Pain under the left rib in front. Causes of pain in the left hypochondrium

Pain in the left hypochondrium is a fairly common complaint among patients. A similar symptom occurs when various reasons and has its own manifestations, intensity and duration of action. To diagnose the disease that provokes the appearance of a symptom, a doctor does not need one examination. A doctor needs to conduct a full examination, as pain occurs when the stomach, spleen, pancreas, kidneys or other organs are affected in the left side.

Etiology

To understand why the left side hurts and what provokes this syndrome, the doctor and the patient need to conduct an examination. Thanks to state research internal organs It is possible to determine what may be hurting in the left hypochondrium.

An unpleasant attack occurs due to dysfunction of the left kidney, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, heart, diaphragm, spleen.

The following main causes of pain in the left hypochondrium lead to the formation of the sign:

• peptic ulcer and gastritis;
• pancreatitis;
• pathology of the spleen;
• diseases of the left kidney;
• disorders of the small and large intestines.

A little less often, doctors diagnose an increase in the symptom under the influence of such factors:

• hernias and neoplasms of the diaphragm;
• pneumonia of the left lung;
• heart pathologies;
• osteochondrosis;
• postoperative and post-traumatic complications.

Each of the mentioned etiological factors poses a serious threat to the patient's health. If such a sign is detected, the patient should urgently seek the help of a doctor and undergo diagnostics and treatment.

Also an unpleasant indicator typical for pregnant women. The symptom may appear in the 2nd–3rd trimester, that is, during the period when the fetus enlarges and the uterus puts pressure on the internal organs. At this moment, a stabbing sensation begins in the left side and periodic pain occurs.

IN medical practice quite often such cases occur when the patient is bothered by severe pain in the left side of the abdomen. This sign is formed under the influence of various physical activities. In particular, this symptom often manifests itself in those people who are just starting to exercise and do not yet have the necessary physical training. Schoolchildren often complain of pain under the left ribs after passing exams and tests.

It happens that the symptom manifests itself when bending and sharp turns of the body. This effect is provoked by touching the internal organs and part of the rib, which provokes a protective effect in the form of a painful attack.

Classification

Pain under the left rib is different mechanism influence and strength. When diagnosing a disease, the doctor must determine what type of syndrome it is. Clinicians have identified three main types of pain:

• visceral - manifests itself when the motor function of the gastrointestinal tract is impaired, it manifests itself in a dull or aching cramping character;
• peritoneal – has a constant and local character, intensifies with movement and inhalation;
• reflected - manifests itself with lower lobe pneumonia, pleurisy, etc.

According to the nature of the attack, a painful sensation under the left hypochondrium occurs:

• acute - manifests itself suddenly with perforation of the stomach walls, damage to the spleen or renal pelvis;
• dull – formed over a long period and is an indicator chronic diseases Gastrointestinal tract;
• aching – constant pain in the left hypochondrium, indicating inflammatory processes due to duodenitis and colitis. Accompanied by other symptoms of ulcers, angina pectoris, heart disease and pre-infarction;
• pulling - provoked by damage to the spleen, nagging pain is a feature of the course of infectious and autoimmune processes;
• stabbing – manifests itself in pathology of the left kidney, urolithiasis and pyelonephritis;
• pulsating - a progressive syndrome with pancreatitis, which is characterized by other equally painful symptoms.

Acute pain in the left hypochondrium may be located in a certain place. Based on localization, clinicians distinguish the following types of symptoms:

• pain in the left hypochondrium with irradiation to the anterior abdomen, this indicates the development of pathology of the spleen or damage to the gastric mucosa. The attacks shift closer to the center, and are combined with other ailments of the gall and duodenum;
• pain in the back indicates damage to the left kidney. Constant and severe pain in the left hypochondrium from the back still develops with thoracic or lumbar osteochondrosis;
• a girdling attack of pain with an unpleasant sensation on the left, characteristic of pancreatitis. In pathology, it is formed It's a dull pain in the left hypochondrium, which passes through the stomach and lower back. The syndrome subsides when the body is tilted forward.

Symptoms

Since pain in the left hypochondrium has pathological causes occurrence, the symptom is accompanied by other signs. When gastritis develops, the patient feels an attack of aching pain, along with the following manifestations:

• flatulence;
• gag reflex and heartburn;
• belching;
• upset stomach;
• weakness;
• irritability;
• pallor of the skin.

Sharp pain in the left hypochondrium on an “empty” stomach occurs with gastritis. At the same time, the patient also feels other signs of the disease:

• burning behind the sternum;
• belching with different smells and tastes;
• flatulence;
• vomit;
• sudden weight loss.

When a stomach ulcer becomes complicated, namely when a perforation forms, the patient is overcome by a sharp, dagger-like pain that appears suddenly. The patient may also experience weakness and fainting.

During the formation of a tumor in the stomach, a person does not feel strong and characteristic pain attacks. The pathology in the first stages is not characterized by intense symptoms. The clinical picture of cancer is characterized by the following signs:

• loss of appetite;
• noticeable weight loss;
• disgust from certain foods;
• fast saturation.

At later stages, more obvious and characteristic manifestations appear. The main indicator of the development of cancer is pain in the left hypochondrium.

Based on knowledge of which organs are located on the left and what hurts in the left hypochondrium, the doctor can assume that the patient has problems with the spleen. Pain in the left hypochondrium may occur due to enlargement of this organ.

