Constant aching pain under the left rib. Dull aching or sharp pain under the ribs in front in the middle with chronic diseases of the stomach and duodenum. Girdle pain combined with pain on the left

Pain is the main indicator that something is not right in the body. If you feel it, it means that some kind of pathology is developing inside, which must be treated immediately. Often, pain in the left side is attributed to heart disease.

Such pain will be of a cardiac nature only if it is burning and radiates to the arm or shoulder blade.

In other cases, it is not a heart problem at all. To consider in more detail the classification and causal relationship of pain in the region of the rib, mono after reading this article.

Common causes that cause pain under the left rib

You may have spleen problems. It is located under the lower left rib in the upper left abdominal cavity very close to the surface of the body. Most often, the pain is caused by an enlarged spleen due to any disease. Such an increase can lead to rupture of the organ. Main symptom gap - blue skin around the navel.

The following diseases can lead to rupture of the spleen:

severe abdominal trauma;
inflammation of the spleen due to infectious diseases;
spleen infarction caused by malnutrition;
glandular fever.

A rupture of the spleen can be a sign of a sudden attack cutting pain. If you are overtaken by such an attack, immediately call an ambulance.

The cause of severe pain, which is also accompanied by nausea and vomiting, can be the stomach.

Diseases that can cause pain:

gastritis - dull pressing pain;
ulcer - aching, sharper character;
malignant education;
functional dyspepsia that occurs when hypersensitivity the walls of the stomach to stretch, the pain can take on a different character;

If you have such pain, you need to contact a gastroenterologist as soon as possible.

The pancreas can also become the epicenter where pain originates. . This organ is located in the upper left part of the abdomen behind the spleen, leaving in left side. In diseases of the pancreas, a dull enveloping pain is characteristic.

More often sharp pain under the left rib occurs during attacks of pancreatin. This discomfort may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever.

Pain under left rib in front

Pain that has settled in the left hypochondrium in the superficial part may indicate diseases of the spleen or stomach.

If the pain is dull, aching in nature, does not always torment you, but only periodically, then we can assume that this is inflammation of the spleen in initial stage.

Also, pain under the left rib may indicate a diaphragmatic hernia. In this case, the pain is sharp. Such pain is aggravated by movements of the body, breathing.

The left rib can also give pain from the gallbladder when it is displaced.

Most dangerous disease, which gives to left hypochondrium is a myocardial infarction. In any case, urgent hospitalization is required for the treatment of these diseases.

Heart pain can only be burning and no other. Causes of heart pain:

heavy physical labor;
obesity;
age-related changes in the body;
pregnancy.
myocardial infarction;
increased blood pressure;
atrial fibrillation, plain language- knocking down the rhythm of the heart, when the pressure drops, and the pulse quickens.

Pain under the left rib at the back

Pain behind the ribs may be a symptom cardiovascular disease. Such pain is characteristic of angina pectoris, aortic aneurysms, pericarditis and myocardial infarction.

As already mentioned, myocardial infarction is a very serious disease that can manifest itself both in front and behind the left rib. But most often it simultaneously gives back and forth: the pain goes to the back shoulder blade, side, neck. In addition to a sharp pain in the left rib, myocardial infarction will also manifest itself with cold, sticky sweat, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fainting.

Pain in the left side with kidney pathology

Unpleasant sensations from the side of the left rib may indicate the presence of a disease of the left kidney. Pyelonephritis - inflammatory disease kidneys caused by bacterial infections.

The pain is aching and dull in nature, can occur only periodically. In addition to such pain with pyelonephritis, there is also:

intoxication syndrome;
general weakness;
chills;
increase in body temperature;
nausea.

If such pain bothers you for more than two days and does not weaken, this is a reason to call an ambulance and insist on immediate hospitalization.

Causes of aching pain in the region of the left rib

Strange pain from which painkillers do not help - it occurs due to different reasons and requires immediate treatment.

When the back often hurts on the right above the lower back, it is worth thinking about the causes of the pain.

