What are the common causes of left-sided chest rib pain. How is costochondritis diagnosed and treated. What are the symptoms of a heart attack vs costochondritis. When should you seek immediate medical attention for chest pain.

Understanding Costochondritis: The Common Culprit of Left-Sided Chest Pain

Costochondritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone. This ailment often manifests as sharp, stabbing pain on the left side of the rib cage, leading many to mistake it for more serious conditions like heart attacks. However, understanding the nuances of costochondritis can help alleviate concerns and guide proper treatment.

What Causes Costochondritis?

The exact cause of costochondritis isn’t always clear, but several factors can contribute to its development:

• Infections
• Physical injuries to the chest area
• Severe coughing episodes
• Overuse or strain of the chest muscles
• Certain inflammatory conditions

Can costochondritis resolve on its own? In many cases, costochondritis can indeed resolve without specific treatment within a few weeks to months. However, seeking medical advice is crucial for proper diagnosis and management, especially if the pain persists or worsens.

Differentiating Costochondritis from Heart Attack Symptoms

One of the most pressing concerns when experiencing left-sided chest pain is the possibility of a heart attack. While both conditions can cause discomfort in the chest area, there are key differences in their symptoms and presentation.

Heart Attack Symptoms:

• Chest pain or discomfort, often described as pressure, squeezing, or fullness
• Pain radiating to the jaw, neck, arms, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweats
• Nausea or vomiting
• Lightheadedness or dizziness

Costochondritis Symptoms:

• Sharp, localized pain in the chest wall
• Pain that worsens with breathing, coughing, or physical activity
• Tenderness when pressing on the affected area
• Pain that may spread to the back or abdomen

How can you tell if chest pain is muscular or cardiac? While costochondritis pain typically worsens with movement or pressure on the chest wall, cardiac pain is often unaffected by these factors. Additionally, costochondritis pain is usually more localized, whereas heart attack pain tends to be more diffuse and may radiate to other areas of the body.

Other Potential Causes of Left-Sided Chest Pain

While costochondritis is a common cause of left-sided chest pain, several other conditions can produce similar symptoms. Understanding these potential causes can help in seeking appropriate medical attention and treatment.

Rib Injuries: Bruised or Broken Ribs

Rib injuries, whether from trauma or prolonged strain, can cause significant pain in the chest area. Bruised ribs typically result in pain that worsens with breathing or movement, while broken ribs can lead to severe pain and potential complications such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung).

How long does it take for bruised or broken ribs to heal? The healing time for rib injuries can vary significantly. Bruised ribs may heal within a few weeks, while broken ribs can take 6 to 8 weeks or longer to fully recover. Proper rest and pain management are crucial for optimal healing.

Digestive Disorders: IBS and IBD

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are digestive conditions that can sometimes cause pain under the left ribs. These disorders are characterized by chronic abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

What distinguishes IBS from IBD? While both conditions can cause similar symptoms, IBD is a more serious condition involving physical changes to the intestines that can be observed through imaging tests. IBS, on the other hand, is a functional disorder without visible damage to the digestive tract.

Pancreatic Issues: Understanding Pancreatitis

The pancreas, located on the left side of the abdomen, can sometimes be the source of pain under the left ribs. Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, can cause severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the chest area.

Types of Pancreatitis:

1. Acute Pancreatitis: Sudden onset of inflammation, often severe
2. Chronic Pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation leading to permanent damage

What are the common causes of pancreatitis? Pancreatitis can be triggered by various factors, including:

• Gallstones
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Certain medications
• High triglyceride levels
• Genetic factors

How is pancreatitis diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, imaging studies (such as CT scans or ultrasounds), and sometimes endoscopic procedures. Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause but may include pain management, dietary changes, and in severe cases, hospitalization for intravenous fluids and nutrition.

