Pain on the left under the ribs from the side below. Pain in the left side

Pain on the left under the ribs is not only a fairly common phenomenon, but also very deceptive.

The fact is that most of us, having felt such uncomfortable sensations, immediately attribute them to heart problems and start drinking validol.

However, pain under the ribs on the left side often indicates completely different, but no less serious diseases.

The nature and intensity of pain

The nature of the pain will help you determine which organ to treat and which doctor to see.

1. Dull aching pain under the ribs on the left indicates:

  • gastritis or stomach ulcers. May be accompanied by relieved vomiting, decreased appetite, and diarrhea;
  • stomach cancer. May be accompanied by a sharp weight loss, weakness, anemia, symptoms similar to toxicosis in pregnant women (for example, the appearance of an aversion to meat);
  • enlargement of the spleen;
  • diseases of the pancreas. May be accompanied by fever, nausea or vomiting.

2 . Sharp pain in the left hypochondrium may be a sign of:

  • ulcers of the stomach or duodenum. May be accompanied by heartburn, vomiting and constipation;
  • nervous tension.

3. Stitching pain on the left under the ribs talking about:

  • lung diseases. Especially if it increases with coughing and deep breaths (pneumonia, inflammation, tuberculosis or cancer of the left lung). May be accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, constipation and general intoxication of the body;
  • ulcer of the duodenum or stomach. May be accompanied by nausea and vomiting;
  • heart disease;
  • vegetative dystonia.

Pain on the left under the ribs in front and behind

Spleen

The spleen is located in the upper left side of the abdomen. Being close to the surface of the body, it is most often subject to various injuries. In addition, a number of diseases can contribute to the enlargement of the spleen, which stretches and causes dull pain under the ribs on the left.

With untimely diagnosis and lack of treatment, an enlarged spleen can rupture. In this case, the pain will be acute, and the skin around the navel will turn blue, which will happen due to internal hemorrhage in the abdominal cavity.

If you observe similar symptoms in yourself or your loved ones, urgently call an ambulance, as even a minute delay can be fatal. However, even with timely hospitalization, the likelihood of removal of the spleen is high.

If a rupture of the spleen is suspected, the patient is recommended to apply a cold compress to the left side before the arrival of the ambulance team.

The rupture of the spleen can result in the following diseases:

Abdominal injury;

Infectious mononucleosis;

Inflammation or infarction of the spleen.

Stomach

Sharp, aching, pulling or girdle pain in the hypochondrium, accompanied by nausea or vomiting, may indicate problems with the stomach.

The most common diseases of the stomach, characterized by pain on the left side, include:

Gastritis - aching dull paroxysmal pain that can occur both after eating (with low acidity) and on an empty stomach (with high acidity);

Peptic ulcer of the stomach - characterized by acute pain on the left under the ribs, which, as a rule, does not stop for a long time;

Malignant neoplasms in the stomach.

Antacids can help relieve pain.

Pancreas

This organ is located on the posterior abdominal wall of the upper abdomen on the left side.

The nature of pain in diseases of the pancreas varies.

So, for example, if the disease is already in the chronic stage, then a dull girdle pain is felt.

During attacks of acute pancreatitis, there are cutting girdle pains coming from the inside, which may be accompanied by nausea or even vomiting, as well as fever.

The pain is especially pronounced when taking fatty or spicy foods, as well as coffee and carbonated drinks.

If you have gallbladder problems, are a heavy smoker or heavy drinker, use steroid or diuretic hormones, or have diabetes, you are at a much higher risk of having pancreatitis. Therefore, we recommend that you be very attentive to your health.

The left side of the diaphragm

This muscle is located in the upper part of the abdominal cavity and separates it from the chest. The diaphragm has a hole through which the esophagus passes. When the muscles that control the size of this hole weaken, it increases in size.

As a result, the upper part of the stomach and the abdominal part of the esophagus through this expanded opening can exit the abdominal cavity into the chest cavity. This is how a diaphragmatic hernia occurs, one of the symptoms of which is pain on the floor of the left rib. More often this disease is diagnosed in older people.

In addition, the weakening of the diaphragm can be caused by other reasons that increase intra-abdominal pressure:

  1. obesity;
  2. heavy physical labor;
  3. age-related changes in the body;
  4. pregnancy (rare).

Heart

Of course, this organ can also cause burning pain on the left under the ribs. Moreover, if such pain radiates to the left shoulder blade or left arm or back and is also accompanied by shortness of breath, there is a high chance of myocardial infarction.

