Pain under the left rib at the back below. Diseases that cause pain. Acute and chronic pancreatitis
Hello dear readers. Surely, each of us at least once felt pain in the left side, which disappeared as suddenly as it appeared. It is one thing when the pain is temporary, and does not appear more than once. But if the periodic pain turns into a permanent one, then this already indicates an urgent need to consult a doctor. As a rule, we go to the hospital only when we no longer have the strength to endure pain. Sometimes such an indifferent attitude to one's health can lead to quite serious consequences. Therefore, you should pay attention to even minor pain, because, perhaps, this is how the body tries to tell us about the problem that has arisen.
Pain under the ribs on the left side may occur due to the development of some serious ailment, which is just beginning to develop. If you feel pain in this area, then you must act immediately, until the disease has become chronic.
Otherwise, it will be simply impossible to completely cure the disease, since it will simply develop into a chronic form.
It is unlikely that this arrangement will suit someone, therefore, when the first symptoms occur, it is important to contact a specialist in time. It is necessary to understand why there is pain under the left rib - causes and treatment.
What hurts in the left side under the ribs in front
Every time we feel any pain in this area, our instinct tells us that some kind of failure has occurred in one of the body's systems.
Although pain is present in the ribs themselves, the problem lies precisely in one of internal organs. That is, the pain simply reflects on different parts of the body.
So, it is in the upper left abdominal cavity organs that take an active part in the healthy functioning of the body.
What could be:
✔ Pancreas.
✔ Part of the stomach.
✔ Spleen.
✔ Bud.
✔ Diaphragm.
✔ Ureter.
✔ Lung.
✔ Bowel loops.
As you already understood, it will not be so easy to determine the disease, since it can affect absolutely any of the listed organs.
Of course, in this case, additional symptoms that indicate a malfunction in the work of a particular organ can help us.
Pain after eating
If you feel soreness immediately or some time after eating, then this may well indicate a malfunction. digestive system. More precisely, a similar symptom indicates the presence of gastritis.
The fact is that depending on the food we eat, the acidity of our stomach is constantly changing. An increase in its indicators leads to irritation of the walls of the stomach, which, in fact, causes such pain.
In addition to pain in the stomach, there is a feeling of nausea, up to vomiting. Increased acidity leads to heartburn, which irritates the lining of the esophagus, causing additional discomfort.
As you know, gastritis does not remain at the same stage, but constantly develops, developing into a peptic ulcer. Believe me, treating gastritis is much easier than trying to cope with an ulcer. Therefore, it is better to start treatment immediately, without waiting for the appearance of a stomach ulcer.
Pain when breathing and coughing
If you feel pain in your left side with a deep breath, then the problem is no longer in the digestive organs, but in the diaphragm. Such symptoms indicate the occurrence of a subdiaphragmatic abscess, which is characterized by particular pain.
The person may feel discomfort when coughing, sneezing, or deep breaths. Depending on the stage of the disease, pain may move from the hypochondrium to the left shoulder blade or supraclavicular region.
This pathology is quite easy to determine, since its main symptom is a fairly strong intoxication of the body, accompanied by fever. In this case, a person requires urgent hospitalization, since he cannot cope with such symptoms on his own.
The cause of this disease is a recent surgical intervention. It is this fact that helps the doctor quickly enough to make the correct diagnosis. Sometimes such an abscess can occur due to a previous injury to one and the internal organs.
Besides, subphrenic abscess may be one of the consequences of transferred peritonitis, which, as a rule, occurs due to rupture of the appendix.
The rib on the left side hurts when pressed
Before making any diagnosis, the doctor conducts an examination by palpation of the painful area of \u200b\u200bthe abdomen. If the patient feels severe pain when pressing on a disturbing place, then this may indicate intestinal obstruction.
It is this pathology that can cause an inflammatory process, the result of which, just, is severe pain. In addition, there is periodic bloating, accompanied by constipation or diarrhea. In the case of constipation, a person has intoxication of the body, which is characterized by nausea and vomiting.
If during a light pressure on the disturbing area, the pain becomes unbearable, then this may indicate a rupture of the spleen.
This phenomenon is characterized by intra-abdominal bleeding, which in turn is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- dizziness to loss of consciousness;
- a significant increase in heart rate;
- Availability " hard stomach»;
- Gradual decrease in pressure.
The child has
If there are any health problems, the baby immediately shows this with his reaction. In children aged 4 to 9 months, the most common cause of such pain is intestinal volvulus in the lower section.
It is most common in overweight children. Why does such a pathology occur? The fact is that the child's body is in a constant state of development, when most of its forces are spent on the growth process. Therefore, the body is constantly in a weakened state.
Eating foods containing high percent fiber, can only increase intestinal motility, which, precisely, leads to intestinal volvulus. Usually such a pathology requires urgent surgical intervention. But how to determine the disease yourself?
- The child becomes restless, starts to cry.
- The pain suddenly disappears, in connection with which, the baby calms down. He becomes playful and cheerful again.
- After some time, the pain returns, which we can understand from the behavior of the child.
- Later, the pain disappears again, but it is replaced by vomiting.
- Blood may be seen in the stool.
The condition of the child can change several times a day, so parents need to be extremely careful. If the baby gets worse, then better, then you need to call without hesitation ambulance.
This disease as a whole is quite dangerous, and it can cause particular harm to the child's body.
Causes of pain in the left hypochondrium
If it suddenly seemed to you that the pain that suddenly arose under the left rib left you forever, then you are deeply mistaken. Such manifestations do not disappear on their own, so expect their return soon.
