Pinches on the left under the ribs. Pain in the left hypochondrium: causes and possible diseases

Pain in the left side under the ribs is one of the most common clinical signs that patients complain about when visiting a gastroenterologist. This symptom has several variations and can also occur in both adults and children.

The most common cause is gastroenterological pathological conditions. However, there are a number of other diseases and physiological sources of such an unpleasant manifestation.

In addition to the pain on the left side under the ribs, the symptoms will include many other clinical manifestations. The most common are:

nausea and;
violation of the act of defecation;
fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure.

The diagnostic process is aimed at identifying a predisposing factor, which is why it combines a whole range of laboratory and instrumental measures. In addition, manipulations carried out personally by the clinician are very important.

To get rid of this symptom, conservative therapeutic methods are used. However, it can be completely eliminated only after the underlying disease is cured.

Etiology

Sharp pain in the left side under the ribs occurs only when any damage occurs to the internal organ located in this area. It is worth noting that the left hypochondrium is the area located between the two lower ribs to the left of the conditional middle of the abdomen. Localized in this area:

spleen;
pancreas;
some parts of the large and small intestines;
part of the stomach;
left half of the diaphragm;
left ureter;
left kidney.

However, in some situations, the occurrence of pain in the left side is provoked by other segments; in such cases, clinicians talk about referred pain.

In general, there are so many predisposing factors that experts divide them into several groups:

disease and pathological processes;
more harmless sources.

If a person has pain in the left side directly under the ribs, then the culprits are often:

acute or and ;
(there will be a stabbing pain on the left side under the ribs);
a wide range of injuries, such as splenic rupture;
neoplasms of a malignant or benign course with localization in the gastrointestinal tract;
and diverticulitis;
infarction of the spleen or an increase in the volume of this organ;
various intestinal infections and dysbacteriosis;
chronic

Less rare pathological reasons why the left side may hurt under the ribs include:

pneumonia of the left lung;
angina pectoris;
heart attack;
cardiomyopathy;
consequences of injury or surgery;
pre-infarction condition;
diseases of the endocrine system;
myositis;
rheumatic diseases;
intercostal neuralgia;
kidney damage;
left-sided pleurisy;
injury to the lumbar spine;
dystrophy of the abdominal muscles;
osteochondrosis.

When making a correct diagnosis, doctors pay attention to additional areas of pain. For example, the left side often hurts under the ribs in front due to leakage:

inflammatory lesions of the intercostal muscles;
costochondritis;
splenic infarction;
angina pectoris;
diseases of a viral or bacterial nature in the spleen;
pathological fracture of the lower ribs on the left.

In situations where the left side of the back hurts, the reasons can be presented:

kidney diseases;
lumbar osteochondrosis;
oncology of the left lung;
left-sided dry pleurisy.

Pain syndrome on the left side under the ribs on the side can be a consequence of:

heart pathologies;
various diseases of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract;
urolithiasis.

In addition to the specified source of pain, knowledge of the time of onset of pain helps the gastroenterologist to make a correct diagnosis. The following diseases cause pain on the left side under the ribs after eating:

any course of action;
diaphragmatic hernia, namely its strangulation;
intercostal neuralgia;
or stomach.

In female representatives, the side on the left side under the ribs may hurt for special reasons, including:

ectopic pregnancy;
adnexitis;
ovarian cyst or torsion;
the course of menstruation;
a wide range of gynecological problems;
premenstrual syndrome.

However, aching pain in the left side under the ribs is not always the result of some disease. Sometimes other reasons can serve as provocateurs for this, in particular:

hypothermia of the body;
overeating and consuming large amounts of fatty foods;
drinking alcoholic beverages;
excessive physical activity;
professional sports.

All of the above predisposing factors lead to either an adult or a child having pain on the left side below the ribs.

Classification

When taking into account the duration of the course, pain in the left side under the ribs is divided into:

permanent;
periodic, which is most often expressed immediately or after a short period of time after food consumption.

Depending on the nature of the course, the pain of this localization is divided into:

dull and drawing;
aching and sharp;
pressing and stabbing:
sharp and burning;
pulsating and cutting.

Symptoms

Severe pain in the left hypochondrium is often the first, but not the only symptom. The clinical picture is dictated by the main etiological factor, which is why in almost all situations it will include many different external signs.

The only exceptions are those situations in which the nagging pain was generated by physiological sources. Moreover, in such situations the person’s condition may not worsen at all.

If the reason that acute pain appeared was due to a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, then additional symptoms may include:

an increase in the size of the anterior wall of the abdominal cavity;
release of large amounts of gases;
spread of pain, for example, in the lumbar or shoulder area;
nausea leading to vomiting;
stool disorder;
weakness and decreased ability to work;
profuse sweating;
slight increase in body temperature;
the appearance of inclusions or.

If the pain syndrome under the rib on the left is caused by diseases of the lungs or heart, then the accompanying symptoms will be presented:

general malaise;
shortness of breath, which will occur both during physical activity and at rest;
fever and chills;
discomfort in the chest;
heart rate fluctuations;
pain in muscles and joints;
increased breathing;
heaviness when inhaling or exhaling;
increased blood pressure levels;
headaches and dizziness;
increased sweating.

