Key Highlights:
- Stabbing pain under the left ribs can have numerous causes, from mild to severe.
- Common causes include costochondritis, broken or bruised ribs, IBS, IBD, pancreatitis, spleen-related issues, gastritis, kidney problems, and heart-related conditions.
- Initial diagnosis involves medical examination and history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.
- Management options include home remedies, lifestyle changes, medical management, and surgery for more severe cases.
- Knowing when to seek medical help is essential for proper management and risk reduction of complications
Introduction
If you get a sharp pain just under your left ribs is should be addressed. As the location is near crucial organs like the lungs, heart, and kidneys. However, not all pain in this area signals a major problem. Still, it’s crucial to know possible causes and how to manage them.
In this article, we will discuss the causes of the pain, how to detect them, and how to manage them. Lastly, we will explore how we can avoid similar pain in the future and we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions regarding this topic.
Did you know?
- Gallbladder disease is a common cause of stabbing pain on the left side under the ribs. source: hopkinsmedicine.org
- Stabbing pain on the left side under the ribs can be a sign of a kidney infection. source: urologyhealth.org
- Stabbing pain on the left side under the ribs can be a symptom of pancreatitis. source: niddk.nih.gov
- Stabbing pain on the left side under the ribs can be a sign of a kidney infection. source:
Causes of Stabbing Pain on the Left Side Under Ribs
1. Costochondritis
Costochondritis often causes pain under the left rib cage. It can affect any side. It’s an inflammation of the cartilage linking the ribs to the sternum. The pain has the following salient features.
- The pain might be sharp, aching, or pressure-like.
- Affects more than one rib.
- Can worsen when you breathe deeply, cough, or move.
Although the real cause remains unclear, injury, sickness, or intense coughing might trigger it.
2. Broken or Bruised Ribs
Injuries, like fractures or bruises, may trigger discomfort under your left ribs.
- Injuries often result from sudden hits or blows to the chest.
- Pain, tenderness, and breathing problems are key symptoms.
- Swelling or bruising might also occur.
Rest, pain relief medicines, and avoiding strenuous activities till repair may help manage these injuries.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Both IBS and IBD can cause discomfort under the left ribs. They have some common features, but they’re distinct in their causes and management.
- Causes no seen harm to the intestines.
- Abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements like diarrhea or constipation are usual symptoms.
- Chronic inflammation affects the digestive tract.
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two main types.
- Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bleeding from the rectum, and unintended weight loss are likely symptoms.
3. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, could be a reason for pain under the left ribs.
- Acute pancreatitis: Starts suddenly, typically due to gallstones or heavy alcohol use.
- Chronic pancreatitis: long-term inflammation, mostly caused by prolonged alcohol abuse or other health issues.
- Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, increased heart rate, and a full feeling in the abdomen.
Severe cases may need hospitalization, intravenous fluids, and medications to manage pain and inflammation.
4. Enlarged or Ruptured Spleen and Splenic Infarct
Your spleen, situated on the left under your ribs, can enlarge or rupture from infections, liver disease, or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Feeling full after eating a little, anaemia, fatigue, and frequent infections are key symptoms.
- Injury to the body’s left side is a common cause.
- Severe pain, increased heart rate, and dizziness are its symptoms.
- It’s a medical emergency needing quick attention.
Splenic infarct happens when the spleen’s blood supply lowers or stops, causing organ tissue death. This can trigger pain under your left ribs and might require medical help.
5. Gastritis
Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, may be causing you pain under the left ribs.
- Bacterial infection, excess use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or heavy drinking usually are the causes.
- Stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting are likely symptoms.
Usually, managing gastritis involves medications to reduce stomach acid, letting the lining repair, and avoiding factors that cause inflammation.
6. Kidney Stones or Infection
Pain under your left ribs could be from your left kidney if you’ve got kidney stones or an infection.
- Small, hard deposits of calcium and other minerals form in the kidneys.
- May cause flank pain, urination problems, or cloudy/bloody urine.
- Bacterial infection affects the kidneys, often coming from a urinary tract infection (UTI).
- Fever, nausea, and back or groin pain are likely symptoms.
Managing kidney stones or infections requires appropriate medications, fluids, and sometimes surgery if the condition is severe.
7. Pericarditis
Pericarditis is a swelling of the heart’s protective membrane, known as the pericardium.
- Usually, viral infections cause it.
- Sharp, stabbing chest pain possibly reaching under the left ribs is a key symptom.
- Can also cause fever, coughing, and palpitations.
Anti-inflammatory drugs and rest are usually enough to manage it, but antibiotics might be needed if bacteria cause the infection.