A similar symptom indicates the presence in the body of a serious disease that requires urgent and competent treatment.
In addition to all these diseases, there are other diseases that can cause similar pain:
✔ Inflammation of the pancreas.
✔ Cholecystitis.
✔ Flatulence.
✔ Intercostal neuralgia.
✔ Ischemic colitis.
✔ Myocardial infarction.
Each of the diseases has characteristic symptoms that will not allow them to be confused with some other ailment. Of course, it is better not to guess, but to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Only in this way you can find out the exact diagnosis, and soon begin treatment.
Girdle pain under the ribs and in the back
If you feel pain in the left side of the torso under the ribs, after which the pain partially moves to the back, then this may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the pancreas.
Pancreatitis can hardly be confused with something, because only in this case there is such a strong girdle pain that a person is unable to endure it.
Bending over, a person tries to alleviate his condition as soon as possible, but this does not really affect the general condition.
Blunt pain
As a rule, muffled pain indicates the presence of a chronic disease in the body. Usually, few people pay attention to such pain, since it is quite easy to get used to it.
It could be an inflammatory process in one of the organs gastrointestinal tract which gets worse from time to time.
In fact, a person experiences discomfort all the time, sometimes without even noticing it. Such pain occurs with pancreatitis, cholecystitis or stomach ulcers.
A doctor who will conduct a detailed examination of the organs of this area of \u200b\u200bthe body will help you find out the exact diagnosis. The diagnosis is determined by ultrasound.
It is not worth delaying the examination, as different diseases develop at their own pace. Many of them can develop into more serious forms, the treatment of which can take much more time and effort.
stabbing pain
This type of pain can occur during a simple workout or serious strength training. This indicates that a poor-quality warm-up was performed.
That is, the body simply has not yet had time to prepare for such loads. That is why, before any sports, we allocate separate time to “warm up” the body.
If every time you run it tingles in your left side, then this is for you. normal phenomenon, and it does not carry any pathologies. You only need to rest a little, as the pain will disappear on its own.
But if you do not load yourself with such activities, but are at rest, then the piercing pain that suddenly appeared is definitely not an accident.
It indicates the presence of the following, rather serious diseases:
✔ Pneumonia of one lung (left).
✔ Malignant neoplasm of the lung.
✔ Tuberculosis.
✔ Pleurisy (inflammation of the pleura of the lung).
✔ Diaphragm inflammation.
It's a dull pain
Drawing pain in this area of the body is characteristic of inflammation of the duodenum. Such pain is present almost all the time, depriving a person of a normal life.
If a It's a dull pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting overall picture may change drastically. Such symptoms indicate the development of a stomach ulcer, and far from the initial stage.
The absence of signs indicating the presence of diseases of the digestive system may indicate the development of angina pectoris. In the event that the pain arose on the left, and concentrated not only under the ribs, but also above, then this condition can be called pre-infarction.
What to do if it hurts on the left under the ribs
If you experience such pain, first of all, you should consult a doctor. If the pain is accompanied by manifestations such as vomiting, fever or burning, then you need to urgently call an ambulance. You definitely cannot cope with such symptoms on your own.
While you are waiting for the arrival of paramedics, you need to sit on the couch in a position that is comfortable for you.
It is advisable to simply lie on your back, or right side, but lying on your stomach is strictly prohibited. And yes, you probably won't be able to.
Open windows and doors to let fresh air in the room. Quite often, people experience shortness of breath with such symptoms.
The following doctors can help make the correct diagnosis:
✔ Traumatologist.
✔ Gastroenterologist.
✔ Neurologist.
✔ Cardiologist.
Everyone knows this unpleasant feeling when you feel pain in one place, but do not know the reasons for its occurrence.
The unknown is always scary, so going to the doctor will be inevitable. Fighting an unknown disease on your own can only harm your body.
This symptom is insidious in that it is common to many diseases of completely different organs.
It is also not recommended to delay contacting a doctor, because any disease has the ability to develop, which means that your condition may worsen. Is it worth the risk?
The symptoms that accompany pain under the left rib, the causes, will help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis, so you should definitely take into account all the manifestations that arise.
general doctor.
Pain under the ribs is a very common symptom. Most often it occurs in the following pathologies:1. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract:
- diseases of the stomach and duodenum (gastritis, ulcers, stomach cancer);
- pancreatic diseases (acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreas cancer);
- gallbladder disease (acute and chronic cholecystitis, hepatic colic, biliary dyskinesia);
- liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis, neoplasms).
- hemoblastic pathologies (leukemias and lymphomas);
- hemolytic anemia;
- sharp infectious diseases(Infectious mononucleosis);
- septic conditions (bacterial endocarditis, septicemia);
- chronic infections (tuberculosis, malaria);
- immune disorders (systemic lupus erythematosus).
4. Subdiaphragmatic abscess.
5. Retroperitoneal hematoma.
6. Myocardial infarction (gastralgic form).
7. Lung diseases (right-sided lower lobe pneumonia, dry pleurisy, lung cancer).
8. Diseases of the urinary system (acute and chronic glomerulonephritis, acute and chronic pyelonephritis, urolithiasis).
9. Osteocondritis of the spine.
10. Violations of neuro-endocrine regulation (neurocirculatory dystonia).
A thorough analysis of the pain syndrome in conjunction with the accompanying symptoms, taking into account previously diagnosed diseases and the history of the onset of pain, will help determine which doctor to contact, and will allow a preliminary diagnosis to be made with sufficient accuracy.