As mentioned above, pain under the ribs in the back can be caused by pathologies of the spleen, which is why additional external manifestations may include:

decreased immunity, and against this background a person will be susceptible to frequent colds and inflammatory diseases;
swelling of the legs and face;
increased urge to urinate;
decreased blood pressure;
pale skin.

It is also worth noting about those situations when minor pain may intensify:

food consumption or a short period of time after a meal;
when inhaling, and especially when taking a deep breath;
sudden change in body position;
a person staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time;
palpating or pressing on the problem area.

It is worth noting that the above signs are only the main external manifestations that may appear against the background of the fact that there is a stabbing pain in the left side under the ribs in both children and adults.

In any case, ignoring the symptoms can lead to aggravation of the underlying problem, which, in turn, can lead to complications that can cause death.

Diagnostics

In order to find out which factor served as the source of pain in a given localization, it is necessary to carry out a wide range of laboratory and instrumental examinations.

Given that the left side most often hurts when coughing due to pathologies in the gastrointestinal tract, it is first worth consulting a gastroenterologist. It is this doctor who will perform the primary diagnostic procedures, including:

studying the medical history to identify the primary source with a pathological basis;
collection and analysis of life history, as this may indicate the impact of other causes;
a thorough physical examination of the patient;
deep palpation and percussion of the anterior wall of the abdominal cavity;
measuring heart rate, blood tone and body temperature;
a detailed survey of the patient to obtain information about the symptomatic picture, which can sometimes directly indicate the underlying pathology.

A comprehensive examination begins with laboratory tests, namely:

general and biochemical blood test;
coprogram;
PCR analysis;
hormonal and immunological studies;
blood culture;
general clinical urine analysis.

The following instrumental examinations can help make a correct diagnosis:

abdominal ultrasonography;
gastroscopy and colonoscopy;
ECG and FGDS;
CT and MRI;
X-ray of the chest and spinal column;
endoscopic biopsy.

Since pain can occur due to damage to other internal organs, the following specialists can also take part in the diagnostic process:

endocrinologist and nephrologist;
pulmonologist and neurologist;
traumatologist and cardiologist;
gynecologist and therapist;
pediatrician and vertebrologist.

Depending on which doctor the patient is referred to for additional examination, he will be prescribed specific laboratory and instrumental procedures.

Treatment

A treatment regimen aimed at eliminating such pain is drawn up individually for each patient. When drawing up treatment tactics, the doctor relies on the main provoking factor. Most often patients are prescribed:

oral administration or intravenous administration of drugs;
physiotherapeutic procedures;
therapeutic massage course;
diet therapy, which is necessary only when the basis of the pain syndrome is any pathology of the gastrointestinal tract;
Surgical intervention is performed quite rarely and only for individual indications.

Drug therapy is often aimed at:

antibiotics;
NSAIDs;
enzymes;
analgesics;
painkillers;
medications necessary to relieve individual external manifestations;
general strengthening agents.

After the approval of the attending physician, it is possible to use traditional medicine recipes. At home, it is allowed to prepare medicinal drinks based on:

cinnamon and honey;
lemon balm and mint;
rosehip and buckthorn;
immortelle and dried grass;
potato skins.

Alternative medicine methods must necessarily act as an integral part of therapy, and not be the main way to get rid of pain.

Indications for surgery may include:

torsion of ovarian cyst;
detection of neoplasms of any location;
spleen damage;
ineffectiveness of conservative means;
serious disturbances in the functioning of internal organs;
formation of the consequences of the underlying disease.

In any case, treatment should be carried out under the strict supervision of the doctor observing the patient.

Prevention and prognosis

To ensure that adults and children do not experience pain in the localization described, it is necessary to adhere to simple preventive measures. The main recommendations are presented:

maintaining a healthy and moderately active lifestyle;
nutritious and balanced nutrition;
avoiding any injuries, bruises and wounds;
preventing the influence of low temperatures on the human body;
frequent exposure to fresh air;
constant control of body position;
rationalization of the work and rest regime;
timely diagnosis and comprehensive elimination of existing diseases in which the clinical picture includes a similar unpleasant symptom;
regularly undergoing, at least 2 times a year, a full examination at a medical institution.

Pain in the left side under the ribs in the vast majority of situations has a favorable prognosis, and this symptom is easily relieved by conservative therapeutic methods. However, treatment will not be complete without eliminating the provoking sources.

Pain in the left side behind, in front or in the lower abdomen is a symptom familiar to many. Throughout life, any person will inevitably encounter such a problem. Painful sensations are always a signal of trouble, and pain on the left is associated with many internal organs and should not be ignored.

Conventionally, the anterior abdominal wall is divided into 9 squares, the left 3 squares make up 3 sections: upper (left hypochondrium), middle (left lateral) and lower (left iliac region). When pain is localized in one of them, they talk about pain in the left side. And it can arise in almost any department.