A splenic rupture can be recognized by the bluish discoloration of the skin near the navel, which appears from the accumulation large quantity blood. At the moment of rupture, the patient is overcome sharp pain in the area of ​​the left hypochondrium.

When a diaphragmatic hernia and other diseases in this part form, special symptoms are added to the patient’s clinical picture. The development of the disease is characterized by Blunt pain in the left hypochondrium, flatulence, muscle weakness.

Painful attacks also occur with cardiac pathologies. During the formation of coronary disease or cardiomyopathy, the patient experiences additional symptoms:

• increased heart rate;
• fast fatiguability;
• dyspnea;
• burning in the chest.

When the lungs are affected, the symptoms of the disease expand slightly. The following indicators are added to the clinical picture:

• shallow breathing;
• heat;
• pale or slightly blue skin;
• dyspnea.

The syndrome with neuralgia appears as a piercing, aching, dull, burning pain. The pathology also manifests itself in redness or pallor of the skin, increased sweating, muscle cramps. All symptoms intensify when inhaling, coughing, sudden movements and changes in the body.

Diagnostics

If there are frequent pain attacks, the patient should consult a specialist. With such a symptom, the patient may need to consult a surgeon, gastroenterologist, infectious disease specialist, traumatologist and gynecologist for women.

To diagnose the disease, the patient needs to undergo the following examination methods, which are prescribed after the initial examination and establishment of a presumptive diagnosis:

• blood, urine, stool analysis;
• Ultrasound of internal organs;
• X-ray;
• tomography;

It is also important for the doctor to make a differential diagnosis, since pain of this nature is a feature of the pre-infarction state and myocardial infarction.

Based on the diagnostic results, therapy is prescribed. Doctors often try to get rid of the source of symptoms in a conservative way.

Treatment

In the treatment of each disease, the doctor chooses drug treatment. If the patient has serious pathologies or complications, then surgical intervention is prescribed.

If the patient has frequent stabbing pain in the left hypochondrium or an attack of any other nature, then treatment should be carried out in a hospital setting. Based on the causes of the symptom, medication treatment is prescribed, if necessary, surgery, physiotherapy, massages and therapeutic exercises.

Also, in eliminating the symptom and treating the pathology, it is important for the patient to adhere to proper nutrition. In diet therapy there are basic rules that must be followed for a quick recovery:

• eat at least 5 times a day;
• all ingredients for dishes must be fresh;
• food should be boiled, stewed or steamed, and not fried;
• the diet should contain enough fresh vegetables and fruits;
• in case of stomach upsets, it is important to eat grated and crushed foods, so as not to irritate the mucous membrane;
• observe the temperature regime of food.

Prevention

At the first pain attack, a person needs to think about his health. It is important to get tested and adhere to proper nutrition. IN preventive measures can be carried out Spa treatment, massages and gymnastics. Strong physical activity is contraindicated for the patient, as it also provokes the appearance of pain syndrome.

Many people experience pain on the left side under the ribs. This common symptom does not occur on its own, but is always a consequence of some pathological process in the body or a simple deviation from physiological norm. The nature of the pain, duration, severity, and accompanying symptoms depend on the underlying cause. Familiarize yourself with the main factors in the development of pain in the hypochondrium, the principles of their diagnosis, prevention and treatment.

What is pain on the left under the ribs?

Painful sensations localized on the left in the region of the ribs and under them are not specific. They can signal diseases of internal organs and the nervous system. When diagnosing, their precise localization and determination of their nature can help to detect and differentiate serious systemic pathologies (oncological diseases, injuries, chronic inflammatory processes). Pain under the ribs can be dull, sharp, pulling or throbbing, accompanied by other symptoms associated with the underlying disease:

• dyspeptic manifestations;
• dizziness;
• general weakness;
• loss of consciousness;
• pale skin;
• rise in body temperature;
• chills, etc.

Why does my left side hurt under my ribs?

You should not ignore pain and burning in the left side, even if these unpleasant symptoms passed completely, because may indicate serious pathologies that require treatment. Meet following reasons soreness:

• diseases gastrointestinal tract;
• systemic lupus erythematosus;
• lymphomas;
• malaria;
• inflammation of the visceral peritoneum;
• perforation (hole) in hollow organs;
• chronic myeloid leukemia;
• kidney infections;
• distension of the renal pelvis;
• diaphragmatic hernia;
• cholecystitis;
• cholelithiasis;
• thoracic intercostal neuralgia;
• ischemic colitis;
• splenitis, splenomegaly, splenic rupture;
• vegetative crises;
• myocardial infarction, pericarditis, angina pectoris;
• compression of organs during pregnancy.

Front

Pain on the left under the ribs in front is provoked by chronic sluggish inflammatory diseases gastrointestinal tract. Wherein discomfort occur regularly and last a long time. A strong burning sensation in most cases indicates chronic pancreatitis. If the pain in the front is constant and intensifies after eating, then this may indicate gastroduodenitis, sometimes the presence of a tumor.

Side

Most doctors associate pain in the left hypochondrium with pathological disorders functioning of the heart. This syndrome can also signal other diseases: intercostal neuralgia, acute renal failure, significant enlargement of the spleen. An unambiguous reason that will help immediately determine the main diagnosis based on location pain, does not exist, so pain under the left rib requires consultation with a specialist.