Sharp pain under the ribs requiring emergency medical attention
Acute pain under the ribs in front in the middle with a perforated stomach ulcer and
duodenum
An unusually sharp pain under the ribs in the front in the middle is a characteristic symptom of a perforated ulcer of the stomach and duodenum. In medicine, it is called "dagger" pain, because patients compare their sensations to an unexpected stab in the stomach. The pain syndrome is so strong that the patient is forced to take a forced position: lying down with legs brought to the stomach. Initially, the pain is localized in the epigastrium (under the pit of the stomach), and then shifted under the right lower rib. Such migration is associated with the spread of gastric contents in the abdominal cavity. After a severe pain attack, a period of imaginary well-being begins, often leading to erroneous waiting tactics. If the patient does not receive adequate treatment, diffuse peritonitis develops, which can cause the death of the patient.
The history of the disease can help in the diagnosis. As a rule, patients have a long history of ulcers, and the perforation of the ulcer is preceded by a period of exacerbation of the disease. The exception is the so-called acute ulcers, which sometimes occur in the postoperative period after serious surgical interventions, with polytrauma, septic conditions, etc.
First aid for perforation of a stomach or duodenal ulcer consists in emergency transportation to surgery department hospital.
Sharp girdle pain under the ribs in acute pancreatitis
The first and main symptom of acute pancreatitis is a sharp girdle pain under the ribs, which, as a rule, occurs suddenly, quickly covers the entire upper half of the abdomen and radiates to the back under both shoulder blades. Another one salient feature- the intensity of pain does not change when coughing, inhaling, straining, changing the position of the body.The second will help in the diagnosis feature acute pancreatitis - nausea and repeated vomiting, which occurs both spontaneously and when trying to eat or drink a few sips of water. Pain after vomiting does not decrease, and sometimes even intensifies.
The pancreas contains many enzymes that, when it is inflamed, enter the bloodstream and cause severe intoxication, manifested characteristic symptoms: cyanosis (cyanosis) of the face, trunk and extremities, marbling of the skin of the abdomen, petechial hemorrhages on the lateral surfaces of the trunk and in the navel area. In extremely severe cases, collapse develops (a sharp drop in blood pressure), often leading to the death of the patient.
When making a diagnosis, it should be taken into account that, as a rule, acute pancreatitis develops after a heavy intake of alcohol in combination with fatty sweet foods (doctors often call the pathology a "holiday" or "New Year's" disease).
If acute pancreatitis is suspected, emergency hospitalization is required intensive care because delay is fraught with the death of the patient.
Severe pain under the lower right rib in front with acute cholecystitis and hepatic
colic
Acute pain under the lower right rib in front is the leading symptom of acute cholecystitis. The pain radiates to the back and up under the right shoulder blade, to the right supraclavicular region, and even to the neck. The pain syndrome, as a rule, is so intense that patients constantly rush about, trying to find a position that reduces pain. The clinical picture is complemented by severe fever, nausea and repeated vomiting, which does not bring relief. Often there is jaundice of the skin and sclera (eyeball proteins).
Acute cholecystitis - inflammation of the gallbladder, should be distinguished from an attack of hepatic colic that occurs when a gallstone moves along the duct.
Hepatic colic is also characterized by acute pain under the right rib with the same irradiation, but repeated vomiting and fever are usually not observed. An attack of hepatic colic lasts several hours, and goes away on its own. The pain syndrome is relieved by antispasmodics, while in acute cholecystitis they are ineffective.
If acute cholecystitis is suspected, emergency hospitalization in the surgical department is indicated.
Sharp pain when inhaling under the ribs in front in the middle with a subdiaphragmatic abscess
Sharp pain when inhaling under the ribs in front under the left or right rib may be caused by a subdiaphragmatic abscess.In such cases, the pain is quite intense, aggravated by coughing, sneezing, deep breathing, sudden movements, and makes the patient take a forced position (half-sitting in bed or lying on his sore side). The pain radiates under the scapula and into the supraclavicular region of the corresponding side.
Pain syndrome in subphrenic abscess, as a rule, is accompanied by severe fever and severe symptoms general intoxication of the body.
Significant assistance in the diagnosis of pathology will be provided by the fact that the most common cause of a subdiaphragmatic abscess is surgical intervention. Another common cause of pathology is trauma to the abdominal organs. Less commonly, a subdiaphragmatic abscess occurs as a complication of purulent processes in the liver and as a result of local peritonitis (acute cholecystitis, appendicitis, etc.).
Pain in the side under the ribs with severe injuries of the liver and spleen
Pain under the ribs is the leading symptom of severe liver and spleen injuries requiring emergency surgical intervention. Such injuries (ruptures and crush injuries) are typical for strong mechanical impacts (railway and car accidents, falls from a height, the collapse of weights on the body).Contribute to the rupture of the liver and spleen, some serious illnesses leading to a violation of the structure of the organ (enlargement of the spleen with leukemia, cirrhosis of the liver, etc.). In such cases, a rupture can occur even with a slight force of the traumatic factor.
A characteristic difference in the pain syndrome in severe damage to the liver and spleen is the symptom of "roll-up": the victim cannot be in a horizontal position, since the pain in this case increases many times over. This feature is due to the ingress of blood under the dome of the diaphragm, and irritation of the nerve endings located there.
In addition to pain under the ribs on the corresponding side (with rupture or crushing of the liver - on the right, with damage to the spleen - on the left), the clinical picture is supplemented by symptoms acute blood loss(pallor skin and visible mucous membranes, rapid pulse with reduced blood pressure, dizziness and weakness).