Nervous system

A fairly common and relatively safe cause of pain on the left under the ribs is intercostal neuralgia. It is localized, as a rule, in the lower parts of the sternum and usually increases with sudden movements and deep breathing.

A characteristic sign of pain in neuralgia is also the fact that it manifests itself on palpation of the intercostal spaces (as opposed to lung disease). Such pain can be caused by excessive pressure on the nerve or its damage or pinching. It can also occur due to prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable position.

A fairly rare cause of neuralgic pain in the left side of the hypochondrium may be abdominal migraine, which mostly occurs in children or adolescents. In this case, the pain is paroxysmal in nature, often accompanied by nausea or vomiting, blanching of the skin, as well as cramps in the muscles of the abdominal wall.

reproductive system

Often, pain on the left side can be experienced by women who are sick with endometriosis. Since, when swollen, the pathological tissue of the endometrium can cause quite strong pulling pains, in which it seems that literally everything that is under the ribs hurts.

Costal injuries (cracks or fractures)

The pain can be of a different nature, intensify with movement, coughing and deep breathing.

As you can see, there can be a great many causes of pain under the ribs in the left side. But only a doctor can accurately identify the cause. Therefore, with prolonged or acute pain in the hypochondrium, be sure to seek help from a specialist who, based on the results of the examination, will establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Pain is often a wake-up call about a disease. Find out what can hurt on the left under the ribs, what should be done.

Pain can be understood in different ways. This term means moral or physical discomfort, torment, suffering. Physical pain is usually a symptom of a disease, and when making a diagnosis, the doctor takes into account the place of its deployment.

Soreness in the region of the left hypochondrium cannot be considered the only specific manifestation of a certain pathology. To understand why it arose, what exactly is wrong with a person, the doctor needs to evaluate the accompanying symptoms. It is impossible to diagnose yourself if it hurts on the left under the ribs. But the article will help to suggest what conditions and diseases cause it.

What can hurt under the left rib in front, what is there?

The trunk is a part of the human body that combines the chest, abdomen and back. It contains a large number of vital human organs. If pain occurs on the left below the ribs in the form of spasmodic attacks, backache, stretching, one can suspect that one of these internal organs is malfunctioning.
Look at the picture below, it is rather schematic, but clearly shows the structure of the human body.

Organs that are located on the left side of the body, behind and below the ribs.

On the left side in the region of the ribs and hypochondrium are located:

The left ovary and left appendage in women with various diseases, including inflammatory ones, can give discomfort on the left under the ribs.
The organs of the chest, abdomen and back are surrounded by a muscular corset. For various reasons, muscles can also hurt on the left in the region of the frontal hypochondrium.

IMPORTANT: It must be remembered that pain in some pathologies can spread throughout the body, give it to completely different parts of it (radiate). It is not at all necessary that the affected organ, which gives pain, is located exactly on the left or just under the ribs. A similar symptom can manifest itself with intercostal neuralgia, osteochondrosis, renal or hepatic colic, and the like.

The affected organ, located at a considerable distance from it, can irradiate.

Why, at what disease can there be discomfort under the left rib in front, how to remove them?

Pain is a complex protective reaction of the body, which is provoked by:

  • inflammation of any organ and, as a result, its swelling
  • violation of blood supply in the organ, as a result of which the tissues that form it and the nerve endings innervating it receive less oxygen and nutrients (their trophism is disturbed)
  • violation of the integrity of the organs themselves or the mucous membranes lining their cavities due to trauma, surgery, infection, etc.

Pathologies in which it hurts under the ribs on the left.

If there is acute pain on the left, below the ribs, you need to contact a medical facility and undergo examinations to accurately determine its cause. The complex of therapeutic measures will necessarily include anesthesia with antispasmodic or analgesic drugs.

Why can there be aching, dull pain under the left rib in front, how to remove it?

Dull pain, aching sensations in the abdominal cavity on the left can occur due to malnutrition or prolonged fasting. The reason may be much more serious. Persistent aching pain often signals a sluggish or chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive organs (stomach, intestines, pancreas).

In no case should you take painkillers on your own, without a qualified diagnosis. The symptom will subside for a while, but the cause of the discomfort will not disappear. The disease may worsen, and the pain will become even stronger over time.

IMPORTANT: If you periodically or constantly ache on the left in the hypochondrium, contact a general practitioner or gastroenterologist, take a set of tests, undergo ultrasound diagnostics.

Why can there be paroxysmal wandering pain under the left rib in front and how to remove it?

