Pain on left hand side below ribs

Pain in your upper left abdomen under your ribs can have a variety of causes.

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.

Pain on left hand side below ribs

Pain under the left rib cage is commonly a sign of pancreatitis, kidney stones, or inflammation in the stomach. However, it can also be associated with injury to any other organs located in the upper left abdomen, such as the heart, spleen, pancreas, lung or left kidney. Pain in injured, left-sided organs can be sudden and is usually accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or increased pain with movement, coughing or sneezing. Since pain under the left ribs can be caused by so many different problems, it should always be assessed by a doctor preferably a gastroenterologist , specially if it is very intense or if it lasts for more than two days. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach, in the left upper quadrant. It is responsible for producing digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin, glucagon and somatostatin. This inflammation can cause an intense pain under the left rib cage that can radiate to the back. Other symptoms of pancreatitis include nausea, vomiting and fever. See how these symptoms vary from pancreatic cancer. Usually, the most common cause of pancreatitis is excessive alcohol intake, however it can also be caused by viral infections like measles or mumps , gallbladder stones, cystic fibrosis or use of certain medications like liraglutide, losartan, or corticosteroids. What to do: You should see a general physician or gastroenterologist, who may recommend admission to the hospital for IV treatment of fluids and analgesic medication.

Feeling pain under your left ribs? Pleurisy can be caused by bacterial, viral or fungal pneumonia, lung cancer or a pulmonary embolism. There are many reasons for belly button pain that can very from gas and bloating to infections and other more serious illnesses.

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.

Back to Health A to Z. Chronic pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas has become permanently damaged from inflammation and stops working properly. The pancreas is a small organ, located behind the stomach, that helps with digestion. Chronic pancreatitis can affect people of any age. It is more common in men. It's different from acute pancreatitis , where the inflammation is only short term.

Pain on left hand side below ribs

Pancreatitis is associated with pain and a handful of other symptoms, some of which can be severe. There are two types of pancreatitis : acute and chronic. Gallstones and alcohol are the two main causes of acute pancreatitis.

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Your heart is surrounded by a fluid-filled sac called the pericardium. Kidney Infection An infection in the left kidney can result in left upper abdominal pain. How Well Do You Sleep? What to do: You should see a pulmonologist or general physician for treatment. People can experience pain under the ribs in the upper left abdomen for many reasons. Type your drug name. The doctor may also prescribe bronchodilators to help with breathing. Learn more about symptoms and treatment for kidney stones. Click here to send us a question. It also produces and stores white blood cells from the immune system. Contact a healthcare professional right away if any of the following symptoms accompany the abdominal pain:. What to do: Proceed to a hospital and seek medical attention, as IV analgesics can help to relieve pain instantly. Top Reads in Health Education.

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.

In some cases, severe infections can result in the formation of large abscesses on either one or both kidneys. By Gerardo Sison, Pharm. Learn more about symptoms and treatment for constipation. Problems with the spleen, such as an enlarged spleen or spleen injuries, may cause left rib cage pain. Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. A kidney infection, on the other hand, may cause a dull, persistent ache. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. A healthcare provider can thoroughly evaluate the pain, provide a proper diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment options. The type is determined by how long the symptoms last. When the left upper abdominal pain is severe or regular, it is important to see a physician to diagnose the cause. How we reviewed this article: Sources. People with this condition may feel a painful sensation in their chest that becomes worse when taking deep breaths or when they participate in physical activities. Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD , commonly called acid reflux, is a condition that occurs when you experience heartburn more than two times each week.