In the area of the left hypochondrium there are: the left lung, heart, left part of the diaphragm, stomach, duodenum, pancreas, spleen. In addition, pain can occur here with lesions of the peripheral nervous system, with vegetative-vascular dystonia, from the ribs themselves during their injuries, and unpleasant sensations from the reproductive system are also reflected here. In the waist area in front there is: a continuation of the stomach, the tail of the pancreas, a segment of the liver, gall bladder, part of the loops of the small intestine, part of the left part of the colon, behind them are the left kidney and the left ureter. The lower section continues with the kidney, ureter, stomach, pancreas, large and small intestine, left ovary and appendages, in men - part of the prostate and appendages.

All types of pain are divided into 3 types:

Visceral - associated with impaired motility of the stomach and intestines, often dull in nature, but can be cramping, radiating to the shoulder, thigh, for example, with intestinal colic, flatulence.
Peritoneal - associated with irritation of peritoneal receptors, their character is sharp or cutting, they always have their own localization, are constant in duration, react to stress, intensifying. They are usually associated with ruptures, perforations of organs (perforation, formation of a through hole), when the contents spill into the surrounding tissues.
Reflected - occur during inflammatory changes and appear when organ tissue is irritated (bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy, pericarditis, etc.).

According to the severity of pain, there are cutting, stabbing, pulling, aching, dull, intense, moderate, weak, long-term and short-term.

Only a doctor can determine the exact cause, but you can try to understand which organ the pain relates to yourself.

Discomfort in the left side behind

Pain in the back of the left side can be caused by spasms of muscles, blood vessels in organs, pinched nerve roots, etc.

Pain on the left under the ribs in the back from the back during myocardial infarction is a symptom that is also characteristic of angina, myocarditis, aortic aneurysm (in the form of lumbago in the back), pericarditis and especially myocardial infarction.

Nagging pain in the left side is a harbinger of a pre-infarction state, when it becomes intense, sharp, pain under the ribs on the left, irradiating to the scapula, back, left shoulder and even to the jaw; tachycardia, drop in blood pressure, shortness of breath, cold sticky sweat, fear of death, loss of consciousness appear. All this indicates the development of myocardial infarction.

The appearance of pain in the back and left side while eating is a pathology of the digestive organs. If the pain is localized lower, at the back of the lower back, one may suspect cholecystitis (the pain radiates to the right shoulder, nausea, vomiting, numbness of the extremities) and inflammation of the pancreas are possible.

Rashes and pain in the left side at the waist level can be due to herpetic lichen. Disturbances in the function of the urinary tract can also cause pain in the lower back from the back: thrombosis of the renal artery, renal colic, urolithiasis, inflammation of the kidneys, in particular pyelonephritis (dull, aching pain, accompanied by weakness, nausea, fever may rise). The appearance of urine often changes - it can be cloudy, with flakes and an unpleasant odor and color, urination becomes more frequent, and swelling appears in the morning.

Blood diseases (leukemia), adrenal tumors can cause dull, long-lasting pain in the lumbar region from the back. Pinching of the nerve roots due to radiculitis causes pain in the back when inhaling, often accompanied by numbness in the fingers and toes.

When you are bothered by pain on the left under the ribs in the back from the back, which is occurring more and more often, you need to examine the spine: do an X-ray and ultrasound, if necessary, MRI, CT. With spinal pathology, there is a risk of becoming disabled, so contacting a neurologist is mandatory.

Pain in the back on the left back and below when exhaling and when moving can be a sign of osteochondrosis, myositis. Pain in the lower back on the left rear can be due to intestinal cancer, colitis, or intestinal obstruction.

If pain in the left side of the back bothers you in the iliac region, this is a sign of gynecological problems. In women, pain in the back of the side can be a harbinger of PMS; it can be pulling and aching. In these cases, they often take No-shpa and place a heating pad on the aching area. The examination for any location of pain must be complete: X-rays, ultrasound of internal organs, MRI, CT, blood tests.

Pain syndrome in the left side in front

Such pain can be caused by the following pathological changes:

If there is discomfort under the ribs, then it may be an aortic aneurysm (the pain is burning and prolonged, localized closer to the shoulder, systematically shooting into the back), diaphragmatic hernia, pancreatitis, pathologies of the cardiovascular respiratory system.
Cardiomyopathies after tonsillitis and tonsillitis. They cause pain in the left side under the ribs, pain appears during exercise, the pulse quickens, and the patient quickly gets tired.
Coronary heart disease (CHD). The pain outside of an attack is often dull, aching, also localized in the left side, aggravated by tension, there is a burning sensation in the chest, heaviness, shortness of breath, and increased heart rate.
Pathologies of the respiratory system - pneumonia, pleurisy, bronchitis - may be accompanied by pain in the left hypochondrium. With pneumonia, the pain is usually mild at first, dull in nature, with further development of the process during coughing it becomes stabbing, radiating to the back, left side and chest, and is characterized by back pain when inhaling. Additionally, there may be fever, cough, and weakness.
With pleurisy, pain in the left hypochondrium is observed when inhaling, depending on coughing and bending in the healthy direction. With dry left-sided pleurisy, evening fever is noted, pain in the left hypochondrium when inhaling, in the chest, radiating to the back, there is sweating, shallow and rapid breathing, the patient’s posture is forced - he lies on the affected side to reduce pain. The affected side lags behind in breathing, the patient is pale, the neck veins are swollen.
Pain in the left side under the ribs occurs with: splenomegaly, rheumatism, gastritis, duodenitis, perforation of an ulcer, colitis, flatulence. Pain in the left side in the front of the waist appears due to a hernia of the navel.
Gastritis. Pain in the left hypochondrium, nagging, often with nausea, vomiting, heartburn, heaviness in the epigastrium, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, belching, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste.
With a stomach ulcer, there is a nagging pain in the left side, but it appears after eating, there is heartburn, sour belching, weight loss, nausea after eating, and sometimes vomiting. With a duodenal ulcer, pain, on the contrary, occurs on an empty stomach and goes away even after a small piece of bread.
If an ulcer is perforated, a sharp stabbing pain appears, the person bends over, turns pale, and may lose consciousness. There is vomiting of coffee grounds.
With stomach cancer, pain in the left side is constant, does not depend on food intake, appetite is reduced, there is an aversion to meat, vomiting, weight loss, a yellow-pale face; There is a constant feeling of fullness in the stomach. In the last stages, acute pain in the left side is so strong that patients scream, the nature of the pain is gnawing, and cannot be relieved with medications.
Splenomegaly. Pathology of the spleen can be associated with ruptures, abscesses, injuries to the organ, and it is enlarged. With lesions of the spleen, a throbbing pain is observed, dull in nature, it is localized in the left hypochondrium, and is accompanied by symptoms of migraine, sore throat, fever, weakness, sweating, usually an enlarged liver.
Diaphragmatic hernia. There is a dull pain in the left side in the hypochondrium, often accompanied by belching and heartburn. Often the pain is aching, constant, and intensifies with minor exertion, even when bending over. It is provoked by obesity and stress.
Intercostal neuralgia. They occur very often, the pain is localized both in front and behind, there is paroxysmal pain under the ribs on the left, the sensations vary, from dull and aching to sharp, burning, piercing, they appear on exhalation, do not allow movement, intensify with movement and any other load, last during the day and at night, confined to bed. There is a feeling of numbness at the site of the lesion.
Pain in the left hypochondrium can be due to rheumatoid connective tissue diseases, osteochondrosis (pain syndrome can also occur from the back), and radiculitis (from the back too).
Pancreatitis. The pain is constant, can be girdling in nature, and localized in the epigastrium. Acute pain is possible in the left side, in the right part of the abdomen, in the mesogastrium, and back. This prevalence is due to the fact that the pancreas is located across the entire upper abdomen. Often the pain syndrome is combined with fever, nausea, vomiting is indomitable, with an admixture of bile, does not bring relief to the patient, is provoked by fatty foods and alcohol - then a dull pain appears in the left side under the ribs.

Pain in the left side in the lower abdomen

Pain in the left side in the lower abdomen is caused by pathology of the intestines, organs of the genitourinary system, and urolithiasis:

ICD. It flows in fits and starts. During the period of remission, the pain is mild, dull, at the lumbar level, and can occur from the back and front. It is provoked after exercise or walking. It worsens when the stone moves, it becomes sharp, acute, unbearable in the lower back, it is not relieved by antispasmodics, nausea, vomiting, and hematuria are added. When the stone stops, the pain decreases temporarily, then localizes over the pubic area.
Chronic constipation is accompanied by pain in the left side, especially after a heavy meal.
Spastic colitis. Abdominal pain is constant, aching in nature. A common symptom is flatulence, a feeling of incomplete bowel movement, and sometimes diarrhea with mucus.
Intestinal obstruction. The first and early symptom of this pathology is pain; it returns every 25 minutes and is cramp-like in nature. There is flatulence, nausea, asymmetry when examining the abdomen, and on auscultation there is no splashing or noise. Pathology develops regardless of food intake and occurs without warning. After 3 days, the pain may subside, which indicates a poor prognosis - peristalsis has stopped and necrosis has begun.
Bowel cancer. The pain in the left side of the lower abdomen is initially vague, blurry, constant, and does not depend on food intake. Half of the patients have persistent constipation; it does not respond to medications and laxatives; Characteristic is rumbling, increased gas production, and a feeling of heaviness. Stool with blood is typical.
With appendicitis, pain can also appear on the left; it is not necessarily localized on the right. There are umbilical pains, a feeling of fullness and fullness in the abdomen.