From behind from the back

If the patient does not have pathologies that cause discomfort in the left back of the back, then the pain is a consequence of hypothermia, eating fatty, spicy or salty foods, or excessive physical activity. Reasons that cause pain symptoms include:

• neuralgia;
• bronchopulmonary lesions;
• myocardial infarction;
• osteochondrosis;
• pathologies of the esophagus.

After meal

If immediately after finishing a meal the left stomach hurts, this is a consequence of developing gastritis. The severity of symptoms varies depending on the acidity of the stomach, the degree pathological change mucous membrane. Additionally, patients note a burning sensation in the esophagus, heartburn, belching, sour taste in the mouth, diarrhea. With absence timely treatment gastric ulcer develops, duodenum, pancreatitis.

Stitching pain

A tingling sensation on the left during physical activity indicates ischemia (insufficient blood supply) to organs and tissues due to poor warm-up. The body did not have time to adapt to the increased blood circulation. This condition is not a pathology, so unpleasant stabbing sensations during training should not cause concern. The pain in this case goes away quickly and has no consequences. It must be remembered that if the stabbing pain turns into a stabbing pain without obvious reasons, then this may signal the development of serious pathologies:

• left-sided pneumonia;
• malignant neoplasm in the lung, stomach, intestines;
• tuberculosis;
• infectious pleurisy;
• cardiomyopathy;
• myositis;
• inflammation of the left side of the diaphragm.

Pulling

Pain on the left front of a pulling nature signals sluggish duodenitis or colitis. Usually, clinical picture includes vomiting, nausea, digestive disorders. In the absence of signs of gastrointestinal diseases, heart problems are suspected: angina pectoris, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, defects. A nagging pain followed by a sharp, burning pain below the ribs indicates intestinal perforation or vascular thromboembolism abdominal cavity.

Periodic

Painful sensations of a periodic nature are rarely associated with pathological conditions, more often this is a consequence physiological characteristics human body. This symptom occurs during physical activity, heavy lifting, or in a certain body position. Sometimes patients note periodic pain when visiting a bathhouse or sauna, after a heavy meal. Typically this condition does not require specific treatment, but you should undergo examination to exclude the presence of diseases.

Pulsating

The appearance of severe throbbing pain in the left hypochondrium and slightly above indicates the development of acute pancreatitis or pancreatic necrosis. Additionally, the patient experiences vomiting of bile, digestive problems, increased body temperature to subfebrile and febrile levels, and constant aching pain in the epigastric region. As a rule, this condition develops within half an hour after eating food (especially fatty or spicy).

When inhaling

If there is pain in the left hypochondrium when inhaling, first of all, suspect the presence of subphrenic abscess. The nature of the symptom is intense, more acute in nature, decreases in a sitting or lying position and intensifies with sudden movements, sneezing, coughing. If there is severe intoxication of the body, the patient complains of fever, weakness, and sore throat. Less commonly, the cause of pain when inhaling is injury, peritonitis.

When you press

Aching pain in the left hypochondrium in front, which intensifies when pressed, signals intestinal obstruction and an inflammatory process. With this condition, additional symptoms are noted: bloating, constipation, bad smell from the mouth, coated tongue. Vomiting, nausea, belching, heaviness in the abdomen, and symptoms of general intoxication of the body are also characteristic. Sharp pain in the left side under the ribs or below in most cases is a consequence of a ruptured spleen. At the same time, other signs of intra-abdominal bleeding are observed:

• dizziness;
• tachycardia;
• tension or weakening of the abdominal muscles;
• pale skin;
• weakness;
• decline blood pressure;
• cold sweat;
• increased body temperature;
• chills.

During pregnancy

The natural cause of discomfort and pain during pregnancy is the growth of the fetus. In the last trimester, it actively increases in size in the uterus, pushes, and turns over. Pain associated with the child's movements is usually sharp, short-lived, and sometimes intensifies when inhaling or exhaling. You can alleviate the condition by doing breathing exercises by lying in a warm bath or taking a more comfortable position.

Long-term painful sensations that a woman notes in the left hypochondrium may be a signal of exacerbation of gastritis, peptic ulcer or other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the symptom is often caused by left-sided pneumonia, diaphragmatic hernia and pathologies of the spleen. Pain in the hypochondrium may be due to renal colic, spasm of the abdominal arteries, intestinal infarction, flatulence.

Girdle pain in the left side

Sharp or aching pain in the left side, which then radiates to top part back, under the rib on the left front, indicate the development of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), exacerbation chronic gastritis or duodenal ulcer. The main difference between these pathologies is additional burning sensations, sometimes pulsations in the epigastric region. If the pain intensifies over time, then peritonitis is suspected.

Diagnostics

If you regularly feel pain or tingling in the left side under the ribs, you should seek help at the clinic from a therapist who will general examination and prescribe laboratory tests, instrumental studies:

• X-ray;
• ultrasound diagnostics;
• general analysis blood;
• blood chemistry;
• computed tomography.

The results of the examination will help to identify the immediate cause of pain in the side and determine further treatment tactics. Additionally, more consultation may be required. narrow specialists: traumatologist, surgeon, infectious disease specialist, gastroenterologist, oncologist, etc. If acute pain suddenly occurs in the left side under the ribs, you should immediately seek help in a hospital, because the symptom may be caused by rupture or perforation of an organ, bleeding, or other condition requiring immediate medical attention.