If you feel discomfort under the ribs on the left side of the body, know that both diseases of the organs located in this area and other diseases in which the pain radiates can give it.
Your condition can be described something like this: it hurts here and there, severe pains are deployed there, but periodically it grabs on the left, under the ribs, there are backaches, etc.

Causes of paroxysmal, wandering pain in the left hypochondrium.

Again, it will only be possible to relieve pain by taking any symptomatic drugs without eliminating its cause, only for a short time.

Why can there be a burning, sharp pain under the left rib in front and how to remove it?

If a sharp, burning pain suddenly appeared on the left, where your ribs are, do not even think about taking antispasmodics or painkillers on your own. You most likely have an acute condition caused by trauma or an acute inflammatory disease, possibly life-threatening:

  • perforation of stomach ulcer
  • ruptured spleen
  • rupture of the renal pelvis
  • bowel perforation
  • ruptured appendix (less common)
  • left-sided pleurisy

The drugs listed above are unlikely to solve your problem, but they will blur the clinical picture. If you feel sharp pains in the left hypochondrium, immediately call an ambulance!

Why can there be pain in the left hypochondrium with constipation, belching and nausea?

Gastritis is a very common pathology today, caused by malnutrition, metabolic disorders and other circumstances.

Gastritis is a possible cause of pain in the designated area.

The diagnosis is confirmed by a doctor. The specialist also determines whether the disease is acute or chronic. The treatment is prescribed complex: the patient should take drugs:

  • antihelicobacter
  • normalizing acidity
  • anti-inflammatory
  • for nausea and vomiting
  • painkillers (No-Shpu, Papaverine, Platiffilin)

Can it hurt and how does it hurt under the left rib in front with gastritis and stomach ulcers?

Gastritis and stomach ulcers are common causes of pain in the left hypochondrium. Pain in this case is either permanent or occurs after eating. They are accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms, including weakness, disorders of the cardiovascular system, nausea, heartburn, vomiting after eating, and others. In this case, you cannot do without the help of a doctor.

Can it hurt and how does it hurt under the left rib in front with poisoning?

Poisoning, or intestinal infection, is manifested by pain spreading over the abdomen and hypochondrium, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and other symptoms.

Can it hurt and how does it hurt under the left rib in front with a hernia?

Diaphragmatic hernia.

Between the thorax and the abdominal cavity of a person is a muscular plate called the diaphragm. It not only delimits these two cavities, but also takes an active part in breathing. The diaphragm has an opening for the esophagus. Due to an injury, during pregnancy, due to malnutrition or very hard physical labor, for a number of other reasons, a pathology may occur in which the organs of the sternum move into the abdominal cavity and vice versa. This pathology is called diaphragmatic hernia.
With her, the patient feels:

  • pain in the chest and / or hypochondrium, including the left
  • heartburn
  • nausea
  • heartbeat

The symptoms are aggravated after the patient eats. Methods of treatment and anesthesia for diaphragmatic hernia are chosen by the doctor. In most cases, surgery is indispensable.

Can it hurt and how does it hurt under the left rib in front with a heart attack?

With myocardial infarction, when necrosis of a section of the heart muscle occurs, the patient feels a sharp, burning pain behind the sternum. This pain may radiate to the left in:

  • lower jaw
  • shoulder
  • hypochondrium

IMPORTANT: It is characteristic that painkillers and nitroglycerin do not relieve pain during a heart attack. Since pathology often causes death, the patient must be immediately hospitalized.

Can it hurt and how does it hurt under the left rib in front with diseases of the spleen?

A number of infections, including mononucleosis, lead to an enlarged spleen. The medical name for the pathology is splenomegaly. Its most striking symptom is pain in the left hypochondrium, which is different in nature and intensity.

IMPORTANT: Pain on the left side of the body under the lower ribs also occurs with injuries, rupture or tumor disease of the spleen.

Can it hurt and how does it hurt under the left rib in front with constipation and flatulence?

Overdistension of the intestine due to the accumulation of feces (constipation) or gases (flatulence) is manifested by the appearance of pain spreading over the abdomen, right and left hypochondria.

Can it hurt and how does it hurt under the left rib in front with pancreatitis?

Pain under the ribs on the left side of the body is a classic sign of acute pancreatitis.

The pancreas, when it is inflamed, gives pain in the hypochondrium on the left.

In parallel with it, nausea, vomiting, a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, fever may appear. Urine and feces change color.
By nature, the pain can be dagger, paroxysmal, pulling, girdle. It is very strong and is difficult to remove with painkillers.

Can it hurt and how does it hurt under the left rib in front with pneumonia?