Splenic Disorders: When Your Spleen Causes Pain

The spleen, an organ crucial to your immune system, sits in the upper left part of your abdomen. Disorders affecting the spleen can sometimes cause pain under the left ribs.

Splenomegaly: Enlarged Spleen

An enlarged spleen, or splenomegaly, can cause discomfort or pain in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. This condition can be caused by various factors, including infections, blood disorders, and liver diseases.

What are the symptoms of an enlarged spleen? Common signs include:

• Pain or fullness in the left upper abdomen
• Feeling full without eating much
• Anemia
• Fatigue
• Frequent infections

Splenic Rupture: A Medical Emergency

A ruptured spleen, often resulting from trauma, is a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. It can cause severe pain in the left upper abdomen and may lead to life-threatening internal bleeding.

How is a ruptured spleen treated? Treatment depends on the severity of the rupture. Minor tears may be managed with close observation and rest, while severe ruptures often require emergency surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy) or repair the damage.

Diagnostic Approaches for Left-Sided Chest Pain

When investigating the cause of left-sided chest pain, healthcare providers employ a variety of diagnostic tools and techniques to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Physical Examination

A thorough physical exam is often the first step in diagnosing the cause of chest pain. The doctor will palpate the affected area, listen to your heart and lungs, and assess your overall physical condition.

Imaging Studies

Depending on the suspected cause, various imaging techniques may be used:

• Chest X-ray: To visualize the bones, heart, and lungs
• CT scan: For detailed images of internal structures
• MRI: To assess soft tissues and detect inflammation
• Ultrasound: Particularly useful for examining abdominal organs

Blood Tests

Blood tests can help identify infections, assess organ function, and detect markers of inflammation or cardiac damage.

What specific blood tests might be ordered for chest pain? Common tests include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Cardiac enzymes (e.g., troponin)
• C-reactive protein (CRP) to detect inflammation
• Liver function tests
• Pancreatic enzyme levels

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG records the electrical activity of your heart and can help detect heart-related issues that may be causing chest pain.

Treatment Options for Left-Sided Chest Pain

The treatment for left-sided chest pain varies depending on the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:

Costochondritis Treatment

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Application of heat or ice to the affected area
• Rest and avoiding activities that exacerbate pain
• Physical therapy exercises to improve posture and reduce strain
• In some cases, local injections of corticosteroids

Management of Rib Injuries

• Pain management with analgesics
• Breathing exercises to prevent lung complications
• Careful immobilization (avoiding tight wrapping)
• Gradual return to normal activities as pain subsides

Addressing Digestive Disorders

For conditions like IBS and IBD:

• Dietary modifications
• Stress management techniques
• Medications to control inflammation or manage symptoms
• In severe cases of IBD, surgical interventions may be necessary

Pancreatitis Management

• Fasting to rest the pancreas
• Intravenous fluids and pain management
• Treatment of underlying causes (e.g., gallstone removal)
• Lifestyle changes, including alcohol cessation
• Enzyme supplements for chronic pancreatitis

Splenic Disorder Treatments

For enlarged spleen:

• Treatment of underlying conditions causing splenomegaly
• Careful monitoring to prevent complications
• In some cases, splenectomy may be necessary

For splenic rupture:

• Emergency medical care
• Possible surgical intervention (splenectomy or repair)
• Close monitoring and follow-up care

Prevention and Long-Term Management of Left-Sided Chest Pain

While not all causes of left-sided chest pain can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and manage ongoing conditions effectively.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Maintain good posture to reduce strain on chest muscles and ribs
• Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
• Engage in regular, low-impact exercise to improve overall health
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods

Regular Check-ups and Monitoring

For individuals with chronic conditions or those who have experienced chest pain:

• Attend regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers
• Monitor symptoms and report any changes promptly
• Adhere to prescribed treatment plans and medications
• Participate in recommended screenings and diagnostic tests

Education and Self-Care

Empowering yourself with knowledge about your condition can lead to better management:

• Learn about your specific diagnosis and its management
• Understand warning signs that require immediate medical attention
• Develop a pain management plan with your healthcare provider
• Join support groups or seek counseling if needed for chronic conditions

How can you distinguish between serious and non-serious causes of chest pain? While it’s always best to err on the side of caution with chest pain, understanding your personal risk factors, recognizing patterns in your symptoms, and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider can help you make informed decisions about when to seek immediate care.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While many causes of left-sided chest pain are benign, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. It’s crucial to recognize these red flags to ensure prompt treatment for potentially life-threatening conditions.