Aching pain on the left under the ribs, signals a variety of symptoms, find out all about the causes of aching pain.

Stitching pain under left rib

The cause of stabbing pain under the left hypochondrium may be the onset of stretching of the spleen capsule, when the pain becomes stronger during physical exertion, active movements, and overstrain. However, that's not all.

A stabbing symptom may be associated with a disease such as myeloid leukemia. This disease is not clinically manifested in the initial stage and can be determined by the study of blood serum.

With myeloid leukemia, the spleen, which is responsible for recreating leukocytes, suffers, inflammation of the spleen develops, manifested by heaviness in the hypochondrium and tingling after eating. With an advanced disease, a seal is clearly palpable under the left rib.

Unpleasant sensations in any area of the epigastrium can indicate the development of many diseases and pathological conditions. If pain occurs in the left hypochondrium, people suspect a malfunction of the spleen or pancreas. Sometimes these assumptions are justified, but there are other ailments that cause discomfort in this area.

Why does it hurt on the left under the ribs?

It is easier to find out the factors that provoke the described symptom after clarifying its localization and nature. The cause of pain in the left side under the ribs may be the defeat of the following organs:

stomach;
bud;
spleen;
pancreas;
intestines;
liver;
heart;
appendages in women;
bladder;
spine;
lung;
nerve bundle between the ribs;
diaphragm.

Pain in the left hypochondrium on the side

The most innocuous cause of discomfort in the area under consideration is dietary errors. Short-term pain in the left hypochondrium can occur after drinking alcohol, too fatty and spicy foods, overeating, especially on the eve of sleep. It is often accompanied additional features- nausea, lack of appetite, weakness and drowsiness.

Pain in the left side under the ribs on the side, at the level of the navel or waist, sometimes indicates serious diseases and dangerous conditions:

enlargement, rupture of the spleen;
inflammation of the ureter;
bleeding in the abdominal cavity;
education ;
sexually transmitted infections;
mechanical injury, bruise.

Pain in the left hypochondrium in front

If the discomfort is localized in the indicated zone, it can also be caused by an improper diet or physical overexertion. In other cases, pain in the left side under the ribs in front signals the progression of the following pathologies:

intestinal obstruction;
colitis;
stomach ulcer;
malignant neoplasms in the digestive system;
ovarian cyst;
acute pancreatitis;
gastritis;
damage or hernia of the diaphragm;
spleen infarction;
pleurisy;
tuberculosis;
left-sided pneumonia;
intercostal neuralgia;
duodenitis;
enteritis;
enlargement of the spleen against the background of infections, rheumatoid arthritis, anemia, leukemia;
angina;
myocardial infarction.

The lumbar region often "suffers" after intense physical exertion, especially weight lifting and running. Pain in the left side under the ribs from behind is the main symptom of kidney and bladder lesions. Its cause may be:

pyelonephritis;
glomerulonephritis;
the presence of stones (stones);
omission of the kidney (nephroptosis);
hydronephrosis;
cystitis;
uric acid diathesis;
kidney failure.

Other factors that provoke pain in the left hypochondrium closer to the lower back:

osteochondrosis;
myalgia;
inflammation of the lung;
pancreatitis;
rheumatism;
neuralgia;
pleurisy;
sciatica;
rupture of the spleen;
inflammation of the pancreas;
oncological tumors;
flattening of the intervertebral disc;
hernia;
pregnancy.

Pain in the left hypochondrium when inhaling

The occurrence of unpleasant sensations during breathing is more often explained by such pathologies of the lungs, bronchi and diaphragm:

pneumonia;
hernia;
abscess;
bronchitis;
tuberculosis.

Sometimes pain in the left side under the ribs when inhaling signals the following problems:

intercostal neuralgia;
chronic heart disease during an exacerbation;
arrhythmia;
angina;
cardiomyopathy;
kidney inflammation;
osteochondrosis.