If the lungs become inflamed due to infection, the patient has a number of unpleasant symptoms, the intensity of which depends on how severe the disease is.

So, the patient may complain of pain under the left rib, if, in addition to the lungs, the pleura was affected by the inflammatory process, as well as in the case when pneumonia is provoked by mycoplasma, chlamydia, legionella and a number of other pathogens.

Can it hurt and how does it hurt under the left rib in front with pleurisy?

With pleurisy, the patient feels pain from the side of the affected lung, that is, on the right or left.

Pleurisy symptoms.

Can it hurt and how does it hurt under the left rib in front with oncology?

The incidence of cancer today is steadily increasing. Oncology is dangerous because at first it may not make itself felt, therefore, it is important not to miss the moment. If the left under the rib begins to hurt for no reason, there are other alarming symptoms (rapid satiety, aversion to food in general or to a certain product, problems with stool, etc.), you should immediately be examined.

What to do with pain in the left hypochondrium?

If you are suddenly twisted by pain in the left hypochondrium, for sure, the first thing that comes to your mind is to drink No-shpu, Spazmalgon, or some other pain medication. But it is absolutely impossible to do this.

  1. Call an ambulance.
  2. Before her arrival, provide yourself with access to oxygen, take the most comfortable position for you, stay calm.
  3. Listen to the recommendations of the ambulance team, do not refuse hospitalization.
  4. After the examination and diagnosis, in order to cure the disease - the cause of the pain, follow all the doctor's recommendations.

VIDEO: Pain under the left rib

Pain in the left side behind, in front or in the lower abdomen is a symptom familiar to many. During the life of any person with a similar problem is bound to face. Pain is 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 side) and lower (left iliac region). When pain is localized in one of them, they talk about pain in the left side. And it can occur in almost any department.

In the region of the left hypochondrium are: the left lung, heart, left side of the diaphragm, stomach, duodenum, pancreas, spleen. In addition, pain can occur here with lesions of the peripheral nervous system, with vegetovascular dystonia, from the ribs themselves with their injuries, and unpleasant sensations from the reproductive system are also reflected here. In the waist area in front is: the continuation of the stomach, the tail of the pancreas, a segment of the liver, gallbladder, part of the loops of the small intestine, part of the left part of the colon, behind them are the left kidney and left ureter. In the lower section continue 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:

  1. Visceral - associated with impaired motility of the stomach and intestines, often blunt in nature, but can be cramping, give to the shoulder, thigh, for example, with intestinal colic, flatulence.
  2. Peritoneal - associated with irritation of the receptors of the peritoneum, their character is acute or cutting, they always have their own localization, they are constant in duration, they react to loads, intensifying. They are usually associated with ruptures, perforations of organs (perforation, the formation of a through hole), when the contents are poured into the surrounding tissues.
  3. Reflected - occur during inflammatory changes and appear when the tissue of the organ 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 belongs to.

Discomfort in the left side behind

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

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

Drawing pains in the left side are harbingers of a pre-infarction condition, when they become intense, sharp, it hurts under the ribs on the left, there is irradiation to the shoulder blade, back, left shoulder and even to the jaw; there is tachycardia, a drop in blood pressure, shortness of breath, cold sticky sweat, fear of death, loss of consciousness. All this indicates the development of myocardial infarction.

The appearance of pain in the back at the back and on the left while eating is a pathology of the digestive system. If the pain is localized below, at the level of the lower back, cholecystitis can be suspected (pain is given to the right shoulder, nausea, vomiting, numbness of the extremities are possible), inflammation of the pancreas.

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

Blood diseases (leukemia), tumors of the adrenal glands can give dull pains of a long-term nature in the lumbar region from the back. Pinching of the nerve roots with sciatica causes pain in the back when inhaled, often accompanied by numbness of the fingers and toes.

When pain on the left under the ribs from behind from the back, which occurs more often, bothers you, you need to examine the spine: take an x-ray and ultrasound, if necessary, MRI, CT. With a pathology of the spine, there is a risk of becoming disabled, so an appeal to a neurologist is mandatory.

Pain in the back at the left rear and below during exhalation and movement can be a sign of osteochondrosis, myositis. Pain in the lower back on the left rear can be with oncology of the intestine, with colitis, intestinal obstruction.

If pain in the left side from the back disturbs 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, aching. In these cases, they often take No-shpu and put a heating pad on the aching place. Examination for any localization of pain should be complete: X-ray, ultrasound of internal organs, MRI, CT, blood tests.