Treatment

To eliminate pain under the ribs, you need to take horizontal position, relax, open the window and remove constrictive clothing. Some medications will help stop the attack:

• antispasmodics (Drotaverine, No-Shpa);
• anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Nurofen);
• analgesics (Analgin).

Remember that in case of severe sudden pain, accompanied by vomiting, nausea, dizziness, pallor, fever, you must immediately seek help from specialists. In some cases, emergency surgery is indicated to eliminate the cause of the pain syndrome. Indications for surgical intervention can be:

• organ rupture;
• peritonitis;
• appendicitis;
• ulcer perforation;
• internal bleeding of any etiology.

The appearance of pain on the side, if it is localized on the left side, should be a signal for an immediate visit to the doctor. You can’t hope for chance and ignore it, especially if the pain bothers you repeatedly and is severe. Pain on the left side under the ribs is a symptom of serious problems in the body, since such important organs as:

• lung,
• heart,
• stomach,
• spleen,
• pancreas,
• one of the kidneys and the ureter,
• loops of the small and large intestines.

It is almost impossible to figure out on your own which organ is giving a distress signal, especially since the pain can be reflected, and its source can be located in a completely different place.

Types of pain according to the nature of manifestation

To make it easier to understand the source of pain, you should remember a little about your school anatomy course and imagine what is in the left hypochondrium. If you mentally divide the abdomen into anatomical regions, which are usually called quadrants, then the desired area will be in the upper left quadrant, immediately below the ribs.

Based on the nature of the pain, the time of formation and the actions or events preceding it, it is possible to determine the approximate area of ​​the lesion and immediately contact the right specialist.

Aching pain

If there is constant pain in the left side, and the source is felt immediately under the ribs, the nature of this pain is pulling and aching. Moreover, it does not go away, but persists constantly - in this case the picture is very similar to developing colitis or duodenitis. If the pain syndrome is accompanied by single vomiting and constant feeling nausea, a gastric ulcer should be suspected.

In addition to organ diseases digestive system, similar pain can occur with serious illnesses of cardio-vascular system.

Summarizing all the above reasons, we can say that pain on the left side in the hypochondrium is a symptom of such pathologies as:

• heart disease;
• , duodenitis, ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcer, cholecystitis;
• infectious diseases of the spleen or traumatic injury;
• neoplasms of organs in this area;
• diaphragm injury or hiatal hernia;
• on the left side, pleurisy, others pulmonary pathologies, involving the lower part of the left lung.

Stitching pain on exertion

The appearance of an attack of pain during significant physical activity should not cause great concern; most likely, this is the result of insufficient preparation of the body for training. For example, if there is a sharp stabbing sensation in the side while running, fast walking, jumping or performing other exercises, then the reason lies in too sudden a transition from a calm state to intense exercise.

The body simply did not have time to adjust to the new rhythm, and increased blood movement can provoke pain in the left hypochondrium. Before starting an intense workout, you need to do a preparatory warm-up for 10-15 minutes. If a person does not suffer from heart pathologies, for example, cardiomyopathy, then there is no need to be afraid of an attack of pain. It is enough to interrupt your classes, relax, take deep breaths several times, and normalize your breathing rhythm.

A simple technique for relieving such pain helps. You need to take a deep breath, and as you exhale, press your hand forcefully on the place where the pain is concentrated, and at the same time lean forward. Two or three such receptions, and everything will pass as if it never happened.

Besides, important role the depth of breathing plays a role. The habit of breathing shallowly does not allow the diaphragm to fully expand, which negatively affects overall well-being. Quite often a sharp attack of stabbing pain occurs while performing physical exercise started without warming up or immediately after a heavy meal.

If a person has eaten, he must wait at least an hour and a half so that the gastrointestinal tract has time to unload and does not create additional stress, which, together with the doubled speed of blood circulation, causes trouble.

Acute pain in the left hypochondrium after injury

If, after an unsuccessful fall, a strong blow or an accident, you feel severe acute pain when you inhale, then an injury to internal organs may have occurred, and this condition can be very dangerous.

Dagger cutting sharp pain

The appearance of an attack of sharp unbearable dagger pain on the left under the ribs, without apparent reason, is a reason for an emergency call emergency care. If the attack occurs suddenly and is not associated with physical activity, then most likely the lining of some internal organ has ruptured. Similar condition threatens internal bleeding or diffuse peritonitis. In this case, minutes count, so there is no time to have fun with home methods - you need to immediately call specialists for help.

Dull pain

A condition where pain in the left hypochondrium is constant, not pronounced, should be a cause for serious concern. The pain feels dull and spreads throughout the peritoneum. In the vast majority of cases, this means a chronic disease of any of the organs of the digestive system located in this area.

The condition is not urgent, but also urgent. It is imperative to be examined by a gastroenterologist so as not to miss a critical condition.

