What causes pain under the left ribm



In the left part of the abdomen under the diaphragm is the stomach. Therefore, pain under the left rib often indicate diseases of the stomach. Gastritis (inflammation of stomach) pain occur either after meals, if the gastritis with low acidity, or in the morning before eating (it is characteristic for gastritis with high acidity). The pain is generally aching, dull. In gastric ulcer the pain is strong, often too strong. It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting.

In the most severe cases, stomach pain can be caused by malignant neoplasm. Therefore it is better to be safe and be sure to explore the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., undergo a gastroscopy). This procedure is unpleasant, but it is better to move a few minutes of discomfort than to start a tumor. Because stomach cancer in the early stages can be successfully treated, and in the later stages to recover harder.


Pain in the left upper quadrant could also begin due to inflammation or injury of the spleen. If pain is very strong, cutting, and moreover accompanied by a bluish discoloration of the skin of the abdomen (due to accumulation of blood), this may indicate a ruptured spleen. You should immediately call an Ambulance.

If the pain is dull, girdle, we can talk about diseases of the pancreas. If girdle pain is very intense, cutting, often accompanied by fever, nausea and vomiting, the cause may be severe inflammation of the gland acute pancreatitis.

Finally, pain under the left rib can be signs of heart disease, up to such a formidable as a myocardial infarction. There are many cases when myocardial pain "gave" is not in the left shoulder and the left side of the sternum, usually, into the abdominal cavity and even in the feet!

Pain in left upper quadrant can also be caused by disorders of the endocrine glands, and lesions of the nervous system.

What doctors should be consulted when pain in left upper quadrant



If you feel pain under ribs, you need to be examined by a gastroenterologist, cardiologist, surgeon, endocrinologist and neurologist. It is advisable to do an ultrasound of the spleen and pancreas, as well as undergo gastroscopy. After diagnosis it is necessary to comply strictly with the prescriptions of the doctors, only then you will get rid of the pain.