Pain in the left side in front

Similar pains can be caused by the following pathological changes:

  1. If discomfort is under the ribs, then it can be an aortic aneurysm (burning and prolonged pains, localized closer to the shoulder, systematically shot in the back), diaphragmatic hernia, pancreatitis, pathologies of the cardiovascular system of the respiratory system.
  2. Cardiomyopathy after suffering angina, tonsillitis. With them, it hurts in the left side under the ribs, pain appears during exertion, the pulse quickens, the patient quickly gets tired.
  3. Ischemic heart disease (CHD). Pain outside the 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, increased heart rate.
  4. Pathologies of the respiratory organs - pneumonia, pleurisy, bronchitis - may be accompanied by pain in the left hypochondrium. With inflammation of the lungs, the pains are usually mild at first, of a dull nature, with the further development of the process during a cough, they become stabbing, radiate to the back, left side and chest, they are characterized by back pain when inhaling. Additionally, there may be fever and cough, weakness.
  5. With pleurisy, pain in the left hypochondrium is observed on inspiration, depends on coughing, tilting in the healthy direction. With dry left-sided pleurisy, evening fever is noted, pain in the left hypochondrium when inhaled, in the chest, radiates 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 when breathing, the patient is pale, the cervical veins are swollen.
  6. Pain in the left side under the ribs are with: splenomegaly, rheumatism, gastritis, duodenitis, ulcer perforation, colitis, flatulence. Pain in the left side in the waist area in front appears with a hernia of the navel.
  7. Gastritis. Pain in the hypochondrium on the left, pulling, often with nausea, vomiting, heartburn, heaviness in the epigastrium, a feeling of fullness of the stomach, belching, bad breath, unpleasant aftertaste.
  8. With a stomach ulcer, there is a pulling pain in the left side, but it appears after eating, there is heartburn, sour belching, weight loss, nausea after eating, sometimes vomiting. With a duodenal ulcer, pain, on the contrary, occurs on an empty stomach, disappears even after a small piece of bread.
  9. If there was a perforation of the ulcer, then a sharp dagger pain appears, the person bends, turns pale, and may lose consciousness. There is vomiting of coffee grounds.
  10. 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 always a feeling of fullness in the stomach. In the last stages, acute pain in the left side of such strength that the patients scream, the nature of the pain is gnawing, they are not relieved by medicines.
  11. Splenomegaly. The pathology of the spleen can be associated with ruptures, abscesses, injuries of the organ, while it is enlarged. With lesions of the spleen, throbbing pain is observed, dull in nature, it is localized in the left hypochondrium, symptoms of migraine, tonsillitis, fever, weakness, sweating, as a rule, an enlarged liver are added to it.
  12. 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, aggravated by slight exertion, even when bending over. It is provoked by obesity, stress.
  13. Intercostal neuralgia. They occur very often, pains are localized both in front and behind, paroxysmal pain under the ribs on the left, sensations are different, from dull and aching to sharp, burning, piercing, appear on the exhale, do not allow movement, increase during movement and any other load, hold on during the day and at night, chained to the bed. There is a feeling of numbness at the site of the lesion.
  14. Pain in the left hypochondrium can be with rheumatoid diseases of the connective tissue, osteochondrosis (pain can also be from the back), with sciatica (behind too).
  15. Pancreatitis. The pain is constant, can be girdle in nature, localized in the epigastrium. Possible acute pain in the left side, in the right side of the abdomen, in the mesogastrium, 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 with it 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 of the lower abdomen

Pain in the left side in the lower abdomen due to pathology of the intestines, organs of the genitourinary system, urolithiasis:

  1. ICD. Runs in fits. During the period of remission, the pain is mild, dull, at the level of the lower back, and can occur from the back and front. It is provoked after exercise, walking. It aggravates when the calculus moves, it becomes sharp, sharp, unbearable in the lower back, it is not removed by antispasmodics, nausea, vomiting, hematuria are added. When the stone stops, the pain decreases for a while, then it is localized over the pubic region.
  2. Chronic constipation is accompanied by pain in the left side, especially after a heavy meal.
  3. Spastic colitis. Pain in the abdomen is constant, aching in nature. A common symptom is flatulence, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the intestine, sometimes diarrhea with mucus.
  4. Intestinal obstruction. The first and early symptom in this pathology is pain; it comes back every 25 minutes, is cramping in nature. There is flatulence, nausea, asymmetry when examining the abdomen, with auscultation - the absence of splashing, noise. Pathology develops regardless of food intake, occurs without precursors. After 3 days, the pain may subside, which indicates a poor prognosis - peristalsis has stopped and necrosis has begun.
  5. Bowel cancer. Pain in the left side of the lower abdomen at first fuzzy, lubricated, constant, do not depend on food intake. Half of the patients have persistent constipation, they do not respond to medications and laxatives; rumbling is characteristic, gas formation is increased, there is a feeling of heaviness. Characteristic stool with blood.
  6. With appendicitis, pain can also appear on the left, they are not necessarily localized on the right. Umbilical pains, a feeling of fullness, fullness of the abdomen join.