Classification of pain by mechanism of occurrence

Pain syndrome of the left hypochondrium is also distinguished by the mechanism of its formation. For a specialist, this is an indicator that clarifies the pathology and determines a damaged organ or a problem in the system. There are:

• Referred pain – this type pain occurs from suffering organs located in other parts, for example, liver pathologies, osteochondrosis, pleurisy.
• Visceral pain– pain arising from the inside due to pathological spasms of the intestinal muscles or impaired gastric motility. This type of pain syndrome occurs against the background of stretching of muscle fibers, caused by colic.
• Peritoneal pain– pain syndrome caused by irritation of the peritoneum in diseases such as perforation or stomach. This type of pain intensifies during deep breathing, intense or sudden movements. The pain feels sharp, sharp, cutting.

Pain in the left hypochondrium in front

In the case where the pain is localized in the left hypochondrium in the front, the suspicion is of pathology of the spleen or the anterior wall of the stomach. With such a picture of symptoms, doctors need to rule out myositis or colitis of the upper parts of the small intestine.

If pain in the front affects not only the left side, but is also localized closer to the center, concomitant pathology of the gallbladder or duodenum is assumed.

Pain on the left and behind

If there is pain in the left hypochondrium at the back, it means you are suffering left kidney. Usually the pain is quite pronounced and constant. In addition to kidney pathology, a similar type of pain occurs with osteochondrosis of the lumbar or thoracic. Kidney diseases are determined by ultrasound diagnostics and clinical analysis urine. And problems of the spine are shown by x-rays, although an experienced specialist can identify them by palpation.

Girdle pain on the left side

The nature of the pain, such as localization in the left hypochondrium with transition to the abdominal wall through the back, can only indicate an inflammatory process in the pancreas. The main symptom of pancreatitis is a burning pain in the left side under the ribs, covering the body in a circle. The attack subsides a little if the patient takes a forced position, sitting with the torso slightly tilted forward.

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Intercostal neuralgia

Neuralgic pathologies differ wide range symptoms. Pinched nerve endings and roots cause both localized and referred pain of the following nature:

• Shooting, burning, dull, sharp or piercing pain in or under the ribs on the left side.
• Increased pain occurs when changing body position, coughing, sneezing, or even taking a deep breath.
• During an attack, the patient feels stabbing pain in the chest area on the left side. The pain syndrome is accompanied by hyperhidrosis, hyperemia or pallor of the skin, and muscle spasms.
• The pain intensifies significantly when trying to press on the chest area, between the shoulder blades or along the spine.

Pain with intercostal neuralgia is felt not only in the left side under the ribs, but also in the lumbar region and under the left shoulder blade. Attacks of pain occur at any time of the day, last for a long period and are not relieved by any painkillers.

Spleen diseases

The spleen is small in size, but very important body internal secretion. This is a very sensitive blood filter, the largest unit lymphatic system and maximal conglomeration of endothelial tissue. Despite the fact that it can be quite difficult to recognize the enlargement of this organ during palpation, especially in people with excess body weight, its special location is close to the surface, which allows you to quickly recognize the disturbances by a pain signal.

The causes of spleen diseases are:

• infectious lesions,
• hemolytic anemia,
• immune complex disorders,
• injuries,
• infiltration,
• tumors.

Problems with this organ always have a clear effect severe symptoms, among which, in addition to pain in the left hypochondrium, are noted:

• headaches and muscle pain,
• increase in body temperature,
• increase in liver volume,
• signs of general intoxication and sore throat.

The most painful response is on the spleen traumatic injuries. If, when receiving a blow or falling, its shell ruptures, then pain on the left side is accompanied by blueness of the skin, localized in the umbilical region, pain radiating to the back and under the shoulder blades.

Diseases of the stomach and pancreas

The dietary habits imposed by the modern food industry have provoked an incredible surge in various diseases of the digestive system. Of these, the stomach and pancreas took the brunt of the attack.

Gastritis

The epithelial lining of the stomach is an acutely sensitive organ. She does not tolerate the influence of other people's irritants well and reacts sharply to them. And since today’s food products, for the most part, are oversaturated with chemicals, preservatives and dyes, gastritis (inflammation of the gastric mucosa) in modern world is a more common disease than syphilis in the 16th century.

The main manifestations of gastritis are:

• pain in the epigastrium and left hypochondrium,
• nausea and frequent vomiting,
• heartburn, feeling of heaviness and pressure from the inside,

The development of gastritis is accompanied by general weakness, increased irritability, impaired sensitivity in the extremities and clear signs of dyspepsia, among which constipation will be replaced by diarrhea.

Gastric ulcer

The formation of an ulcer on the wall of the stomach is expressed in symptoms similar to those of gastritis. The pain appears mainly after eating and is accompanied by severe heartburn, nausea, and often vomiting. The patient is constantly plagued by sour belching, loss of appetite and, as a consequence, pathological weight loss.

Pathologies of the pancreas

The most common disease of the pancreas is pancreatitis. This is an inflammatory process in the tissues of this organ, accompanied by severe pain in the left hypochondrium, spreading to the entire left side, epigastric region and lower back.

Pancreatitis quickly takes on a chronic form, when the pain becomes moderate, closer to aching and dull, and pathological process inside it becomes irreversible.

Gastrointestinal tumors

Malignant tumors are particularly insidious because long time it is impossible to recognize their formation. Even laboratory research, except for specific markers, cannot always show the real picture.

Therefore, any deviations from the normal state, be it general malaise, loss of appetite, anemia of unknown etiology, diarrhea, or diarrhea, should be a reason for a thorough examination. If pain syndrome appears against the background of general discomfort, then a visit to the oncologist can no longer be postponed. Moreover, today cancer is not a death sentence. Modern techniques allow you to cure this disease if you contact early stages tumor development.

