can stem from various causes, ranging from relatively minor to potentially serious conditions.
Potential Causes of Left Side Pain Below Rib Cage
According to recent findings (August 20, 2024), pain under the left rib cage is commonly a sign of pancreatitis, kidney stones, or inflammation in the stomach. It can also be due to injury or problems with organs located in the upper left abdomen, which include:
- The heart
- The spleen
- The pancreas
- The left lung
- The left kidney
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
| Possible Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Pancreatitis | Inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms often include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. |
| Kidney Stones | Hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause sharp, cramping pain in the back and side. |
| Stomach Inflammation | This can be caused by gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) or peptic ulcers. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. |
| Spleen Issues | An enlarged or ruptured spleen can cause pain in the upper left abdomen. This could be due to infection, injury, or certain medical conditions. |
| Heart Problems | While chest pain is the most common symptom of heart problems, some conditions can cause pain that radiates to the upper abdomen. |
| Lung Conditions | Inflammation of the lining of the lungs (pleurisy) or a lung infection (pneumonia) can cause pain that is felt in the chest and upper abdomen. |
| Musculoskeletal Injury | Strained muscles in the chest or rib area can also cause pain. This might be due to exercise, injury, or even coughing. |
What To Do About Left Side Pain
Because the potential causes are numerous and varied in severity, it's crucial to seek medical evaluation if you experience persistent or severe pain in this area. A doctor can accurately diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend the appropriate treatment. Do not attempt to self-diagnose.