Emergency Symptoms

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Sudden, severe chest pain
• Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea
• Pain that radiates to the jaw, neck, or arms
• Chest pain associated with lightheadedness or fainting
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat along with chest pain
• Chest pain that worsens with exertion and improves with rest

What should you do while waiting for emergency services? If you suspect a heart attack:

1. Call emergency services immediately
2. Chew and swallow an aspirin if you’re not allergic (unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider)
3. Try to remain calm and seated or lying down
4. Loosen any tight clothing
5. If unconscious and not breathing, begin CPR if trained

Remember, it’s always better to be cautious when it comes to chest pain. Even if it turns out to be a less serious condition, prompt evaluation can provide peace of mind and ensure appropriate treatment.

Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More

Your left ribs protect the organs that sit below them, like your heart and your stomach. Pain in this area can be caused by injury, infection, or an underlying condition.

If you have pain in your chest, you might worry about a serious condition, such as a heart attack. While it’s true that pain under your left ribs can be a heart attack symptom, discomfort in that area is not always related to your heart.

Depending on the cause, left rib pain might feel sharp and stabbing, or dull and aching. For many people, pain in this area is due to a benign (not harmful), treatable cause. But if you’re having chest pain, it’s best to see a doctor or healthcare professional to make sure it’s nothing serious.

Read on to learn about possible causes of left rib pain, diagnosis, and treatments.

Chest pain can sometimes signal a medical emergency, such as a heart attack. If you’re feeling pain in your left ribs, it’s best not to ignore it.

Heart attack symptoms include:

• pain, discomfort, or a heavy feeling in your chest, usually in the middle or on the left side
• pain or discomfort in your neck, jaw, shoulders, arms, back, or above your belly button
• shortness of breath
• sweating
• fatigue
• nausea and vomiting
• lightheadedness or dizziness
• fast or irregular heart rate

If you think you could be having a heart attack, call 911 or local emergency services right away.

Your rib cage consists of 24 ribs — 12 on the left and 12 on the right side of your body. Their function is to protect your organs that lie beneath them.

On the left side, this includes your heart, left lung, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and left kidney. When any of these organs are infected, inflamed, or injured, pain can radiate under and around your left rib cage. It’s also possible to injure your ribs themselves.

Costochondritis refers to inflammation of the cartilage that attaches your ribs to your breastbone. This condition doesn’t always have a clear cause. It can happen for several reasons, such as:

• an infection
• an injury
• severe coughing

Costochondritis causes a sharp, stabbing pain that’s usually felt on the left side of your rib cage. It may get worse when you cough, sneeze, or press on your ribs.

A forceful blow or injury to your chest is the most common cause of bruised or broken ribs.

If you have a bruised rib, you’ll usually feel pain in your chest that’s worse when you inhale or move.

When a rib is broken, the pain is likely to be severe. It may make you feel like it’s hard to breathe in all the way. Broken ribs can sometimes cause serious complications, such as:

• a collapsed lung
• injuries to your blood vessels or organs, such as your spleen
• flail chest, which is a medical emergency that happens when you have many fractures in your ribs

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are two different digestive conditions. The causes of IBS and IBD aren’t fully known.

IBS and IBD both cause persistent, long-term pain in your abdomen, which is the area from your chest down to your hips. It’s possible for IBS or IBD to cause pain under your left ribs. These conditions also cause digestive symptoms, such as constipation, diarrhea, and gas.