Pathological conditions of the diaphragm

A pathology such as a hiatal hernia can cause characteristic left-sided pain. The diaphragm separates the abdominal organs from the organs respiratory system. The connection between the esophagus and the stomach is carried out through a special hole in the diaphragm, equipped with a sphincter, which does not allow food to penetrate back into the esophagus. The weakening of the muscles of this opening leads to the fact that not only part of the stomach contents is thrown back into the esophagus, but also upper sections stomach penetrate through this opening into chest cavity. In this case, the person not only has pain on his left side, but also has constant heartburn, nausea, etc.

Factors contributing to the development of diaphragmatic hernia are:

• obesity,
• pregnancy,
• exhausting physical activity,
• age-related changes.

In the event that the tissues of the upper part of the stomach are pinched in the open diaphragmatic hole, the pain takes on a sharp, acute character with localization in the left hypochondrium.

Pathologies of the cardiac system

Belly on the left side in the hypochondrium area with problems of cardiac activity is characterized by an aching character and is always accompanied by severe shortness of breath even without any exertion. In addition, with cardiac pathologies there is tachycardia, burning and heaviness in the chest, and sometimes nausea. If the movement of blood in the coronary artery is disrupted, the cause of pain in the left hypochondrium is coronary heart disease.

In addition to ischemia, a similar symptom accompanies diseases such as:

• cardiomyopathy,
• hypertension,
• angina pectoris.

This disrupts the functioning of the heart muscle, valve apparatus and blood vessels. As a result, the structure of the tissues of the heart muscle changes dramatically, which manifests itself fatigue and pain on the left side when moving and at rest.

Pain in the left hypochondrium often forces a person to consult a doctor. These pains can differ in nature (acute, aching, sharp), in intensity and in duration. To determine the cause of the pain, you need to undergo a comprehensive medical examination. Indeed, in the left hypochondrium several organs are located next to each other. The left hypochondrium is the area that is located under the lower ribs to the left of the middle of the abdomen.

The organs located precisely in this area are: the pancreas, spleen, left part of the stomach, left-hand side diaphragm, ureter, left kidney, large, small intestine. Any pathologies of internal organs, even if their location is in other areas of the body, can spread along nerve fibers and radiate to the left hypochondrium.

Causes of pain

The following main factors can be identified:

• diseases of the spleen, because in the presence of certain diseases, the spleen can increase in size, which provokes stretching of the capsule, and as a result, the appearance of pain;
• various manifestations of stomach pathologies (ulcers, gastritis), such pain is aching in nature, the patient in this case experiences nausea and vomiting, the pain is caused by foods that irritate the gastric mucosa, cause gastritis or indigestion;
• pain in the stomach can occur with a malignant tumor;
• if discomfort occurs in the upper left square, then it can be caused by a diaphragmatic hernia or tumor, which is located in the hole separating the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity;
• various diseases of the pancreas. First of all, pancreatitis, in which the pain is so severe that it “bends the person in half”, with chronic pancreatitis pain occurs after overeating, pain can also be caused by cancer problems arising in the pancreas;
• inflammatory processes in the left kidney or lung;
• pathologies of the small or large intestine;
• various cardiac pathologies (ischemia, angina, heart attack);
• osteochondrosis of the thoracic and lumbar region;
• inflammation of the female genital organs (appendages on the left side);
• during heavy physical exertion or consequences of operations, injuries (hematomas, cuts, stitches);
• with intercostal neuralgia.

Types of pain

To establish an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to characterize the symptoms of pain and the location of the pain.

Stitching pains under the left rib during physical activity. If discomfort occurs after fast running, jumping, or during training, then this does not pose any particular danger (if the person does not have heart pathologies), you just need to stop and relax.

Unexpected cutting or dagger pain, which does not depend on physical activity, can be provoked by a rupture of the spleen, perforation (through damage) of the intestines or stomach walls, an attack of acute pancreatitis or myocardial infarction. This person’s condition requires an immediate call to the emergency room and hospital treatment.

Acute pain may appear due to injury, fall, accident, which causes severe damage to internal organs.

Constant It's a dull pain can be triggered by the manifestation of duodenitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the walls of the duodenum), colitis (inflammation of the colon), stomach ulcers (this causes nausea and vomiting). In addition to diseases of the intestines and stomach, aching pain can be the first signal of cardiac ischemia, angina pectoris, or a pre-infarction condition.

Dumb pain that occurs from time to time may be a sign of intestinal and stomach ailments that are chronic: gastritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis. It is precisely such painful sensations that can lead to serious complications; they cannot be constantly relieved with painkillers; you need to see a doctor and undergo a normal course of treatment.

Painful sensations can also be classified according to the mechanism of occurrence:

• referred pain that occurs as an echo of a disease in distant organs (with myocardial infarction, left-sided pneumonia, pleurisy);
• visceral pain is usually triggered by intestinal spasms, impaired gastric motility, and stretching of muscle fibers;
• peritoneal pain is caused by irritation of the peritoneum (with perforated ulcer stomach), it is cutting and sharp, has a precise location, and intensifies with breathing.