Problems of the reproductive system

  1. Adnexitis is an inflammation of the fallopian tubes. During its acute form, a sharp pain appears in the lower abdomen, in the groin and lower back. Possible fever, chills, general weakness. When the process passes into a chronic form, the pain subsides - they lose their sharpness, become aching, and are often accompanied by cycle disorders.
  2. Ovarian apoplexy - severe pain on the left, then they become diffuse throughout the abdomen, the general condition worsens, blood pressure decreases, there is a temperature, vomiting. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is characteristic.
  3. Ectopic pregnancy. At 6-10 weeks of pregnancy, sharp intense pains in the lower abdomen appear, bleeding is possible, and the condition worsens. Before this period, an ectopic pregnancy does not manifest itself in any way, it usually proceeds. With a burst tube, blood flows into the abdominal cavity, which is fraught with peritonitis. With a large blood loss, pain shock develops with loss of consciousness and collapse.
  4. During normal pregnancy, pain in the left side can also occur. If they are associated with a short period of time and mild pain, this may be due to the growing uterus and squeezing other organs to it, the state of health is not disturbed, the pain is weak, pressing.

If, against the background of complete health, a sharp sudden pain appears, it does not go away within half an hour, it grows, the face turns pale, blood pressure decreases, bleeding from the vagina occurs, the woman loses consciousness, then these are signs of a miscarriage, an immediate visit to the doctor is required.

Thanks

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

Such symptom, how abdominal pain, can be a sign of a large number of different diseases. It must be taken into account that the abdomen is not a separate organ - it is only the name of the anatomical region of the human body. There are many internal organs in the abdomen, consisting of a variety of tissues and structures, so the cause of pain can vary significantly.

Most of the organs in the abdominal cavity are hollow: stomach, intestines, gallbladder, urinary organs. If, due to inflammation, injury or obstruction of the patency of the excretory tracts of such organs, they become blocked, this can lead to a situation that threatens not only health, but also human life.

First of all, you should pay attention to sudden sharp pains in the abdomen. They may be the first sign of a serious pathology requiring immediate medical attention. The term "acute abdomen" means that a person needs first aid in order to eliminate the danger to his life. The reason for calling an ambulance should be sudden sharp pains in the abdomen that last more than half an hour.

Pain in the left side of the abdomen can occur both above, closer to the ribs, and below. Often it is a symptom of diseases of the digestive system:

  • stomach;
  • pancreas;
  • gallbladder;
  • small intestine;
  • colon.
The pathology of any of these organs can be manifested by the occurrence of pain in the left side of the abdomen. In addition, it must be remembered that the cause of such pain can be not only diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This symptom can also occur with the following pathologies:
  • diseases of the kidneys, spleen, bladder and ureter, uterine appendages;
  • pathology of the respiratory organs (diaphragm, lungs and pleura);
  • diseases of the heart and circulatory system;
  • diseases of the abdominal wall (hernia);
  • pathology of the peripheral nervous system;
  • diseases of the blood and connective tissue;
  • endocrine diseases (diabetes mellitus).

Types of pain in the left side

All pains in the left side can be divided according to the mechanism of their occurrence. They differ in their characteristics, which provides additional diagnostic features in determining the disease.

1. Visceral pain. They are characteristic for disorders of the motility of the stomach and intestines with spasms or sprains of their muscle fibers. Such pain is either cramping (as, for example, with intestinal colic), or vice versa - dull and aching (with flatulence). Often it gives to nearby parts of the body.

2. Peritoneal pain. Such pain is usually well localized and constant. It is caused by irritation of the peritoneum - for example, when a stomach ulcer is perforated. In this case, the pain in the left side increases with movement and breathing, and is sharp, cutting.

3. Reflected pains. Such pain in the left side occurs due to the irradiation of pain. Pain can radiate to this area of ​​the abdomen with left-sided lower lobe pneumonia, pleurisy and some other diseases.