Separately, it is necessary to highlight the so-called two-stage ruptures of the liver and spleen. They occur in those cases when, during an injury, the parenchyma of the organ is torn, and the capsule remains intact.
The blood poured out from the affected area accumulates under the capsule and gradually stretches it. Then, as a rule, with a minor injury (a slight push, a careless turn in bed) or a slight physical effort (sometimes even when coughing or sneezing), the capsule ruptures, and the collected blood is poured into the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms of peritonitis. Bleeding from the damaged organ increases after the rupture of the capsule, so that a sharp fall is possible blood pressure and death of the victim.
The difficulty in diagnosing two-stage ruptures of the liver and spleen is that immediately after the injury, the victims feel relatively well, do not go to the doctors, and sometimes even do physical work, which is extremely dangerous in their position.
Pain under the ribs with two-stage ruptures of the liver and spleen increases gradually, sometimes there are mild signs of blood loss (shortness of breath with little physical exertion, weakness, dizziness).
At the slightest suspicion of damage to the liver and spleen, you should contact the surgical hospital for an additional examination, since the sooner the operation is performed to suture the torn organ, the better the prognosis.
Pain in the abdomen under the ribs in front with gastralgic form of myocardial infarction
Pain in the abdomen under the ribs in front occurs with the so-called gastralgic form of myocardial infarction. Such a clinical variant of the course of a heart attack is observed in 2-3% of cases, and indicates damage to the lower or lower posterior part of the left ventricle. Patients complain of pain and a feeling of support under the heart. The pain syndrome is often quite intense, the pain causes increased sweating and is accompanied by a fear of death, so that patients behave very restlessly.
Diagnosis of heart disease is complicated by the presence of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, painful hiccups, frequent stools. Because of this, patients are often misdiagnosed and prescribed inappropriate treatment.
Help in the diagnosis will be the presence of symptoms such as expiratory dyspnea (difficulty in exhaling), which increases with the movements of the patient, and central cardiac cyanosis (a puffy, yellowish-pale face with a bluish tinge, purple-blue lips).
The pain may radiate downward and cause protective tension in the abdominal muscles. Therefore, with this pathology, patients are often diagnosed acute appendicitis and prescribe life-threatening surgery.
However, in contrast to the "acute abdomen", pain in right-sided pneumonia does not have a clear localization, and the patient cannot name exact time occurrence of pain syndrome.
Other symptoms of pneumonia can be of great help in the diagnosis. Often the pain is preceded by one or more bouts of fever, which is not typical for abdominal catastrophes. Like all febrile diseases, pneumonia is accompanied by constipation, while diarrhea is more characteristic of pathologies that cause an "acute abdomen" picture. Often, with pneumonia, a very characteristic symptom is observed - flushing of the cheek or herpetic eruptions on the side of the lesion.
In addition, with abdominal catastrophes, the patient takes a forced position in bed, and with pneumonia, he can move, but often his movements increase shortness of breath. Shortness of breath and a pale bluish color of the nasolabial triangle is also a common sign of pneumonia and can be helpful in diagnosis.
And finally, for a preliminary diagnosis, a thorough history taking is necessary - pneumonia often complicates SARS.
If right-sided pneumonia is suspected, emergency hospitalization, additional examination and treatment in a hospital (therapeutic department) are necessary.
Pain under the ribs in chronic diseases
Dull aching or sharp pain under the ribs in front in the middle with chronic
diseases of the stomach and duodenum
The most common causes of dull or sharp pain under the ribs in the front in the middle are the following chronic diseases of the stomach and duodenum:
- gastritis type A (gastritis with high or normal acidity);
- stomach or duodenal ulcer;
- gastritis type B (gastritis with reduced acidity);
- stomach cancer.
Pain under the ribs in the front in the middle with gastritis with high or normal acidity
For gastritis with increased or normal acidity, the onset of pain on an empty stomach is characteristic, caused by irritation of the mucous membrane with gastric juice. One and a half to three hours after eating, the pain may increase due to mechanical impact on the inflamed mucosa, so patients with gastritis are advised to take mucous soups and other dishes that have a softening and enveloping effect.
In addition to pain under the ribs in front in the middle for gastritis with hyperacidity characterized by such a symptom as excruciating heartburn. On the part of the intestines, there is instability of the stool with a tendency to constipation.
Sharp pain under the ribs in front in the middle and under the left rib with peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum
With a stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer, a special cyclical pain is characteristic. Pain often occurs at night, while exacerbations of the disease are most often observed in spring and autumn. They can radiate left edge, in the back and lower back.
Often, to alleviate the pain syndrome, patients take a forced position: they squat, clasping their stomachs with their hands, press their stomachs against the edge of the table, or lie on their stomachs.
Just like with gastritis with high acidity, pain occurs on an empty stomach (especially for duodenal ulcers, “hunger pains” are characteristic) and 1.5-3 hours after eating. By the time interval between eating and the onset of pain, one can judge the location of the ulcer (the closer to the entrance to the stomach, the shorter this interval).
Provoke pain physical and nervous tension. Relieves - taking antacids (often patients use baking soda) and a heating pad.
In addition to sharp pain under the ribs in front and under the left rib, stomach and duodenal ulcers are characterized by heartburn and constipation, flatulence. With a long course of the disease, patients lose weight, they develop asthenic syndrome: weakness, irritability, and headache increase.
Aching pain under the ribs in front in the middle and on the left with gastritis with reduced acidity
For gastritis with reduced acidity, pain and a feeling of heaviness under the ribs in front in the middle or on the left, after eating, are characteristic. Vomiting in this case brings relief, therefore, in the old days, gastritis with reduced acidity was called "indigestion."