Reproductive system problems

Adnexitis is inflammation of the fallopian tubes. During its acute form, sharp pain appears in the lower abdomen, groin and lower back. Fever, chills, and general weakness are possible. When the process becomes chronic, the pain subsides - it loses its severity, becomes aching, and is often accompanied by cycle disorders.
Apoplexy of the ovary - severe pain on the left side, then it becomes diffuse throughout the abdomen, the general condition worsens, blood pressure decreases, there is fever, and vomiting. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is characteristic.
Ectopic pregnancy. At 6-10 weeks of pregnancy, sharp, intense pain in the lower abdomen appears, bleeding is possible, and the condition worsens. Until this time, an ectopic pregnancy does not manifest itself in any way and proceeds normally. When a tube bursts, blood spills into the abdominal cavity, which can lead to peritonitis. With large blood loss, painful shock develops with loss of consciousness and collapse.
During a normal pregnancy, pain may also occur in the left side. If they are associated with a short period of time and mild pain, this can be explained by the growing uterus and its compression of other organs, the state of health is not affected, the pain is weak and pressing.

If, against the background of complete health, a sharp, sudden pain appears, it does not go away within half an hour, it increases, the face has turned pale, blood pressure has decreased, bleeding from the vagina has occurred, the woman has lost consciousness, then these are signs of a miscarriage, an immediate visit to the doctor is required.

Pain under the ribs in the left side occurs in acute and chronic diseases of internal organs, nerves, and muscles. In the projection of the left hypochondrium are the spleen, the left flexure of the colon, the fundus of the stomach, the tail of the pancreas, the left part of the dome of the diaphragm, intercostal nerves, the lower lobe of the left lung and the pleura. The nature of the pain syndrome helps to distinguish one disease from another, prescribe a diagnostic examination and determine treatment tactics.

The left side hurts under the ribs on the side, what could it be? We will discuss it in this material.

Types of pain on the side in the left hypochondrium

Pain sensations may differ in intensity, time of occurrence, dependence on physical activity, breathing or food intake. Some types of pain syndrome indicate an exacerbation of chronic processes in the body and require adequate therapy. Acute pain in the left hypochondrium with a high degree of intensity develops in emergency conditions. Such patients must be immediately transported to the hospital for surgery and resuscitation.

According to the intensity of the pain syndrome, there are:

acute - constant intense pain, causing deep emotional experiences, poorly relieved by painkillers;
chronic – periodic pain of low intensity, which is relieved with painkillers.

According to the nature of the pain sensations there are:

piercing;
cutting;
drilling;
stupid;
aching;
bursting;
shooting;
encircling.

According to the source of pain, there are:

visceral – occur as a result of inflammatory processes, injuries and bleeding from internal organs;
muscular - arise as a result of inflammation or traumatic rupture of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall or chest;
neurological - occurs when the nerve trunks become inflamed;
peritoneal – develop due to irritation of the peritoneum (“acute” abdomen);
reflected - spread to the left hypochondrium from distant organs along nerve fibers and require differential diagnosis.

If acute, unbearable pain occurs, you must call an ambulance. In case of chronic pain syndrome, it is recommended to consult a doctor in a timely manner for diagnosis of the disease and treatment.

Spleen diseases

The spleen is a hematopoietic organ. Inflammation is characterized by a rapid increase in size of the spleen (splenomegaly), and with injuries there is a high risk of rupture of the organ capsule with heavy bleeding. Splenomegaly occurs with mononucleosis, acute and chronic forms of leukemia, anemia, hypersplenism, hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver, ARVI.

Diseases of the organ are characterized by bursting, pressing pain in the left hypochondrium, which does not depend on physical activity and food intake. When the spleen ruptures, a bluish area forms around the navel, dizziness, nausea, and weakness appear. The pain at the time of rupture of an organ of a traumatic or infectious nature is acute and cutting in nature.

Intestinal diseases

Pathology of the small intestine leads to visceral or referred pain in the left side. A tumor of the left colon in the later stages of the disease causes aching pain that intensifies 2-3 hours after eating. The pain syndrome occurs against a background of weakness, weight loss, and aversion to food. Enteritis is characterized by periodic dull pain in the left side, which is accompanied by constipation and diarrhea, a feeling of transfusion in the abdomen, and increased gas formation. With ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, blood appears in the stool.

Stomach diseases

Gastritis and gastric ulcer cause pain in the epigastric region and in the left hypochondrium. In the case of gastritis, the pain is stabbing, drilling, shooting, and intensifies after eating spicy and fatty foods. Characterized by a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, belching rotten or sour, heartburn, nausea.

Peptic ulcer disease manifests itself with hunger and night pain (increased discomfort on an empty stomach), after eating, the pain syndrome decreases. Characterized by vomiting mixed with blood, loss of body weight, and asthenia. Perforation of the ulcer is accompanied by dagger-like acute pain, vomiting, severe weakness, retardation of consciousness, and muscle tension in the anterior abdominal wall. This is an acute condition requiring emergency medical attention and surgery.

Stomach cancer causes aversion to food (usually meat products), constant aching pain in the epigastrium and left hypochondrium, weight loss, weakness, and anemia. When a tumor grows into large nerve trunks, an acute pain syndrome occurs, which can only be relieved with narcotic analgesics.

Pancreatic diseases

Inflammation of the pancreas is called pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis causes indigestion and periodic pain in the left side. Characterized by diarrhea, greasy stools with lumps of undigested food, and flatulence. Pain of a stabbing, bursting, shooting nature occurs 1-1.5 hours after eating. Often the pain syndrome becomes girdling - spasmodic pain compresses the left and right hypochondrium in a “ring”.