Pain in the left side under the ribs

Pain that occurs in the upper left side of the abdomen may be due to the following pathologies:
  • stomach diseases;
  • heart attack, enlargement or rupture of the spleen;
  • diaphragmatic hernia;
  • damage to the heart muscle;
  • pleurisy and left-sided pneumonia, which is localized in the lower lobe of the left lung;
  • rheumatic lesions.

Characteristics of pain in the left side under the ribs

Acute pain syndrome
Dagger sharp pain in the left side under the ribs, which appeared suddenly - a reason for an urgent call for an ambulance. Most often, such a sudden cutting pain in the left side indicates perforation of the stomach wall or loops of the small intestine, rupture of the spleen or renal pelvis. Sharp pain in the left side under the ribs when inhaling is a sign of serious damage to internal organs during falls or car accidents. All of these conditions are life threatening.

Dull pain in the left hypochondrium
Dull diffuse pain in the left hypochondrium for a long period of time is a sign of a chronic sluggish disease of the gastrointestinal tract. A preliminary conclusion can be drawn about the presence of pancreatitis, gastritis, cholecystitis and other pathologies in a chronic form. In the future, the diagnosis must be clarified with the help of laboratory tests and other research methods.

Aching pain in the left side under the ribs
A tedious constant pain in the left side under the ribs also indicates a sluggish inflammatory process. It is caused by duodenitis and colitis. In addition, aching, exhausting pain accompanied by vomiting is a sign of a stomach ulcer. Quite often, aching pains in the left hypochondrium are a symptom of angina pectoris, coronary heart disease and a pre-infarction condition.

Pain in the left hypochondrium with diseases of the stomach

Gastritis
Any effects that irritate the gastric mucosa cause inflammation or functional disorders, one of the symptoms of which is pain. More often, such pain in the left side is aching, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and sometimes heartburn.

Cardiac ischemia
Ischemic heart disease is a pathological condition, which is based on impaired blood supply to the heart muscle due to damage to the coronary arteries. In addition to aching pain in the left side, there may be a feeling of heaviness and burning in the chest, shortness of breath and an increase in heart rate, sometimes accompanied by nausea.

Pain in the left hypochondrium in diseases of the lungs and pleura

Left sided pneumonia


Pain in the upper left side can occur with the development of inflammation of the lung tissue in the lower lobes of the left lung. Usually such pain is dull and unexpressed, but when coughing, patients may complain of severe "stabbing" pains in the left side and chest.

Left-sided pleurisy
Pleurisy is an inflammation of the lining of the lungs, with the loss of fibrin on its surface (dry form) or the accumulation of various fluids in the pleural cavity (exudative form). Pain in the left side, chest and hypochondrium with pleurisy is usually associated with breathing, coughing, bending in the opposite direction.

Dry pleurisy is also characterized by the following symptoms:

  • fever (mainly in the evening);
  • sweating;
  • rapid, shallow breathing;
  • forced position of the patient (he lies on his sore side in order to reduce pain from chest movements during breathing).
Exudative pleurisy, in addition to pain, is also accompanied by:
  • feeling of heaviness in the left half of the chest;
  • dry cough or cough containing a small amount of sputum;
  • shortness of breath;
  • forced position of the body;
  • pallor or cyanosis of the face and limbs;
  • swelling of the neck veins;
  • lag of the affected half of the chest during respiratory movements;
  • protrusion of the intercostal spaces.

Pain in the left side of the chest with neuralgia

Intercostal neuralgia occurs when irritation or compression of the intercostal nerves. Pain in this disease is characterized by a wide range of manifestations: acute and piercing, aching, dull and burning paroxysmal pain in the left side in the region of the ribs. Seizures may also be accompanied by:
  • muscle twitches;
  • increased sweating;
  • stitching pain in left side and chest;
  • redness or blanching of the skin.
Pain in the left side under the ribs increases with inhalation, coughing, sneezing, sudden movements, changes in body position. In addition, pain can be observed with pressure on certain points that are located on the back, along the spine, on the chest, in the intercostal spaces.

With neuralgia, pain is observed not only on the left in the chest - pain can be given under the shoulder blade (which looks like a pathology of the heart) and in the lumbar region.
Numbness is observed directly at the site of damage to the nerve pathways, and chest pain persists day and night for a long period.

Pain in the left side under the ribs in rheumatic diseases and pathologies of the spine

The cause of pain under the ribs on the left can be rheumatoid lesions of the connective articular tissue. Quite often, this syndrome can be observed with muscular dystrophyassociated with a weakening of the muscles of the abdominal press. In addition, pain can be caused by osteochondrosis and sciatica when the corresponding pair of nerve fibers coming out of the spinal cord is pinched.