The disease proceeds with a decrease in appetite and a tendency to diarrhea. Also very characteristic is the eructation of sour, bitter or eaten food.
With significant malabsorption, there are general symptoms: weight loss, hyperhidrosis of the extremities, seizures around the mouth. Chronic anemia associated with vitamin B 12 deficiency may develop.
Sharp or aching pain under the ribs in front in the middle and on the left with stomach cancer
Pain under the ribs in front, in the middle and on the left with stomach cancer, as a rule, already appears on late stages diseases, with the germination of the stomach wall by the tumor and compression of the surrounding organs and tissues. The initial period often goes unnoticed.
suspect oncological cause pain is possible in the presence of so-called "small signs" that appear already on early stages diseases:
- weight loss;
- change in taste habits, picky attitude to food, aversion to meat;
- signs of anemia and early intoxication (yellowish-pale complexion, yellowness of the sclera);
- progressive weakness, general decrease in performance;
- psychological changes (depression, loss of interest in the surrounding reality, alienation, apathy).
Girdle pain under the ribs in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer
One of the leading symptoms of chronic pancreatitis is pain under the ribs in front, extending to the left and right hypochondrium. Often the pains are girdle in nature, and radiate to the back under the left and right scapula. Occurs after eating, especially sweet and fatty.A characteristic feature of the pain syndrome in chronic pancreatitis is the intensification of pain in a horizontal position lying on the back, so that patients during an attack try to sit, leaning forward.
In addition to a specific pain syndrome, chronic pancreatitis is characterized by pronounced signs of malabsorption of substances in the intestine - diarrhea, "fatty feces", sometimes meat fibers can be detected in the feces with the naked eye. As a result of insufficient income nutrients in severe cases, patients lose a lot of weight (sometimes up to 20 kg), vitamin deficiency and general exhaustion of the body develop.
Pain under the ribs at the back with kidney damage has two mechanisms. For acute or chronic inflammation an increase in the size of the organ occurs, which leads to stretching of the capsule. The pain in this case is constant, but they are not very intense, and most often have the character of a feeling of heaviness in the lumbar region.
At the heart of another mechanism for the occurrence of pain is a spasm of the smooth muscle muscles of the initial sections urinary tract. This pain is like renal colic, it is acute, paroxysmal, gives down to the groin and genitals, is removed by heat and antispasmodics.
Back pain under the ribs with osteochondrosis lumbar of the spine is caused by inflammation of the roots spinal nerves. In such cases, the pain spreads along the fibers of the corresponding nerves down to the buttocks, and outer surface thighs and lower legs.
Pain syndrome in osteochondrosis can also have a different character. Patients are often worried about aching pain after morning sleep or prolonged stay in one position. Another type of pain is shooting. They occur with sudden movements, and cause the patient to freeze for a long time in one position.
Feelings of discomfort and pain in the region of the left hypochondrium are a fairly common reason for patients to turn to medical care. Such phenomena can be different in their manifestations (aching, cutting, sharp, etc.) and in intensity, as well as in duration. To establish their cause, one visit to the doctor is not enough; additional examinations are required. This is due to the fact that in this segment of the body there are several organs, which, due to the pathological processes occurring in them, thus make themselves known.
Organs of the left hypochondrium
The left hypochondrium is the area located under the two lower ribs on the left side of the conditional middle of the abdomen. The following organs are located here:
spleen;
pancreas;
left side stomach;
diaphragm ( left-hand side);
small intestine;
the left kidney and its ureter, as well as ligaments.
In addition, there are some other types of pain in this area that are not directly related to the above organs. They are the result of diseases of the internal organs in other areas of the abdomen or parts of the body and spread throughout nerve fibers(see below).
Causes of pain in the left hypochondrium
The main causes of pain in the hypochondrium on the left are as follows:
diseases of the stomach, most often - an ulcer,;
diseases of the pancreas -;
diseases of the spleen;
pathology of the left kidney;
diseases of the small and large intestines.
Also, no less rarely, pain in this area can be caused by:
inflammatory processes of the diaphragm, its hernias and tumors;
intestinal perforation;
strangulated renal cyst;
injuries of internal organs - rupture or hematoma of the spleen, fractures of the ribs, rupture of the kidney, rupture of the ligaments of the kidney.
Surgical intervention is often unavoidable in such situations to save the patient's life.
Dull, aching pain
This type of pain can occur in many cases, most often associated with the chronic course of diseases of the organs of the left hypochondrium. These include chronic forms of gastritis, stomach ulcers, pancreatitis and colitis or duodenitis. Also coronary heart disease and pre-infarction condition often carry such a pain syndrome.
With this nature of pain, the patient often does not go to the doctor in time and adapts to them. As a result, processes that lead to the destruction of organs or irreversible degradation of tissues occur in the body for a long time without treatment, which threatens to lose the functions of the entire organ and the need to perform operations over time.
In medical practice, people often complain of dull, aching pain in case of chronic form gastritis. In this case, the patient especially experiences pain in the left hypochondrium on an empty stomach or after eating. He has a reduced appetite, and rapid fatigue appears. Timely treatment and adherence to a certain diet helps to cope with the disease. If the disease does not remain for a long period without taking adequate therapeutic measures, serious pathological processes leading to oncology.
In addition to these diseases, this nature of pain is inherent the following diseases:
enteritis (inflammation of the intestines);
inflammatory processes of the appendages;
oncology of the pancreas or liver, spleen;
oncology of the left lung;
In intestinal pathologies and stomach ulcers, pain usually also occurs after eating or on an empty stomach, there is severe flatulence, bloating, sometimes vomiting with blood or nausea. These manifestations can disturb at night.