Pain in the left hypochondrium after eating

The appearance of discomfort against the background of eating is always associated with a violation of the organs. gastrointestinal tract. Pain in the left hypochondrium is usually felt after drinking alcohol, fatty and fried foods, overeating. Such nutrition is an excessive load on the pancreas and spleen, causing excessive secretion of bile.

If it regularly hurts on the left under the ribs after eating, and there are additional symptoms (nausea, vomiting, fever, and others), the following conditions may be the causes:

stomach or duodenal ulcer;
gastritis;
enterocolitis;
pancreatitis.

The nature of the pain

To clarify the preliminary diagnosis, it is necessary to determine the intensity and quality of the described symptom. Strong pain in the left hypochondrium is often a signal of acute inflammation and requires immediate hospitalization. Weak, but constant, debilitating discomfort indicates a sluggish pathological process in a chronic form.

With such a character clinical manifestation most people adapt to the unpleasant sensations, and endure them, delaying the visit to the doctor. Aching pain in the left hypochondrium - a frequent companion chronic pathologies digestive and urinary system:

colitis;
pyelonephritis;
gastritis;
colitis;
enteritis;
ulcers of the stomach, intestines;
pancreatitis;
cholecystitis;
duodenitis.

These diseases are accompanied by other signs:

nausea;
weakness;
fast fatiguability;
stool disorders;
lack of appetite;
rarely - vomiting.

Sometimes nagging pain in the left side under the ribs indicates the progression of other ailments not related to digestion:

preinfarction state;
ischemia of the heart;
inflammation of the appendages;
oncology of nearby organs, lung;
enlargement of the spleen;
cirrhosis of the liver.

Sharp pain in the left side under the ribs

An intense, unbearable syndrome is a symptom of a strong inflammatory process. Sharp pain in the left side under the ribs, which occurs during a deep breath or fast, rapid movements, is considered a sign of intercostal neuralgia. Discomfort disappears after changing the position of the body, but returns almost immediately. It is difficult for a person to breathe, there may be a feeling of fear, panic.

stabbing pain in the left side under the ribs always accompanies serious damage to organs against the background of mechanical injuries. In such a situation, it is important to immediately go to the hospital, there is a risk of internal bleeding, rupture of the spleen, renal pelvis, fracture of the ribs and similar pathologies. Other reasons causing sharp pain in the left hypochondrium:

purulent pancreatitis;
perforated stomach ulcer;
infringement of a kidney cyst;
intestinal perforation;
hematoma of the spleen;
renal colic.

Dull pain in the left hypochondrium

Similar to the aching form, this character pathological condition characteristic of chronic diseases. Blunt pain in the left side under the ribs can occur after the abuse of alcohol or "heavy" food. In such cases, it disappears on its own, subject to the normalization of the diet. If the pain syndrome is stable, observed regularly or constantly, it can be provoked by the following reasons:

oncological tumors of the digestive organs;
stomach ulcer;
gastritis;
pancreatitis;
nephritis;
enlargement of the spleen against the background of infections, endocrine, autoimmune pathologies;
colitis;
uric acid diathesis;
glomerulonephritis;
unilateral pleurisy;
pneumonia.

A feeling of twitching inside is characteristic of chronic progressive pancreatitis. Stitching pain in the left hypochondrium is replaced by a pulsation, as if there was an abscess in the indicated area. This is an extremely dangerous phenomenon that can result in a severe shock condition. Apart from pain syndrome at chronic pancreatitis accompanying symptoms:

bloating;
vomit;
diarrhea;
sweating;
chills;
increase in body temperature;
swelling of the limbs;
complete lack of appetite;
constipation;
change in the perception of taste;
bitterness in the mouth;
weakness;
night sleep disturbances;
thirst.