Acute pancreatitis is a dangerous condition with a high mortality rate (up to 60%). Acute pain of high intensity appears, nausea, vomiting without relief, increased body temperature up to 39 degrees, chills, loss of appetite, loose, frequent stools. The disease usually develops after heavy intake of spicy or fatty foods or alcohol abuse. If acute pancreatitis occurs, the patient must be urgently taken to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment.

Pancreatic cancer is asymptomatic for a long time. Sometimes loose stools, nausea, and vomiting appear after a heavy meal. The first sign of the disease is often yellowing of the skin and sclera as a result of compression of the bile ducts by the tumor. Pain in the left hypochondrium occurs in the later stages of the disease, constantly or periodically. The pain syndrome is dull, bursting, does not depend on food intake, less often intense - due to the germination of a tumor of the nerve trunks. Often accompanied by vomiting and refusal to eat.

Muscle disease

Muscle inflammation - myositis can be accompanied by pain in the left side. The pain syndrome is shooting and cramping, intensifies when muscle fibers are stretched while bending in the opposite direction. When palpating the affected muscles, a painful lump is determined. Inflammation of the diaphragm most often occurs with congenital or acquired hernias. Dull or burning pain develops when food passes through the esophagus and bends the body after eating. Pain syndrome usually occurs behind the sternum, but can spread to the left hypochondrium.

Intercostal neuralgia

Inflammation of the intercostal nerves is commonly called intercostal neuralgia. In most clinical cases, the disease develops with herpes zoster. An acute burning pain occurs, which is localized in the left hypochondrium and can spread to the back in the area of the shoulder blades and spine. Discomfort increases when bending towards the affected side. Subsequently, a herpetic rash forms in the intercostal spaces - small grouped blisters with transparent contents.

Left lung disease

Pain in the left side may appear with left-sided lower lobe pneumonia involving the pleura in the pathological process. There is a cutting, stabbing, boring pain in the left hypochondrium, which intensifies at the height of inspiration. Pneumonia is characterized by an increase in temperature up to 40 degrees, shortness of breath, weakness, dry or productive cough, wheezing when listening to breathing.

Dry pleurisy causes pain at the height of inspiration, while there are no symptoms from the lungs. A tumor of the left lung with tumor extension to the pleura is characterized by pain in the left side when breathing, rapid loss of body weight, hemoptysis, weakness and drowsiness.

Heart diseases

During myocardial infarction, pain occurs in the left half of the chest, between the shoulder blades, and radiates to the arm on the affected side. The atypical course of the disease leads to referred pain in the left hypochondrium. Sharp, cramping, shooting pains in the left side of high intensity, shortness of breath, fear of death, palpitations, numbness of the left arm are noted. Taking nitroglycerin or painkillers does not bring relief.

If pain occurs in the left hypochondrium, you should consult a doctor for examination and treatment. Timely consultation with a specialist reduces the risk of disease progression and complications.

Acute colic, penetrating under the ribs on the left side of the body, is not a sign of any separate disease. The spleen is localized in this part of the body, heart pain can be felt, the left wall of the stomach and the left part of the diaphragm are located here.

Algia may affect the left kidney and ureter. And which of these vital organs signals a problem in the body can only be determined by a specialist, based on anamnesis and subsequent examinations. But first you need to decide what types of pain are typical for the left hypochondrium, and what diseases each of you may encounter when experiencing discomfort in this part of the body.

In case of sharp and acute pain, it is best to go to a medical facility.

A cutting pain syndrome, as if you had been hit with a dagger, is a serious reason to go to a medical facility. As a rule, a person feels such pain when there is mechanical damage to an organ.

The pain occurs unexpectedly and may be the result of a ruptured spleen, kidney, or puncture in the intestine. If the cutting pain is a consequence of a fall, occurs as a result of an accident or other injury, in this case you cannot do without medical help, since damage to these organs is fraught with internal and dangerous.

Dull pain under the left ribs can indicate inflammatory pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, and not only. It systematically appears and gradually goes away. If this happens more than once or twice, but continues for some time, then there is reason to worry and visit a doctor.

As a rule, such algia is associated with diseases such as pancreatitis. Therefore, you first need to visit a gastroenterologist, who will refer you for laboratory tests, conduct an ultrasound and other examinations using modern diagnostic tools. It's a dull pain. If there is pain on the left side without ceasing, then this may indicate developed colitis or duodenitis. Continuous aching pain, discomfort in the stomach, combined with weakness and nausea, indicate a stomach ulcer.

However, aching pain does not always indicate gastrointestinal diseases. Most likely, there is a problem with the heart: a pre-infarction condition, cardiac ischemia or angina.Thus, pain discomfort in the left hypochondrium of the body can occur due to the following diseases and pathologies:

Most gastrointestinal diseases - gastritis, stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, pancreas cancer.