In any of the above cases, it is important to know that the sooner medical examination about the reasons for this species pain, the more effective the treatment will be and the faster the recovery period will come.
The spleen is located on the left side of the abdomen under the ribs. This organ is difficult to palpate, but it is precisely its lesions that can cause pulling pain. This is usually observed when it increases in size against the background of sluggish infectious () and autoimmune processes (for example, red).
Also, this nature of pain is observed in the case of hepatitis. With a long-term form chronic hepatitis along with pulling constant or periodic pain, both on the right (more often and more intensely) and on the left, a person has symptoms such as a complication of the condition when eating fatty foods, heaviness inside the abdomen, and an increase in the size of the liver. If left untreated, it can lead to cirrhosis of the liver.
stabbing pain
Another type of pain that occurs in the region of the left hypochondrium is stabbing pain. They are usually associated with various diseases of the left kidney. Usually these are the following ailments:
pyelonephritis.
Pain in this case appears in the back or side and can be transmitted to the hypochondrium. At the same time, there is an increase in body t, nausea, frequent urge to urinate and its soreness, general weakness. Very strong stabbing pains can be associated with the presence of large stones in the organ or the beginning of their movement. In this case, an operation is necessary.
With a not very pronounced nature of pain, apply conservative methods treatment. However, in any case, an appeal to a specialist is required.
Throbbing pain
Such a dangerous disease as pancreatitis very often causes pain in the left hypochondrium and their character is similar to a strong pulsation. Along with pain symptoms there is vomiting of bile, fever, chills, sweating, swelling of the extremities. The patient tries to find a comfortable position that reduces pain. He leans forward or sits down. This disease is very dangerous and can go into sharp shape when immediate medical attention is required.
Pain in women
Women during various physiological processes (pregnancy, premenstrual period) may also experience pain in the area of the left hypochondrium.
During pregnancy, especially in the 2nd or 3rd trimester, when the fetus is already large enough, its natural pressure on the internal maternal organs occurs. As a result, periodic pain appears.
If the woman's body produces increased amount female sex hormones in anticipation of the onset of menstruation, which act on the bile ducts, causing them to spasm. In this case, there may be sensations of pain under the right rib, spreading to the left side of the abdomen, there is bitterness in the mouth and a feeling of nausea. Consultation with a gynecologist in this case will help to choose the right measures to prevent such phenomena.
Pain caused by diseases of the heart and blood vessels
With diseases of the heart and vascular system, and in particular with vegetative dystonia and angina pectoris, there are also pains in the left hypochondrium region. In the case of dystonia, this is due to a violation of the mechanism for maintaining the tone of blood vessels, and in the case of angina pectoris, heart pain is given to this area.
The nature of the pain in these cases can be dull, and stabbing, and aching. Patients usually find it difficult to describe such phenomena, because they are both prolonged and paroxysmal with indistinct localization. During the research, typical diseases of the organs located in this area of the hypochondrium are not detected, and the person is sent for examination to a cardiologist or neurologist.
Sometimes perfectly healthy people or children during active physical activity(sports, intensive work) experience pain in the left hypochondrium. This usually happens when a person has a low level of preparation for these activities. Mechanism this phenomenon is such that under the influence of the load, the level of blood circulation in the body increases sharply.
In response to all this blood vessels increase in diameter, including the right vena cava passing next to the liver, and starting to put pressure on it. As a result, a pain of a stabbing character appears on the right, which is transmitted to left hypochondrium. After a short time after the cessation of exposure, the pain reaction disappears on its own and does not require any curative measures. Many schoolchildren are faced with such manifestations during cross-country races or passing sports standards.
Sometimes such pain can also appear with sudden movements or tilts of the torso. This is due to the contact of the internal organs with the surface of the rib and, accordingly, the protective reaction of the body in the form of pain.
Measures for pain
If the diagnosis has not yet been established, and the pain is disturbing, it is necessary to seek help and advice from a therapist who will conduct primary studies and determine the patient's next steps.
Of course, each specific type of pain requires an appeal to a specific specialist:
-
gastroenterologist;
endocrinologist;
cardiologist;
gynecologist;
urologist, etc.
There are cases that require emergency medical care with hospitalization. In other words, when an emergency ambulance call is required:
First of all, these are sharp, sudden pains.
Secondly, it is the aching nature of the pain for an hour.
Thirdly, these are stabbing pains for more than 30 minutes that appear when moving.
Fourth, dull pains with nausea and vomiting of blood.
Any self-treatment measures for left-subcostal localization of pain, without establishing their diagnosis, are unacceptable, as they can aggravate the course of the disease and lead to complications. Under a special ban are such a popular procedure among people as warming. Also, you should not use antispasmodics before consulting a specialist. They can dull the pain and break clinical picture as well as symptoms of the disease.
The only thing that can be applied in the event of such pain manifestations is the imposition of cold on this area (ice or cold compress).
Education: Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry (1996). In 2003 he received a diploma from the educational and scientific medical center of the presidential administration Russian Federation.
0 1455617
Photo gallery: Pain under the left rib in front and behind: causes and concomitant symptoms
Pain in the left side under the ribs can be caused by various reasons associated with diseases/injuries of the abdominal organs and chest. The priority task of diagnostics is to determine the exact localization of the pain syndrome, which in 80% of cases suggests the presence of pathology in a particular organ. The left half of the abdomen combines three segments: iliac, hypochondrium and lateral. Pain that appears in the projection of these areas, in clinical medicine commonly referred to as "pain under the left rib".