Burning pain in left side under ribs

The described symptom is often tormented by pregnant women in the last stages of gestation. Pain, burning in the left hypochondrium is caused strong pressure on the internal organs of the enlarged uterus. The closer the due date, the more intense the problem under consideration. In other cases, burning, sharp pain in the left hypochondrium is explained by such pathologies:

diaphragmatic hernia;
mechanical damage to the digestive organs;
neuralgia;
heart attack;
cardiomyopathy;
arterial thrombosis of the spleen;
splenomegaly;
duodenitis;
colitis;
pyelonephritis;
infectious lesion of the bladder;
rheumatism;
stomach ulcer;
oncology.

Pressing pain in left side under ribs

This variant of the clinical picture often accompanies chronic renal ailments. Weak and moderate pressing pain in the left hypochondrium causes the following.

The two lower ribs on the side of the heart hide several important systems in human life.

Here are the main ones:

Spleen.
Diaphragm.
Left kidney.
Pancreas.
Large and small intestine.
Stomach.

Problems in this area are not always associated with the listed organs. Sometimes unpleasant sensations are transmitted there from other parts of the body along nerve fibers. In any case, you need to see a doctor, and then be examined.

Causes of pain and possible diseases

Structure and location internal organs human

Depending on the cause of the ailment, the sore spot may ache, prick, pull, or manifest itself in some other way. It is important to accurately describe the nature of your feelings:

How long do they last.
When they get stronger, day or night.
How much inconvenience they cause.
Where are they given.
How does food intake affect the intensity of malaise.

All this information helps the doctor in making a diagnosis.

Sharp pain

This symptom is indicative of serious problems internal organs and the need to urgently send a person to medical institution. The discomfort becomes so intense that the patient thrashes about trying to alleviate his suffering. Frequent loss of consciousness pain shock.

What causes this situation:

Renal colic caused by the cessation of the natural outflow of urine from this organ. Often a blockage is created by a stone or tumor.
Through damage to the wall of the stomach (perforated ulcer) or large intestine with the ingress of contents into the abdominal cavity.
Acute pancreatitis– intense inflammatory processes in the pancreas.
A fluid-filled tumor (cyst) in the kidney.
Tears or collections of blood after mechanical damage entrails. This may be the consequences of an accident or complications as a result of the operation.

Solving these problems often requires surgical intervention. If the patient does not receive help on time, the likelihood of a fatal outcome is high.

In this video, the doctor of the Moscow clinic explains the causes of pain under the left rib:

It's a dull pain

This type of discomfort indicates a prolonged course of pathology:

Pyelonephritis - inflammation of the kidneys after ingestion of harmful microorganisms ( coli, staphylococci or enterococci).
Pancreatitis or ulcer that has progressed to chronic form.
Ischemic disease and pre-infarction state - a decrease in blood flow to the heart due to disruption of the myocardium.
chronic diseases mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines: thick, thin and duodenal.
Cancer pathologies of the pancreas, spleen, liver, lung.
Inflammation of the appendages.
Leukemia, anemia, mononucleosis, rheumatoid arthritis. These pathologies provoke an increase in the spleen, which causes discomfort in the left side under the ribs.

With prolonged gastritis, discomfort increases on an empty stomach or after eating. This common disease often leads people to the doctor with complaints of aching ailments. Appetite worsens, fatigue increases. If left untreated, there is a risk of cancer.

Intestinal problems and ulcers provoke gastritis-like symptoms. They are also accompanied by flatulence, bloating, belching, bloody vomiting. Arise due to the use of alcohol, fatty and salty foods, seasonings, as well as some drugs. An important element treatment and prevention is a properly selected diet.

Unpleasant sensations of the aching type are easier to bear than acute ones, so a person gets used to them. As a result, the pathology is not treated in time and the destruction of internal organs progresses. The sooner the examination is done, the sooner the necessary measures for recovery will be taken.

An excerpt from Elena Malysheva's transmission "Live healthy" about the differential diagnosis of pain:

Pulling discomfort

More often, such ailments are associated with an enlarged spleen. Sometimes, pain is felt under the ribs in front. This process upsets the balance of blood in the body, as the spleen becomes more and more clogged and is less able to cope with its filtration duties.

