Pain left side below the ribs

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.

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. Frequent pain in the abdomen can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome IBS.

Pain left side below the 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. Surgery to remove an enlarged spleen usually isn't needed, but sometimes it's recommended. See your doctor promptly if you have pain in your left upper belly, especially if it's severe or the pain gets worse when you take a deep breath. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.

If an injury results in one or more bruised or broken ribs, a person may experience pain around the affected ribs as well as chest pain when breathing in. The conditions that cause pain below the ribs usually cause other symptoms as well. Problems with the kidneys, such as kidney stones or infections in the pain left side below the ribs kidney, may be responsible for pain in this area.

Pain in your upper left abdomen under your ribs can have a variety of causes. There are several important organs in this area, including the spleen, kidney, pancreas, stomach, colon, and lung. Life-threatening causes include heart attack. Read on to find out the possible causes and symptoms of this type of pain and what you should do. If you suspect you may be having a heart attack or another medical emergency, call or your local emergency number immediately.

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. Chest pain can sometimes signal a medical emergency, such as a heart attack. Heart attack symptoms include :. If you think you could be having a heart attack, call or local emergency services right away.

Pain left side below the 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.

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Learn more about symptoms and treatment for an enlarged spleen. The exact cause of IBS is unknown. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. The causes of gastritis are the same as those of ulcers: H. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. Treatments At-home care If the pain is from a digestive issue like indigestion, over-the-counter antacids and other acid blockers can help. Does depression make you tired? This inflammation can be caused by medications that aggravate the stomach lining like anti-inflammatories , excessive alcohol intake, or an infection of H. So, pain on the right side under the ribs or under the right rib cage includes gallbladder problems like gallstones or inflammation, liver conditions such as hepatitis, or musculoskeletal injuries like a strained muscle. This condition can cause indigestion, nausea, loss of appetite and general malaise. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Inflammatory bowel disease IBD is the umbrella term for conditions that involve chronic inflammation of the GI tract.

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.

Skip to main content Buoy Logo. While any time you have symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks you should discuss it with your doctor, it does not necessarily mean your symptoms are more life threatening. However, chest pain can also be a sign of a life-threatening problem. Rib pain on both sides can be caused by inflammation of the cartilage known as acute costochondritis chest wall syndrome , atypical chest pain, or normal occurrence of chest pain. Treatments At-home care If the pain is from a digestive issue like indigestion, over-the-counter antacids and other acid blockers can help. Read this article in Spanish. It produces white blood cells that fight infection, and it processes other parts of your blood. Read more about costochondritis. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Constipation occurs when you have fewer than three bowel movements per week or have stools that are hard and difficult to pass. They connect your breastbone to your spine. But a number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged. Right side abdominal pain is typically not serious and is usually just a sign of built-up gas in the intestine.