What is under the left rib in a person?
Left hypochondrium - an area located on the left side of the center of the abdomen under the two lower ribs. Here are: small intestine, spleen, part of the stomach, pancreas, large intestine, diaphragm, kidney with ureter. Pain is a combination of physiological and mechanical causes that provoke a failure of the blood supply to a certain part of the organ. The first is a violation of trophism (processes that ensure the safety of the function / structure of fiber), the second is swelling of the tissue due to inflammation, which leads to infringement of nerve receptors, the third is damage to nerves / tissues due to external influences, the fourth is a change in the mucous membranes due to the influence of pathogenic microorganisms.
Pain under the left rib - characteristics:
What can hurt under the left rib?
Pain under the ribs is a non-specific symptom, therefore, it is necessary to take into account all its indirect manifestations and features of the clinical course of the disease: development, nature, intensity, duration, conditions of amplification / relief, prevalence.
Pain under the left rib - pathology of the spleen:
Pain under the left rib - problems with the diaphragm
If it hurts under the rib, the cause may be associated with the formation of a diaphragmatic hernia. The diaphragm, which acts as a barrier between the chest and abdominal cavities, has an opening designed for the passage of the esophagus. When the muscle tissue that controls the parameters of the opening weakens, it expands, which makes it possible to exit the upper gastric department outside the peritoneum chest cavity. Diaphragmatic hernia is characterized by constant aching pain in the left side, heartburn, nausea. When the stomach is pinched, a sharp and acute pain syndrome occurs under the left rib.
Cardiac pathologies:
- cardiac ischemia. It is based on a failure of the blood supply to the heart muscle due to damage coronary arteries. Ischemia is accompanied by nausea, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, heaviness in the chest, aching pain under the ribs;
- cardiomyopathy. A group of diseases of the heart muscle, in which the structure changes and its work is disrupted. Pathology is not associated with arterial hypertension, valve apparatus, vessels. Soreness under the rib most often appears against the background of physical activity. It is combined with rapid fatigue, weakness, increased heart rate.
Rheumatic diseases of the spine:
-
severe pain in the side under the rib can cause mechanical causes. Injury to cartilaginous, bone, soft tissues occurs during external physical influences (shocks, falls). Injuries happen varying degrees severity - from a slight bruise to fractures / cracks in the ribs that can lead to rupture of internal organs.
Neuralgia
Intercostal neuralgia appears when the intercostal receptors are squeezed / irritated. The pain is characterized by a wide range of manifestations: paroxysmal, dull, piercing, sharp, burning. Accompanied increased sweating, reddening of the skin, muscle twitches, aggravated against the background of sudden movements, coughing, sneezing, radiates to lumbar region and under the shoulder blade.
Diseases of the pleura/lungs:
Diseases of the pancreas:
- pancreatitis. A typical manifestation of acute pancreatitis is intense pain in the left side in front and in the epigastric zone. With pancreatitis, constant and pronounced pain sensations are noted, which are accompanied by vomiting of a “fountain” with an admixture of bile that does not bring relief. Enlargement and damage to the head of the organ causes obstructive jaundice, combined with lightening stool, dark color urine, yellowing of the skin. The chronic process is characterized by aching dull pain under the ribs, temperature fluctuations, nausea, bitterness in the mouth;
- pancreas cancer. Does not give other symptoms, except for intense and prolonged pain under the ribs and in the middle of the abdomen, therefore malignant neoplasm most often found only in the last stages.
Pain under the left rib - diseases of the stomach:
Pain under the rib below
Pain in the side below - a constant and earliest symptom intestinal obstruction. Pain sensations arise suddenly, "out of the blue" - they are not preceded by any precursors and do not depend on food intake. Cramping attacks are repeated every 15-20 minutes, the progression of the disease leads to subsidence acute pain, which is a poor prognostic sign, since it indicates a stop in the peristaltic activity of the intestine.
Pain under the rib at the back
Pain that occurs behind the rib indicates the presence of pathologies of the left kidney:
Pain in the left hypochondrium from behind can also appear with myocardial infarction, for which a “wandering” pain syndrome is typical, radiating to left hand, neck, under the shoulder blade, left side. Other symptoms: fainting, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea.
Pain under the ribs, not associated with diseases
Soreness in the side can periodically appear during intense physical exertion - this occurs when the body is not sufficiently prepared for excessive stress, which rapidly increases the level of blood circulation: the vessels, including the right vena cava, increase in diameter, provoking stabbing pain on the right, radiating to the left hypochondrium. Sometimes pain occurs with sharp torso tilts / movements - this is due to the contact of the surface of the left rib with the internal organs.
Diagnosis and treatment
Pain under the left rib is a dangerous symptom, so any self-treatment measures are unacceptable, as they can lead to complications and aggravate the clinical picture of the disease. The left femoral localization of the pain syndrome requires mandatory consultation with specialized specialists - a gynecologist, a traumatologist, an infectious disease specialist, a gastroenterologist, and a surgeon. Most patients with pain under the ribs require urgent medical attention, often with subsequent hospitalization. If the pain is pronounced, does not subside within 25-30 minutes - this is a reason for immediate treatment in the hospital.
Pain sensations that are localized on the left side in the area of \u200b\u200bthe ribs and under them are not specific. They can act as symptoms of various diseases of the internal organs, nervous system. In the diagnostic field, pinpointing the nature and location of the pain can help the physician determine the cause of the pain.