Both pathological and healthy blood cells die. This has a triple devastating effect. A decrease in the number of red blood cells causes anemia. The death of white blood cells leads to weakening immune system. A lack of platelets leads to poor blood clotting.

Since the spleen is located close to the stomach, as it increases in size, it begins to put pressure on it. As a result, even a small meal leaves a feeling of heaviness. An enlarged spleen does not heal on its own. It is necessary to eliminate the cause - slowly developing, latent forms of infectious and autoimmune disorders.

Possible diseases:

Tuberculosis does not manifest itself after the pathogen enters the body for a long time, as if in a dormant state, called tubinfection. The probability of the transition of the disease to the active stage is 10%.
Lupus erythematosus is a disorder of the immune system in which antibodies begin to attack healthy connective tissue. characteristic symptom- Rash on the cheeks and bridge of the nose.
Hepatitis is a viral disease that causes enlargement of the liver. The patient's condition worsens after eating fatty foods, heaviness in the abdomen is felt. If left untreated, cirrhosis of the liver is possible.

Removal of the spleen is acceptable in critical situations, but entails severe consequences in the form of weakened immunity, thrombosis of the liver vessels and susceptibility to pancreatitis.

stabbing pain

This pattern of discomfort is a sign of kidney health problems, such as pyelonephritis or urolithiasis. This form of pathology creates stabbing sensations in the back or side, but can also give in the hypochondrium. Symptoms: fever, nausea, vomiting, increased need to urinate, deterioration.

Severe discomfort is a sign that kidney stones have reached large sizes. Sometimes these dense formations begin to move through the connecting tube from the kidney to bladder increasing human suffering. In this case, an operation to remove the stones is necessary. If the problems are not so serious, surgery is not required, you can get by with medications.

Throbbing pain

This type of sensation indicates pancreatitis. With this disease, pancreatic enzymes are prematurely activated and begin to digest its walls. Catalysts of chemical reactions and toxins enter the bloodstream and harm human life support systems.

Symptoms of pancreatitis:

Vomiting with bile.
Elevated temperature.
Diarrhea and bloating.
Sweating, chills, swelling.

Pancreatitis is characterized by unbearable girdle pain that occurs suddenly. Because of severe discomfort a person is in constant search of a comfortable position of the body. You can slightly alleviate the condition if you apply ice to the area of \u200b\u200bthe pancreas.

For the treatment of this disease, drugs are used, which include digestive enzymes, as well as drugs that reduce excretion gastric juice. It is also of great importance proper nutrition. If the disease manifests itself acutely, hospitalization is required, followed by inpatient treatment. Often this happens after drinking alcohol, overeating or injury.

Heart problems

In this case, it is difficult for the patient to describe his feelings. Their character can be aching, dull or sharp. However, it is not always clear what exactly hurts. Sometimes the source is felt behind and above, in the region of the left shoulder blade. These symptoms may continue long time, and come bouts.

Common reasons:

Vegetovascular dystonia. This is the name of a complex of symptoms of vegetative, cardiac, nervous and mental disorders. Ailments in the lower part of the chest in this case are associated with a deterioration in tone. blood vessels.
Angina. Loss of patency coronary arteries, and, as a result, a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle. The disease affects people of middle and older age more, because the elasticity of the walls of the arteries decreases over time. Contribute to the disease smoking, high cholesterol and hypertension. Prevention is the intake of potassium and magnesium in the composition of medicines.

Among women

Malaise in the chest before menstruation occurs due to an excess of female sex hormones and their spasmodic effect on the bile streams. This is sometimes accompanied by a bitter sensation in the mouth and nausea.

Pain in the left hypochondrium on the side is associated with the middle and late stages of pregnancy. This is due to the pressure of the already grown fetus on the internal organs.

Consulting a gynecologist will help to take the right measures and remove the problem.