8. Pleurisy
Pleurisy occurs when the tissue lining that surrounds the lungs swells.
- Usually happens due to infection or injury.
- Sharp, stabbing pain under left ribs that worsens with deep breaths or coughing is a key symptom.
- Can also cause fever, coughing, shortness of breath, and weight loss.
Pleurisy management relies on its cause but might include pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics.
Diagnosing Stabbing Pain on the Left Side Under Ribs
- Initial Consultation and Medical History
To find out the cause of left-sided rib pain, a doctor will first ask about your overall health, past medical concerns, medicines you’re taking, and any symptoms. They might ask if you or your family have a history of heart, lung, kidney, or intestine problems.
Next, the healthcare provider will do a physical examination. They’ll look for signs of injury, swelling, or inflammation. They’ll listen to your heart and lungs, check your belly area, and see if tender spots exist under your left ribs.
Based on your symptoms and health history, the doctor may need more tests. These may include the following.
- X-rays: To see fractures, dislocations, or other abnormal bone parts.
- Ultrasound: To get a view of organs like the kidneys, spleen, and liver.
- MRI: To get clear images of your organs, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- CT Scan: To provide layered body images and detect possible organ or tissue problems.
- Echocardiogram: To check your heart’s structure and function, look for pericarditis or other heart issues.
- Blood and urine tests: To check for infections, kidney problems, or other health concerns that could cause pain.
Management of Stabbing Pain on the Left Side Under Ribs
Your left-sided rib pain management will depend on its cause. The following modalities are tried.
Some find relief using home remedies. The RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) approach helps with minor injuries and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs may ease pain and bring inflammation down. Gentle stretches, workouts, and relaxation techniques may provide relief for some.
For severe cases or if home remedies fail, medical help may be needed. Management varies widely based on the cause.
- Costochondritis, bruised ribs, and gastritis management: Doctors may prescribe pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs. Physical therapy or other supportive care measures might also help.
- IBS, IBD, and pleurisy management: Healthcare providers may recommend medicines to manage symptoms. Changes in diet and lifestyle may also be suggested.
- Pancreatitis and kidney-related issues management: Medicines to manage pain and inflammation could be needed. Fluid therapy and dietary changes might be necessary for severe cases.
- Pericarditis and Enlarged Spleen management: Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed. For severe cases, surgery could be needed.
Risk Reduction and Management of Stabbing Pain on the Left Side Under Ribs
To avoid stabbing pain on your left side under your ribs or manage existing symptoms, consider the following options.
Make healthy lifestyle choices. Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and learn to manage stress. These choices may improve your overall health and might lessen pain under the left ribs.
See your healthcare provider often. Early detection of issues may help avoid pain. This proactive approach matters most for those with long-term conditions that need constant check-ups and management.
When to Seek Medical Help for Pain Under Left Ribs?
Knowing when to get medical help for pain under your left ribs is key. It ensures quick management and reduces potential issues.
Emergency Situations
Get immediate medical help for:
- Signs of a heart attack or ruptured spleen,
- Severe pain and trouble breathing.
Non-emergency Situations
See a healthcare provider for less urgent issues like:
- Persistent, worsening, or recurring pain.
- Other symptoms like fever, weight loss, or throwing up are also accompanying.
Conclusion
Knowing possible causes and managements for stabbing pain on the left side under your ribs is key. This enables you to understand how to get the right medical help and keep your overall health in check. While some causes may be mild, others may be fatal and require urgent medical help. Regular check-ups, changes in lifestyle, and knowing when to seek help may help maintain your health well and avoid possible complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of doctor should I see for left rib pain? Typically, see any doctor available at your nearest clinic. They may send you to a specialist, like a cardiologist, gastroenterologist, or pulmonologist based on what they think is causing your pain.
Can pain under my left ribs be a sign of a heart attack? Not all pain under the left ribs signals a heart attack. But, it’s crucial to know heart attack symptoms and get urgent medical help if you think you might be having one.
How long does it take for broken or bruised ribs to heal? Usually, broken or bruised ribs need about 3 to 6 weeks for complete repair. The exact time depends on different factors, including how severe the injury was.
What can I do to prevent kidney stones? Try to drink plenty of fluids to avoid kidney stones. Maintain a balanced diet low in sodium and rich in calcium. You need to reduce animal protein in your diet as well.
Are there any dietary changes that can help alleviate IBS or IBD symptoms? Changing your diet might help improve IBS or IBD symptoms. Try increasing your fiber intake, reduce fatty foods, eat smaller meals more often, and avoid foods that worsen your symptoms.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey 
Last updated: Apr 22, 2024
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