Pain in the left hypochondrium with injuries

Pain under the left rib can be caused by mechanical causes. Injury to soft, bone and cartilaginous tissues occurs with strong physical external influences (falls, bumps, etc.).

Myocardial infarction is also manifested by sharp pain in the region of the heart, but its main difference is the very frequent transitions of pain to the back of the body to the shoulder blade, as well as the left arm, left side and neck. In addition, the following symptoms are observed:

  • profuse sweating with cold clammy sweat;
  • nausea;
  • dyspnea;
  • dizziness;
  • pre-fainting state.
If such symptoms occur, it is necessary to call an ambulance as soon as possible in order to exclude the development of myocardial infarction.

Pain in the left side in the lumbar region with kidney pathologies

Pain on the left side of the lower back can occur in case of diseases of the left kidney.

Pyelonephritis
This is an inflammatory pathology of the kidneys, which occurs mainly with bacterial infections. Pain in the lumbar region on the left is usually dull, aching in nature, may be unexpressed or have a high intensity, taking on a paroxysmal appearance. The latter is observed with blockage of the ureter by a stone and the development of urolithic pyelonephritis.

In addition to pain, the clinical picture of pyelonephritis includes:

  • development of intoxication syndrome;
  • general weakness;
  • chills;
  • increase in body temperature up to 38-40 o C;
  • nausea, sometimes vomiting.
Chronic left-sided pyelonephritis constantly worries the patient with dull aching pain in the lower back. This pain syndrome becomes especially pronounced in wet and cold weather. In addition, the patient has frequent painful urination, since in this disease the lesion often affects the bladder.

Urolithiasis disease
Urolithiasis is a disease that is manifested by the formation of stones in the organs of the urinary system. Outside of an acute attack, this pathology is not pronounced, with dull pain in the left side in the lumbar region, which intensifies after a bumpy ride, long walking and physical exertion.

Blockage of the ureter by a moving stone is manifested by acute spastic pain in the lumbar region, as well as nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine. Sharp and intense pain in the left side, both in front and behind, may indicate the progress of the stone along the ureter.

Pain in the left side of the lower abdomen during pregnancy

Pain in the left side during pregnancy is not always a symptom of serious pathologies, but it should definitely alert the woman.

It is necessary to urgently call a doctor, or go to the clinic yourself if:

  • a sharp pain in the side arose suddenly against the background of the general well-being of the body;
  • pain lasts more than 20-25 minutes;
  • their intensity is growing rapidly;
  • they are joined by pallor of the skin, weakness, vaginal bleeding, loss of consciousness.
Pain in the left side of the lower abdomen, accompanied by similar symptoms, may indicate a threat of premature termination of pregnancy - miscarriage. Therefore, her appearance requires urgent medical intervention in order to save both the life of the mother and her child.

If the gestational age is still short, and the pain is pulling, pressing, but not of great intensity, then most likely its cause is the uterus, which increases in size and begins to put pressure on adjacent organs. For example, the cause of pain in the left side may be somewhat shifted due to the growing fetus intestines. As a result, food moves along it unevenly. In addition, pregnancy hormones, which have a relaxing effect on the muscles of the uterus, also affect the muscles of the intestine, which also disrupts its peristalsis. This causes the formation of stagnation of food in different parts of the intestine, which is manifested by periodic constipation.

Before use, you should consult with a specialist.

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 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 final 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.). In medical practice, pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas. This is the most severe disease of those listed, since it is severe, and a fatal outcome is possible.

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 can be affected: 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 of various origins. 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. It is an inflammation of the sigmoid colon.

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

Spleen lesions.

Stomach ulcer. 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

Concomitant symptoms play a huge role in differential diagnosis, since it is possible to suspect a particular disease based on characteristic manifestations. 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 occurs with problems with the 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 of the 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.

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

. Ultrasound diagnostics of the 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, minimally invasive examination. Allows you to see with your own eyes the esophagus, stomach and the initial sections of the small intestine. Considered the gold standard in gastric examination.

. Liver and gastrointestinal scintigraphy. It is used to assess the functional state of the 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 is surgical intervention necessary. There are few situations when an operation is required, they can be counted on the fingers:

Pancreatitis in the acute phase with a severe course.

Perforated stomach ulcer.

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 their own discretion on a temporary basis: there is a high risk of "lubricating" the 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 medicines (diuretics 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:

It is necessary to adhere to a balanced diet: malnutrition (alimentary causes) 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 can be accompanied by a variety of diseases. It is important to respond in time and contact a specialist.

Post Views: 219