Other factors

In some cases, a cough provokes a pain reaction. This indicates inflammation of the lungs or a protracted form of bronchitis. With pleurisy, the entire chest can hurt at the same time.

Diaphragmatic hernia is a pathology in which a hole appears in the main respiratory muscle. Through this gap, organs from the abdominal region enter the chest, creating obstacles normal operation heart and lungs. The disease can for a long time flow in a hidden form, without creating inconvenience. When it manifests itself, it causes burning sensations in the chest, heartburn, belching, and makes it difficult to breathe. Surgical intervention is necessary, but the operation itself is simple. Medical therapy doesn't help at all.

Tietze's syndrome is a non-infectious inflammation of the cartilage of the ribs at the point of their conjugation with chest. A swelling appears in the affected area, which begins to hurt when pressed or deep breath. This is a poorly understood and harmless violation. But you need to accurately diagnose in order to exclude more serious reasons pathology.

Sometimes discomfort in the hypochondrium occurs in healthy people. He's bound too high physical activity, which provokes sudden jump blood circulation speed. This happens, for example, when schoolchildren run crosses without pre-training. The diameter of the vessels increases and the nearby liver begins to put pressure on it. vena cava. It causes tingling in the right hypochondrium, but is transmitted to the left.

There is no need to treat this phenomenon, it goes away on its own. The main thing is the appropriate warm-up before exercise. Correct and deep breathing is also important. You should also not start training without waiting at least an hour and a half after eating. Energy is spent on the digestive process, and it will not work to achieve a suitable body setting for sports. Finally, the last factor is sudden movements or tilts. The internal organs touch the ribs and transmit an irritating signal to the brain.

Steps to Take When Symptoms Occur

The standard action for pain under the ribs on the left is to contact a doctor of appropriate qualifications to determine the origin and promptly eliminate the problem.

When to delay:

An acute painful signal, even if it is short-lived.
Aching feeling in the left hypochondrium for 60 minutes.
If continuously pricks in this place for more than half an hour.
Dull pain accompanied by vomiting of blood.

Attempts to deal with the problem with his own medicines and folk remedies harm the body. Warming up is especially dangerous. Antispasmodics can be used to alleviate the condition only after consulting a doctor, otherwise it will be much more difficult to understand the symptoms and make a diagnosis. However, it is allowed to cold compress or apply ice to the affected area.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are found everywhere. According to statistics, every second person suffers from problems with the digestive organs.

Most often we are talking about diseases of the stomach. Both the pathologies of this organ and many other diseases can give characteristic symptoms (pain under the left rib).

There are other reasons as well. What should you know about this unpleasant manifestation? Let's consider in more detail.

It hurts under the left rib in front: causes

There are many diseases that manifest this symptom. Among them:

Gastritis. The stomach is located in the upper third of the epigastric region. Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Pain can be observed, including in the region of the left side (hypochondrium).

Gastroduodenitis. It is a lesion of the end section of the stomach and duodenum. It is almost impossible to independently distinguish between this pathology and gastritis. Even a doctor at first sight will not be able to make such a diagnosis. Some examinations are required.

Pancreatitis (reactive, etc.). Under pancreatitis in medical practice refers to inflammation of the pancreas. This is the most serious disease of those listed, since it is difficult, it is possible death.

Abdominal injuries. Bruises and ruptures of internal organs, localized in the abdominal cavity, are accompanied by aching pains in the area of the injury. If we are talking about pain in the left hypochondrium, the following may be affected: the pancreas, left kidney, stomach, duodenum, spleen.

Inflammatory lesions of the left kidney. In this case, the pain is localized in the projection of the diseased organ. We can talk about nephritis, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis. Each of the described diseases can give characteristic symptoms.

Cholecystitis. Inflammatory lesion of the gallbladder. Rarely, however, irradiation (recoil) of pain in the left hypochondrium is still possible.

Cholelithiasis (stones in the gallbladder).

Hepatitis various genesis. They can be mistaken for pancreatitis, since pain is often given to the left hypochondrium, despite the fact that the organ is located on the right.