Pain that manifests itself in the left hypochondrium in front may be a symptom of pathology of the spleen or damage to the tissues of the stomach; in such cases, a diagnosis is carried out that allows one to exclude a heart attack, myositis, or colitis.

In the case when the source of pain moves to the center, we can talk about stomach problems in combination with diseases of the duodenum and gall bladder.

The discomfort that occurs in the back can develop due to inflammation of the left kidney; this condition is characterized by severe cutting pain. In addition, pain in the back may indicate the presence of thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis.

Pain in the left hypochondrium in combination with girdle pain can be caused by an inflammatory process in the pancreas. The symptom of such pain is a girdle, burning pain, which can be relieved by bending forward in a sitting position.

Treatment

Only a specialist can establish a diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment; self-medication in this case is unacceptable. In case of acute pain, you should not take antispasmodics until the ambulance arrives, as the medications can blur the picture of the disease. The only thing you can do is impose cold compress to the location of the pain. The main thing is to go to the hospital immediately to avoid complications.

Pain in the left side under the ribs is a serious syndrome that should not be ignored under any circumstances. Pain is a normal reaction of the body to injury, physical overload, sudden movements, physiological changes, for example, during pregnancy. But, besides this, they can talk about more serious hidden phenomena that occur in the body. Pain syndrome can be associated with an inflammatory process or with pathologies of internal organs and systems. When identifying the main cause that caused painful spasms, it is important to take into account their nature, duration and exact location. If pain occurs, an examination of the body is necessary.

Character of pain on the side under the ribs

Depending on the characteristic features pain and the situations in which it manifests itself, we can guess which doctor you should see to make an accurate diagnosis.

• Stitching pain in the left side under the ribs, if they occur after serious physical activity, such as long running, walking at an accelerated pace, jumping, intense aerobic and strength exercise, do not pose a serious danger at all and occur in almost everyone healthy people. Typically, pain in this case is associated with insufficient warming up before exercise or with too intense movement. Without a good warm-up lasting at least 15-20 minutes, the body cannot prepare for a strong acceleration of blood circulation. Of course, there is no danger in this, but there is no benefit either, therefore, if such a situation arises, you need to stop doing the exercise, relax your arms and shoulders, start deep breathing and, during maximum exhalation, press on the painful area, bending forward, repeat this procedure several times , after which it is possible to continue playing sports. It may also start to sting on the side during cardio exercise if exercise occurs after a recent meal. After eating, you need to wait at least two hours, since the digestive system is loaded with digesting food, which is where pain occurs.
• Dagger, cutting, sharp pain in the left side under the ribs, which arose unexpectedly and was not related to physical activity, requires immediate medical intervention. It may be a symptom of rupture of the renal pelvis, spleen, perforation of small intestinal loops or stomach walls. In addition, such pain syndrome can be caused by the abdominal variant of the myocardium or acute.
• Strong pain after injury, in the event of its aggravation during inhalation, which appears after a fall, blow or car accident, may indicate the presence of severe damage to internal organs, which can be life-threatening. With this type of acute pain you need urgent help doctors
• Blunt pain in the left hypochondrium, if it sometimes bothers you for a long period of time, is also a reason for concern, because it can be caused by sluggish chronic pathology organs of the digestive system. In such a situation, a person may be sick, etc. To determine the presence of pathology, you must visit, undergo various examinations, get tested, do an ultrasound.
• Aching pain in the left side under the ribs may be a symptom of slow-flowing or duodenitis, but if this characteristic a feeling of nausea and vomiting is added, this may indicate a gastric ulcer. When nagging pain is not associated with the food system, it may indicate diseases such as pre-infarction condition, ischemic pathology hearts and .

Causes of pain in the left side under the ribs, depending on the location

When there is pain in the left side under the ribs in front, this often indicates an illness related to the spleen or stomach. In this case they do differential diagnosis with diseases such as myocardium, upper intestinal loops, myositis. If pain is shifted closer to the center, this may be due to a combination of pathologies of the stomach and gallbladder or duodenum.

With pain localized in the back, the left kidney is often affected; to diagnose this pathology, you need to do an ultrasound and donate urine and blood for analysis. In addition to kidney disease, pain in this place can be caused by palpation of the paravertebral processes.

If you experience girdle pain, this may be a symptom of a pathology in the pancreas - pancreatitis. During attacks of this disease, a sign initial stage inflammatory process is a strong burning pain, moving from the back to the anterior abdominal wall, which subsides a little when bending forward in a sitting position.

Causes of pain in the left hypochondrium and symptoms of possible diseases

According to statistics, pain under the ribs on the left is one of the most current reasons appeals to medical institution. But it is not always caused by heart disease. There are many organs located in this area, nerve fibers, lymph nodes, blood vessels and muscles, if their normal functioning is disrupted, then pain appears. As already mentioned, pain varies depending on the disease, it can ache, pinch, be sharp or cutting, strong or tolerable, constant or periodic with attacks of exacerbation, but any of its manifestations requires immediate reaction and action. Let's consider the pathologies that can cause pain in the left hypochondrium and what additional symptoms you need to pay attention to.

Spleen

The spleen is the largest lymphoid organ located above the stomach. Pain under the ribs on the left, which occurs constantly and is aching in nature, may be a consequence of the development of the disease in this body. Of course, the spleen is not one of the organs without which it is impossible to live, but any deviations from it normal operation can deliver severe discomfort. An increase in the size of the spleen can lead to its rupture and severe pain. The following symptoms indicate a splenic rupture:

• bluish skin in the navel area;
• nausea;
• occurrence ;
• increased sweating;
• dizziness.