As you can see, the left side of the body in its subcostal part can indicate a whole bunch of diseases. And there are often cases when it is really easy to confuse when and what hurts.
Algias by mechanism of manifestation

It is necessary to distinguish pain under the ribs according to the mechanism of manifestation. Knowledge of the nature of pain and the mechanism of its manifestation helps in diagnosing pathology. Irradiating or reflected algias, which are transmitted by nerve endings from distant organs. For example, radiating pain can be felt during a heart attack, left-sided pneumonia, pleurisy, etc. Visceral (internal) algia occurs when gastric motility is impaired.

Peritoneal algias appear during inflammatory processes, mechanical damage, and necrosis. For example, such pain may suddenly begin with a perforation. It occurs during sudden movements, walking, breathing, like a painfully sharp, cutting pain.

Localization of pain

It cannot be ruled out that the pathological process can occur simultaneously in two neighboring organs. And then it can be somewhat more difficult to determine what exactly hurts. For example, internal discomfort concentrated in the anterolateral part of the body under the ribs usually indicates pathology in the spleen or affected stomach tissue.

However, in order to exclude (or confirm) equally dangerous diseases such as myocardial infarction, myositis, or intestinal colitis, tests for these diseases are also carried out in advance. If the pain is felt in the middle part of the side, then a parallel course of diseases of the pancreas is possible.

With pathology of the left kidney, pain discomfort is accentuated in the back of the left hypochondrium. As a rule, this is a fairly severe, ongoing pain, and for a correct diagnosis it is necessary to take urine and blood tests and have it done. At the same time, one should not exclude the possibility that such pain may occur with lumbar osteochondrosis, which possibly occurs simultaneously with kidney diseases.

Sometimes there is a girdling pain with an accent in the left hypochondrium. This may indicate pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas. An attack of this disease manifests itself with burning, unbearable pain, which becomes slightly less in a sitting position, or if the patient leans forward a little.

Briefly about diseases and organs located on the left side of the body

Diaphragm and its pathologies

The diaphragm is the muscle tissue that separates the breastbone from the gastrointestinal tract. It, too, with age, various disorders arise, for example, a hernia. This membrane has an opening through which the esophagus passes and connects to the stomach. And when the muscle tissue of the diaphragm weakens, the lumen increases slightly, as a result of which the upper part of the stomach protrudes into the thoracic region. This leads to the contents of the stomach being thrown into the esophagus, which causes nausea and pain on the left side. This condition can be caused by obesity, excessive physical activity, and pregnancy.

Diaphragmatic hernia, as this condition is called, occurs in older people due to weakening of muscle tissue. Sometimes the stomach becomes pinched, which causes sharp cutting pain on the left.

Intercostal neuralgia

Intercostal neuralgia appears as a result of compression of nerve endings.

Intercostal neuralgia occurs due to compression of the nerve endings located between the ribs. Pain can be expressed in a wide range of manifestations: from sharp and piercing, to burning, or aching, dull. It increases with physical work, coughing, sneezing, even inhaling.

Sometimes attacks of thoracalgia are accompanied by muscle tremors, redness or paleness of the skin, and sweating. Pressure on certain points on the back also causes pain, which can radiate to the lower back or under the shoulder blade. Pain with intercostal neuralgia is similar to that that occurs with cardialgia.

Heart diseases

Heart disease is usually accompanied by aching discomfort, shortness of breath, sometimes nausea, increased heart rate, heaviness in the chest and a burning sensation. These symptoms indicate coronary heart disease, which occurs as a result of impaired blood flow to the heart muscle due to damage to the coronary vessels. Such pain may also indicate cardiomyopathy - dysfunction of the heart muscle due to structural distortions of the organ, and this is expressed by increased fatigue, cardialgia during physical activity.

Spleen

Special mention should be made about the spleen, since its damage is not always associated with mechanical influence from the outside. The spleen is located on the left under the ribs, close to the skin, and therefore is the most vulnerable organ. Acute pain can occur when an organ enlarges, leading to stretching of its capsule. Diseases such as infectious mononucleosis or splenic infarction lead to an enlarged spleen.

In this condition, a rupture may occur due to careless sudden movement, impact, or lifting of weight. Ruptures lead to internal hemorrhage, which is diagnosed by a bluish halo around the navel. Diseases of the spleen are characterized by symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and enlarged liver.

Stomach

Most of the population suffers from inflammatory processes in the stomach, because nutrition leaves much to be desired. The gastric mucosa suffers from irritants entering the stomach daily along with food, and gastritis develops. You can recognize this disease by heartburn that appears after eating, heaviness in the stomach, belching, and aching pain under the ribs. Sometimes nausea and vomiting occur. Gastritis is characterized by weakness, pale skin, dry mouth, stool disorders - this and that. Sensitivity in the lower and upper extremities is also impaired.

A stomach ulcer usually occurs against the background of gastritis and has similar symptoms. In a particularly severe form - perforation - acute dagger pain, loss of consciousness, and weakness throughout the body appear.

You will learn more about pain in the hypochondrium from the video:

Pancreas

Pain in the left hypochondrium can occur due to disturbances in the functioning of the pancreas.

Inflammation of the pancreas - accompanied by severe pain under the left ribs, and a belt spreading throughout the entire diameter of the body.