Sigmoiditis. Represents inflammation sigmoid colon.

Colitis. Often, pain during inflammation of the large intestine is localized in the left side in front.

Spleen lesions.

peptic ulcer stomach. It is life-threatening, because as the process develops, perforation of the stomach wall is possible, followed by the development of peritonitis.

There are many reasons why it hurts under the left rib in front. To understand and identify a specific disease is possible only after passing a series of instrumental studies.

Associated symptoms

Associated symptoms plays a huge role in differential diagnosis, since according to the characteristic manifestations it is possible to suspect a particular disease. Among the symptoms:

Pain syndrome. It is characterized by different intensity and different character. With pancreatitis, the pains are cutting, localized in the left side, are of a girdle character. The same is observed with gastritis, but the pain in this disease increases after eating, while the pancreatic pain syndrome is constant. In other cases, the discomfort is aching, pulling.

dyspepsia. Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, these are all manifestations of stomach problems.

Heartburn. The eternal companion of gastritis and gastroduodenitis. Heartburn is observed after eating and weakens with an empty stomach.

Feeling of bitterness in the mouth. Most often seen in problems with gallbladder.

Sensation of heaviness in left side and epigastric region. Heaviness in the epigastric region accompanies stomach problems.

Urination disorders (oliguria - rare urination in small volumes, polyuria - the opposite phenomenon).

Pain radiating to the pubic area, external genitalia.

Feeling of incomplete urination.

Pain in the lower back.

Everything described (the last four points) are symptoms of problems with the excretory system. Probably, the kidneys are involved in the process.

The symptoms are extremely numerous. You need to carefully listen to your own body. Then you need to tell the doctor about all the manifestations. This will make it much easier to make an accurate diagnosis. By this, the patient simplifies the doctor's work, and his life.

Diagnosis of pain in the left hypochondrium

Diagnosis begins with the selection of the right specialist for the visit. Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract are dealt with by gastroenterologists. There may be problems with the excretory system. Here, urologists and nephrologists come to the rescue (not to be confused with neurologists who treat pathologies nervous system).

The first thing a patient needs to do is to seek advice from a general practitioner. He will give the necessary directions and help determine the tactics of diagnosis. At the initial consultation, a specialized specialist will ask questions regarding the patient's condition, the nature of complaints, their intensity and duration. After collecting an anamnesis, palpation begins.

The doctor palpates problem areas, observing pain reactions. Through physical examination, it is possible to determine the structure of organs, their sizes.

After the completion of the primary diagnostic measures the specialist makes an approximate diagnosis and sends the patient to instrumental research. Among them:

Ultrasound diagnostics abdominal organs. It is carried out in order to identify the problematic organ. Allows you to determine the pathology with a high degree of accuracy. The same technique is used to assess the condition of the kidneys.

X-ray of the stomach with contrast agent. It is often prescribed, informative in assessing the state of the stomach.

FGDS. Endoscopic, minimal invasive research. Allows you to see with your own eyes the esophagus, stomach and initial sections small intestine. Considered the gold standard in gastric examination.

Liver and gastrointestinal scintigraphy. It is used to evaluate functional state organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

In a complex of data of researches it is enough for diagnostics.

It hurts under the left rib in front: treatment

The answer to the question of what to do if it hurts under the left rib in front suggests an unambiguous answer: you need to be treated. Treatment is predominantly conservative. Only in exceptional cases surgical intervention is necessary. There are few situations when an operation is required, they can be counted on the fingers:

Pancreatitis in the acute phase with severe course.

perforated ulcer stomach.

Violation of the integrity of organs in trauma or due to the influence of other factors.

Tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.

In other cases, if it hurts under the left rib in front, the treatment is medical.

The following groups of medicines are used:

Antispasmodic drugs. They are used to relieve pain by relieving spasm of smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. These include: No-shpa, Drotaverin, Duspatalin, etc.

