{"id":200028,"date":"2024-04-16T07:17:07","date_gmt":"2024-04-16T07:17:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/?p=200028"},"modified":"2026-01-13T13:35:47","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T13:35:47","slug":"stabbing-pain-left-side-under-ribs-possible-causes-and-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/stabbing-pain-left-side-under-ribs-possible-causes-and-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"Stabbing Pain on the Left Side Under the Ribs: Possible Causes and Solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<\/head>

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Table of Contents<\/p>\nToggle<\/span>

Introduction<\/a><\/li>
Causes of Stabbing Pain on the Left Side Under the Ribs<\/a><\/li>
Diagnosing Stabbing Pain on the Left Side Under the Ribs<\/a><\/li>
Management of Stabbing Pain on the Left Side Under the Ribs<\/a><\/li>
Risk Reduction and Management of Stabbing Pain on the Left Side Under the Ribs<\/a><\/li>
When to Seek Medical Help for Pain Under the Left Ribs?<\/a><\/li>
Conclusion<\/a><\/li>
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><\/li>
References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n \n <\/span>\n $\"Join$ \n <\/a>\n
<\/span>Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you get a sharp pain just under your left ribcage, it should be addressed urgently 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 is crucial to know the possible causes of this pain and how to manage it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we will discuss the causes of stabbing pain on the left side under the ribs and how to identify and manage them. We will also explore how we can avoid similar pain in the future, and answer the most frequently asked questions on this topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Friendly Reminder:<\/strong> The information shared here is for educational purposes only. Before implementing any changes to your health routine, always consult a registered medical practitioner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Did you know?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Gallbladder disease is a common cause of stabbing pain under the ribs. source: hopkinsmedicine.org<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Stabbing pain under the ribs can be a sign of a kidney infection. source: urologyhealth.org<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Stabbing pain under the ribs can be a symptom of pancreatitis. source: niddk.nih.gov<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Causes of Stabbing Pain on the Left Side Under the Ribs<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. Costochondritis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
$\"Costochondritis\"$
_{Image Source: freepik.com<\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n}
Costochondritis may cause pain under the left rib cage. It is an inflammation of the cartilage linking the ribs to the sternum and can affect any side 1<\/a><\/sup>. The pain has the following salient features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The pain might be sharp, aching, or pressure like.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Affects more than one rib.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Can worsen with movements like stretching, breathing deeply, or coughing 1<\/a><\/sup>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Although the cause of costochondritis is still unclear, injury, sickness, or intense coughing might trigger it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Broken or Bruised Ribs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
$\"broken$
_{Image Source: freepik.com<\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nInjuries like fractures or bruises may trigger discomfort under your left ribcage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
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Injuries often result from sudden trauma due to an accident or blows to the chest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Tenderness and pain with breathing are key symptoms of rib injuries 2<\/a><\/sup>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Swelling or bruising might also occur.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Proper rest, pain relief medicines, and avoiding strenuous activities until recovery may help manage these injuries 2<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
$\"intestine\"$ <\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Both IBS and IBD can cause discomfort on the left side (probably including the ribs)3<\/a>,4<\/a><\/sup>. They have some common features, but they are distinct in their causes and management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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IBS:\u00a0<\/strong>Left-sided abdominal pain is common with IBS. Bloating and changes in bowel movements like diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating diarrhoea and constipation are some accompanying IBS symptoms3<\/a><\/sup>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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IBD:\u00a0<\/strong>Chronic inflammation affects the digestive tract. The two main types include Crohn\u2019s disease and ulcerative colitis. Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bleeding from the rectum, and unintended weight loss are likely symptoms in IBD4<\/a><\/sup>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
4. Pancreatitis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
$\"Pancreatitis\"$ <\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) could be one of the causes of pain under the left ribs. It could be acute or chronic, as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Acute pancreatitis:<\/strong> Starts suddenly, typically due to gallstones.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Chronic pancreatitis:<\/strong> long-term inflammation, mostly caused by prolonged alcohol abuse or other health issues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nSymptoms include abdominal pain, fever, increased heart rate, vomiting, and a full feeling in the abdomen 5<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Severe cases may need hospitalisation, intravenous fluids, and medications to manage pain and inflammation.<\/p>
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