This disease is characterized by vomiting with bile, a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, and elevated body temperature. Chronic inflammation of the pancreas is characterized by painful discomfort, especially after a heavy meal.

Oncological damage to the pancreas in the early stages is practically impossible to diagnose due to its location, and for the reason that cancer in the early stages does not manifest itself in any way.

Pain is a signal from the body that it is unable to cope with problems in it; it is a kind of cry for help from our body. And it is important to be able to hear this cry in a timely manner in order to take timely measures. Therefore, if you have constant, unrelenting pain, go to the doctor.

If you are not sure of the correct diagnosis, go to another one. Don't take things to the extreme. Pain in the left hypochondrium, as you have already seen, can become exactly the edge from which there is no escape if timely measures are not taken and treatment is not started.

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10.04.2017 09:58

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

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

There are other reasons. What should you know about this unpleasant manifestation? Let's take a closer look.

Pain 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 stomach lining. Pain can be observed, including in the area of the left side (hypochondrium).

Gastroduodenitis. It is a lesion of the final part of the stomach and duodenum. It is almost impossible to independently differentiate between this pathology and gastritis. Even a doctor will not be able to make such a diagnosis at first glance. It is necessary to undergo some examinations.

Pancreatitis (reactive, etc.). Pancreatitis in medical practice refers to inflammation of the pancreas. This is the most serious disease of the listed ones, since its course is severe and death is possible.

Abdominal injuries. Bruises and ruptures of internal organs localized in the abdominal cavity are accompanied by aching pain 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 diseases described can produce characteristic symptoms.

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

Cholelithiasis (gallbladder stones).

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

Sigmoiditis. It is an inflammation of the sigmoid colon.

Colitis. Often pain due to inflammation of the large intestine is localized in the left side in front.

Lesions of the spleen.

Stomach ulcer. It is life-threatening, since as the process develops, perforation of the stomach wall is possible with the subsequent development of peritonitis.

There are many reasons why there is pain under the left rib in the front. It is possible to understand and identify a specific disease only after undergoing a series of instrumental studies.

Associated symptoms

Concomitant symptoms play a huge role in differential diagnosis, since characteristic manifestations can be used to suspect a particular disease. Among the symptoms:

Pain syndrome. Characterized by varying intensity and different character. With pancreatitis, the pain is cutting, localized in the left side, and has a girdling character. The same is observed with gastritis, but the pain in this disease intensifies after eating, while pancreatic pain syndrome is constant. In other cases, the discomfort is aching, pulling.

Dyspeptic phenomena. Nausea, vomiting, indigestion are all manifestations of stomach problems.

Heartburn. An eternal companion of gastritis and gastroduodenitis. Heartburn occurs after eating and is relieved when the stomach is empty.

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

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

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

Pain radiating to the pubic area and external genitalia.

Feeling of incomplete urination.

Lower back pain.

Everything described (the last four points) are symptoms of problems with the excretory system. The kidneys are probably involved.

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

Diagnosis of pain in the left hypochondrium

Diagnosis begins with selecting the right specialist for the visit. Gastroenterologists deal with pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. There may be problems with the excretory system. This is where urologists and nephrologists come to the rescue (not to be confused with neurologists who treat pathologies of the nervous system).

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

The doctor palpates problem areas, observing pain reactions. Through physical examination, the structure of organs and their sizes can be determined.

At the end of the initial diagnostic measures, the specialist makes an approximate diagnosis and sends the patient for instrumental studies. Among them:

. Ultrasound diagnostics of abdominal organs. It is carried out to identify the problem organ. Allows you to determine 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 a contrast agent. It is prescribed frequently and is informative in assessing the condition of the stomach.

. FGDS. Endoscopic, minimally invasive examination. Allows you to see with your own eyes the esophagus, stomach and initial parts of the small intestine. It is considered the gold standard for examining the stomach.

. Scintigraphy of the liver and gastrointestinal tract. It is used to assess the functional state of the gastrointestinal tract.

The complex of these studies is sufficient for diagnosis.

Pain under the left rib in front: treatment

The answer to the question of what to do if there is pain under the left rib in the front suggests a clear answer: you need to be treated. Treatment is predominantly conservative. Only in exceptional cases is surgical intervention necessary. There are few situations when surgery is required; they can be counted on one hand:

Pancreatitis in the acute phase with severe course.

Perforated stomach ulcer.

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

Tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.

In other cases, if there is pain under the left rib in the front, treatment is medicinal.

The following groups of medications are used:

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

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

Analgesics. Prescribed for pain relief. 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 blurring the clinical picture with long-term 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 medications (diuretics for kidney problems).

Medicines are prescribed only by a doctor and only based on the results of diagnostic measures. Thus, the answer to the question of what to do if there is pain under the left rib in the front suggests itself.

Pain under the left rib in front: prevention

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

It is necessary to adhere to a balanced diet: poor nutrition (nutritional reasons) is a significant factor in the development of gastrointestinal pathologies.

Don't get too cold.

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

Pain on the left under the rib can accompany a variety of diseases. It is important to react in time and contact a specialist.

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