What hurts in the left side under the ribs in front
In cases where the left hypochondrium hurts, this does not indicate problems specifically with the ribs, but pathological conditions internal organs. In this area of the body are the following internal organs, which can cause pain under the left rib in front:
- bowel loops;
- spleen;
- part of the stomach
- bud;
- ureter;
- the left side of the diaphragm;
- pancreas;
- lung.
After meal
If at first, immediately after the meal, the stomach hurts on the left under the ribs from the food eaten, this indicates the development of gastritis. The intensity of sensations changes due to the acidity of the stomach at a particular moment. Any fluctuations in the concentration of a substance enhances the irritating effect on the mucous membrane, leading to painful sensations. It causes heartburn, nausea, vomiting. In advanced cases, it develops peptic ulcer stomach, in which pain appears immediately after eating.
When inhaling and coughing
In cases where the left side hurts when breathing, as a rule, a subdiaphragmatic abscess is diagnosed. The nature of the pain is intense, decreases when lying down or half-sitting, increases during deep breathing, coughing, sudden movements or sneezing. Pain under the rib can sometimes shift to the supraclavicular region, under the scapula of the same side. As a rule, such a pathology is accompanied by symptoms of intoxication of the body, severe fever.
In most cases, subdiaphragmatic abscess occurs after surgical interventions(cavitary operations), which simplifies the diagnostic process. Less often, the cause is trauma to the internal organs of the abdominal cavity, and sometimes an abscess is a consequence of a complication of purulent liver processes as a result of peritonitis (appendicitis, acute cholecystitis, others).
The rib on the left side hurts when pressed
Intestinal obstruction causes an inflammatory process, due to which the left hypochondrium hurts. Unpleasant sensations are aggravated by pressing. Pain is accompanied by bloating, diarrhea or constipation. Nausea, vomiting, symptoms of intoxication of the body are characteristic. Increased pain in the left side below the ribs when pressed indicates in most cases a rupture of the spleen. Along with such manifestations, the following signs of intra-abdominal bleeding are observed:
- dizziness;
- increased heart rate;
- muscle tension in the wall of the peritoneum;
- pressure drop.
The child has
The cause of pain under the left rib in front in babies aged 4-9 months is diverticulitis (intestinal volvulus, lower section). Diagnosed in overweight children. It is a pathology when one intestinal tube enters the lumen of another. The course of the disease has the following chronology:
- The child begins to show anxiety.
- He folds his legs, writhing and crying.
- Suddenly the pain on the left side stops and the child continues to play, calms down.
- After a short period of time, the attack is repeated.
- After the repeated cessation of symptoms, vomiting begins.
- At the same time, the child's stool is normal at first, but later an admixture of blood appears.
Causes of pain in the left hypochondrium
It is not worth ignoring the condition when it hurts under the ribs in the center or on the left front, even if discomfort passed. This symptom indicates a serious disease that needs to be treated. timely diagnosis and treatment. Clinical practice indicates the following common causes:
- diverticulitis;
- pancreatitis, chronic, acute inflammation of the pancreas;
- stomach ulcer;
- chronic myeloid leukemia;
- glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis;
- diaphragmatic hernia;
- flatulence;
- intercostal neuralgia;
- ischemic colitis;
- splenitis, splenomegaly, rupture of the spleen;
- vegetative crises;
- myocardial infarction, pericarditis, smiocarditis, angina pectoris;
- in women during pregnancy, the volume of the broncho-pulmonary system expands.
Girdle pain under the ribs and in the back
If pain occurs under the rib on the left front, which later begin to give to the back, indicate the development of an inflammatory process of the pancreas (). The main symptom of this disease when it occurs is a very strong, burning girdle pain, dulled if a person bends the body forward or takes a sitting position.
Stupid
On the left side, dull, spreading pain under the ribs in front is provoked by sluggish chronic, inflammatory diseases GIT. There are unpleasant sensations periodically, but regularly and for a long time. In most cases, this indicates pancreatitis, cholecystitis, an ulcer, or gastritis. To confirm or exclude these diseases, you should visit a gastroenterologist to prescribe the necessary laboratory tests, ultrasound or procedures.
stabbing
Stitching pain on the side under the left rib during training, power loads indicates that insufficient warm-up was carried out. The body did not have time to prepare for an increase in blood circulation, so such sensations during training should not cause much concern. They pass quickly, have no consequences. If the stabbing pain turns into a dagger without special reasons, this may indicate the development serious illness:
- left-sided pneumonia;
- cancerous tumor lung;
- pleurisy;
- inflammation of the left side of the diaphragm.
aching
A symptom of sluggish duodenitis (inflammation of the duodenum), is a constant pulling, aching pain on the left below the ribs in front. When these symptoms are accompanied by vomiting and nausea, it indicates a stomach ulcer. If there are no other signs of gastrointestinal diseases, then angina pectoris, coronary heart disease, a pre-infarction condition without obvious painful manifestations in the chest area can be diagnosed.
What to do if it hurts on the left under the ribs
Even if there is a rapidly passing pain in front of the left under the ribs, below, in the navel or in the center, which is accompanied by burning, vomiting, fever, you need to call an ambulance. As the first urgent action you can help the person lie down on the bed, open the window and the door to increase access fresh air. It is forbidden to carry out self-administration of drugs that can complicate the determination of the root cause of the disease. They can diagnose and prescribe treatment in case of pain under the left rib the following doctors:
- traumatologist;
- gastroenterologist;
- surgeon;
- neuropathologist;
- infectious disease specialist;
- cardiologist.
Video about pain under the ribs on the left side