Left Side Pain Under Ribs

Suffering from a sudden bout of pain under the ribs can stem from a variety of causes. Some of these causes can be simple avoidable circumstances that can be easily cured, whereas other causes of left side pain under ribs can signify something far greater and dangerous. One needs to note the possible symptoms and effects of the pain, and then visit a doctor if the discomfort persists. The doctor will then carry out a thorough investigation and ascertain the exact cause of the affliction.

Abdominal pain is very commonly seen in a lot of people, and most cases are usually caused due to some disruption in the stomach, such as gastritis. This is not always the case, however, as a left side pain in stomach could be caused by some serious disease as well. Abdominal pain mostly signifies that a change needs to be made in the lifestyle of an individual, either by changing eating habits or by following a proper exercise regime.

Causes of Pain Under Ribs

Determining the cause of left side pain in lower abdomen is something that requires a careful analysis, and every little detail could prove vital in determining this cause. Medical experts and forums have come up with the following list of potential causes of pain under left rib cage.

Kidney Stones
This is a very common cause of rib pain and many people suffer from this condition on a regular basis. As a matter of fact, kidney stones can originate in either kidney and cause pain in them. Pain in the left side usually signifies that the stones are present in the left kidney. The pain will usually begin in the back, and then move on to the front side. You must immediately visit a doctor as he will tell you how to get rid of kidney stones.

Rib Damage
In case there is a fracture in one or more ribs, then the pain in that region will be unbearable, to say the least. Regular functions and movements of the body will be severely hindered, and the individual will find himself unable to move around with a lot of discomfort. Rib damage usually appears as a result of some external trauma, and it will also be accompanied by visible signs of bruising. So it should not be too difficult to pinpoint this as the sole cause of pain in left side under ribs.

Diverticulitis
This disease usually affects elderly patients and it stems from a weakness in the colon. Diverticulitis causes the weak area to bulge outwards, and as the illness progresses, more and more symptoms begin to appear. Left side pain under rib cage is a very common indicator of this illness, and a proper diet can remedy the situation pretty soon. If an elderly person is experiencing intense pain under the ribs and there is also a visible bulging in the area, in all likelihood it is diverticulitis.

Bowel Obstruction
The intestines are intertwined inside the body, and even a slight obstruction in them can cause tremendous pain and discomfort to an individual. Pain on left side under ribs signifies that the part of the intestines passing through this area of abdomen is blocked, and something is obstructing it in some manner. If other symptoms like vomiting and irregular stools are also present, it is surely a case of bowel obstruction.

Spleen Damage
The spleen is an organ that is located in the upper region of the abdomen, and its primary task is to filtrate and regulate the red blood cells in the body. But if there is some rupture in the spleen, then the pain is sure to be felt with regularity under the left rib cage. If this pain is accompanied by other disorders like asplenia, splenomegaly or leukemia, then the patient must visit a doctor immediately before the situation escalates out of hand.

Costochondritis
The cartilage that connects the ribs to the inner chest can get inflamed sometimes due to several reasons and this can cause intense pain under the ribs from time to time. This condition is known as costochondritis, and it is caused either by external trauma or through viral infection. In extreme cases, this condition is known as Tietze's Syndrome, and it can be noticed if you experience severe pain in the breastbone, especially after some physical activity.

Viral Hepatitis
Left side rib cage pain can also be an indicator of viral hepatitis. This is a very dangerous illness, and it requires immediate treatment. There are 5 different forms of viral hepatitis, and all of them are dangerous in their own ways. Dark urine and yellowed skin and eyes accompanying left side pain under ribs is a clear indicator of viral hepatitis. This disease can also spread very easily, so one must avoid direct contact with other people for a while.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
This disease is mostly seen in women, and it is a dull nagging pain that refuses to go away. The pain often shifts throughout the entire abdominal area and is also accompanied by a fever. Women experiencing left side pain below ribs must visit a gynecologist immediately.

Gas
Possibly one of the most common causes of left side pains is the presence of gas. If the gas is blocked in the left side loop of the intestines, or the colon, it can lead to a great amount of pain and discomfort, and this can seriously debilitate an individual. The effects are similar to that of bowel obstructions, and there are many cures that can provide instant relief. The sooner the problem is diagnosed, the quicker it can be treated. Another similar condition known as pneumothorax also causes rib pain. In this case, air gets trapped between the lungs and the ribs due to the collapsing of the lung which may be caused due to a rupture in the lung membrane.

Besides these, there are a few other conditions that are known to cause left side pain under ribs:

• Acid Reflux
• Stomach Ulcers
• Pancreatitis
• Intestinal Infection
• Pericarditis
• Ectopic Pregnancy
• Ulcerative Colitis

If you are regularly suffering from strong bouts of sudden pain under the ribs, especially on one side only, then you need to be aware of all the symptoms that are plaguing you. Without this knowledge it will be quite difficult to ascertain the cause of the pain. No doctor will prescribe any sort of medication without determining what the reason for your discomfort is.