What can cause a breakup:

• injuries and bruises;
• liver and kidney diseases;
• excessive physical activity;
• bearing a child and labor.

The cardiovascular system

Pain due to problems with the heart and blood vessels is typical different manifestations: they can be dull, sharp, piercing, stabbing, pressing, pulsating, burning and radiate to the shoulder and shoulder blade area on the left side. Almost all heart diseases cause a decrease in the supply of oxygen to the heart muscle, so a person quickly gets tired, has difficulty breathing, and often the burning sensation and nausea become unbearable. At the moment of myocardial infarction, a person’s heart begins to beat intensely and he lacks air; the pain is localized in the left side. Added to the described symptoms is that the person sweats a lot, hiccups and vomiting are possible, the face and lips become pale and take on a bluish tint, the pain in this case is concentrated in the upper left hypochondrium. When these symptoms appear, a person needs urgent hospitalization with intensive care.

Intercostal neuralgia

It is characterized by pain under the shoulder blade and in the lumbar region of varying strength and duration from sharp and short-term to aching and prolonged. This disease begins due to pinched nerve endings, which can occur with sharp turns of the body, inhaling too deeply, long and severe cough, under intense loads. Additional symptoms include feeling general weakness and ailments, headaches.

During pregnancy

If there is a nagging pain syndrome under the ribs in a pregnant woman, you should make sure that there are no pathologies such as pancreatitis, as well as a threat or ectopic pregnancy. In other cases, pain may occur due to displacement of internal organs or compression of the ureter and renal pelvis by an enlarged uterus. Also increased activity fetus may cause pain. To relieve tension, the “kitty cat” exercise helps, which temporarily reduces compression by changing position.

Note! In case of acute, sudden pain that lasts more than 15 minutes, with increasing intensity, which is accompanied by bleeding, weakness and dizziness, prompt medical attention is necessary.

Endocrine system

Pathological processes in the pancreas are often accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, a bitter taste in the mouth and belching, and the pain is girdling in nature and decreases after taking medications containing enzymes. If therapy is not started in time, the disease can become chronic, which, in addition to acute pain in the left hypochondrium, is manifested by general intoxication of the body, edema, and elevated temperature bodies.

Symptoms cancer in the gland for a long time may not manifest itself, but when the neoplasm becomes impressive in size, a strong bursting pain is felt on the left side under the ribs, and skin and the eyes become yellow color, as in .

Digestive system

In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, pain from the left side and abdomen often disturbs a person and appears mainly after a meal.

• presence of intoxication;
• state of weakness and malaise;
• increased sweating;
• nausea and vomiting.

With colitis, rumbling occurs, digestive disorders occur, pain in this case occurs in attacks, manifests itself in the form of spasms and colic and can spread to nearby areas. With a peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, a person feels acute dagger pain which begins after eating food, becomes unbearable, radiates from the back, is accompanied by high temperature and the occurrence of intoxication. If these symptoms occur, immediate hospitalization and surgical therapy are necessary, as this condition seriously threatens a person’s life.

Respiratory system

In left-sided cases with pleurisy, a dull, mild pain is felt in the left side under the ribs. At deep breaths and exhalations, coughing, making sudden movements, the pain is more pronounced and is accompanied by tingling. The patient also experiences shortness of breath, rapid breathing, a bluish color of the nasolabial triangle, hyperthermia, relief occurs after the person lies down on the left side.

Spinal diseases

Pain syndrome that appears in the left side under the ribs at the back when walking may be a consequence of diseases of the spine: intervertebral hernia. In case of uncomfortable body postures, after waking up or physical activity the pain often gets worse.

Problems with the spine can cause pain in the left side

Gynecology

At gynecological diseases in females, the pain is usually localized in the lower abdomen, but sometimes there may be a sudden, stabbing pain in the groin, radiating under the ribs on the left side, which most likely indicates a ruptured ovarian cyst.

Other symptoms are:

• the appearance of intoxication;
• an increase in temperature that cannot be brought down by medications;
• the appearance of uterine bleeding;
• low arterial.

If the listed signs are present, the injured woman requires urgent hospitalization and surgical care.

Treatment of pain in the left side under the ribs

If you experience any pain, you immediately want to take a painkiller. Many people try to drown out the pain and put off visiting a doctor, not taking the body’s calls seriously. To relieve pain, you can drink nitroglycerin, but these medications provide only short-term relief. With constant pain, as well as with ongoing attacks, it is important to immediately see a therapist, who, based on data about the location, nature of the pain and accompanying symptoms will refer you to a specialist with a narrow profile. Further examination and treatment are carried out by surgeons, gastroenterologists, traumatologists, endocrinologists, cardiologists and neurologists.

Important! In the event of sudden acute pain or pain lasting more than an hour, it is necessary to call an ambulance as quickly as possible in order to hospitalize the patient, since there is a high probability that he will need surgical intervention.

If there are serious pathologies, for example, myocardial infarction, acute pancreatitis or splenic rupture, you need to undergo treatment in a hospital. In all other cases, therapy can be carried out at home under the supervision of the attending physician.