Anti-inflammatory. They are used with great care, since many have a toxic effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

Analgesics. They are prescribed for the relief of pain. Analgesics should be selected carefully.

Analgesics and antispasmodics can also be used at your own discretion on a temporary basis: there is a high risk of "lubricating" clinical picture with prolonged use. You can take them only 1-3 days before visiting the doctor's office.

The following drugs are also used:

Heptoprotectors - to protect the liver.

Diuretic medical devices(diuretic for kidney problems).

Medicines are prescribed only by a doctor and only according to the results of diagnostic measures. Thus, the answer to the question of what to do if it hurts under the left rib in front suggests itself.

It hurts under the left rib in front: prevention

Prevention of pain under the left rib in front is quite simple and includes a number of activities and recommendations:

must be adhered to balanced diet: malnutrition ( alimentary reasons) is a significant factor in the development of gastrointestinal pathologies.

You shouldn't overcool.

At the first pain manifestations, you should go to the doctor without wasting time.

Pain on the left under the rib may accompany the most various diseases. It is important to respond in time and contact a specialist.

The pain syndrome always signals a person about problems inside him: about the disease, about the development of inflammation, about acute and emergency conditions, for example, organ rupture and the resulting internal bleeding, or ulcerative processes that can lead to perforation.

Therefore, any discomfort requires urgent medical attention. The condition when pain occurs under the left rib is often interpreted by people unambiguously - a heart attack develops. In fact, there may be several reasons for this condition.

This may be due to various problems in the stomach and pancreas, in the diaphragm, lungs and pleural tissues. Not everything is so clear. Let's try to figure it out.

What causes such pain?

The causes of such pain in the side with localization in the back or front can be very diverse:

The heart initiates thus about a heart attack;
The spleen, which may enlarge or burst for any reason;
The stomach, as well as inflammatory processes developing in it, such as gastritis, ulcers;
Pancreas. Pancreatitis, as well as necrotizing processes, are given to the left side, since the tail of the pancreas is located in the same direction;
Pulmonary pathologies (inflammation, pneumonia, pleurisy, oncological neoplasms);
The left kidney, which may have stones or pyelonephritis, which can give pain;
Pathology in the left side of the diaphragm;
Pathology of nervous tissues;
Endocrinological pathologies;
Cracks, fractures of the ribs, as well as intercostal neuralgia;
Osteochondrosis.

Let's consider in more detail possible reasons such pain under the left rib, depending on their localization.

When pain occurs under the left rib in front, then this just speaks of pathologies associated with the heart. With such localization, unpleasant sensations of heaviness indicate readiness for a heart attack. But a burning unpleasant sensation, radiating to the left side, arm, back, and also accompanied by shortness of breath, suggests that a heart attack is already developing and an urgent need to go to the hospital.

Similar pain can provoke a stomach or duodenal ulcer, while acute pain migrates to the right hypochondrium.

With the localization of pain in the left side just under the ribs, and its intensification when coughing, experts may suspect diaphragmatic hernia or subphrenic abscess.

Pain under the left rib, radiating to the side, may be a manifestation of herpes zoster or pathologies of the nervous tissue. With pathologies of the nervous system, it is usually accompanied by migraine and convulsions. With shingles, nerve endings are first damaged, causing acute pain, and only then skin lesions occur.

Pain under the left rib at the back can be a symptom renal pathologies, as well as osteochondrosis of the spine.

Sharp and unbearable, it usually accompanies renal colic, and constant aching, but tolerable - the development of the inflammatory process.

Osteochondrosis can provoke both aching obsessive pain, and sharp penetrating, subsiding, in a forced position. It can concentrate from behind - closer to the spine, and from the side.

We must not forget the pain, the causes of which are directly in the physical damage to the bones - a crack in the rib or its fracture. At the same time, unpleasant sensations are aggravated by inhalation, during movement and when coughing.

Summing up, it should be emphasized that the pain under the left rib is very insidious and dangerous symptom. Not worth it