Symptoms may come and go. IBS symptoms tend to improve after you have a bowel movement. IBD is a more serious condition that causes physical changes to your intestines. A doctor can see these changes using imaging tests.

Your pancreas is a gland located near your small intestine, on the left side of your belly. It makes insulin, which your body uses to turn sugar into energy. It also releases digestive juices into your small intestine to help break down food you’ve eaten.

Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of your pancreas. It can have many causes, including:

• injury
• long-term heavy alcohol use
• gallstones

Pain caused by pancreatitis can happen suddenly (acute pancreatitis), or it can slowly get worse over time (chronic pancreatitis). Additional symptoms of pancreatitis include:

• fever
• fast heart rate
• nausea
• vomiting
• weight loss
• jaundice

It’s important to treat pancreatitis to prevent serious complications.

Your spleen also sits in the left side of your body, near your rib cage. This organ is an important part of your immune system. It produces white blood cells that fight infection, and it processes other parts of your blood.

An enlarged spleen, also called splenomegaly, can cause symptoms such as:

• pain or discomfort
• bloating
• feeling full after eating only a small amount of food

Several things can cause an enlarged spleen, including:

• viral infections, such as mononucleosis
• bacterial infections, such as syphilis
• parasitic infections, such as malaria
• blood diseases
• liver diseases

Sometimes, your spleen can rupture, usually as a result of trauma. It’s a medical emergency, and you should get medical attention immediately.

If your spleen ruptures, the area might feel tender when you touch it. In addition to pain, other signs and symptoms can include:

• low blood pressure
• dizziness
• blurry vision
• nausea

More rarely, a splenic infarct happens when a portion of your spleen necrotizes or “dies.” This happens when the blood supply is lowered or stopped, usually as a result of an injury or conditions that affect your blood.

Gastritis refers to inflammation of the lining of your stomach, which is also near the left side of your rib cage.

It doesn’t always cause symptoms, but possible symptoms include:

• pain in your upper abdomen
• feeling full after eating only a small amount of food
• nausea
• vomiting

The causes of gastritis include:

• Helicobacter pylori infection
• frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• long-term, heavy alcohol use

Your kidneys are part of your urinary tract. They’re located on either side of your spine, but when they become inflamed or infected, the pain can radiate to the front of your body. When your left kidney is involved, you might feel pain near the left side of your rib cage.

Kidney stones are hardened calcium and salt deposits that form into stones. They can cause a cramping pain as they move out of your kidneys and make their way toward your bladder. In addition to pain in your left rib cage, kidney stones can also cause:

• an urge to urinate, with little urine coming out
• bloody or cloudy urine
• pain in your side that radiates to the front of your body

Kidney infections occur when bacteria from your urinary tract make their way into your kidneys. This usually happens due to a bladder infection. Additional symptoms of a kidney infection can include fever and nausea.

If you’re having symptoms of a kidney problem, it’s important to see a doctor. You can get a diagnosis and start any treatment that may be needed.

Your heart is surrounded by a fluid-filled sac called the pericardium. Pericarditis refers to inflammation of this sac. This can cause a dull ache or a stabbing pain that’s usually worse when you’re lying down. Pericarditis can also cause a high fever.

Researchers aren’t sure why it happens, but it often occurs after you’ve had a viral infection.

Pericarditis can lead to complications if it is not treated.

Pleurisy happens when the tissue that surrounds your lungs becomes inflamed. Causes of pleurisy include:

• pneumonia
• blood clot in your lung
• injury
• cancer that has spread from another part of your body to the tissue surrounding your lungs
• cancers that specifically affect the tissue surrounding your lungs, such as mesothelioma

Pleurisy on your left side may cause pain under your left rib cage, but the main symptom is a sharp, stabbing pain when you breathe. Be sure to see a doctor if you experience any intense chest pain while breathing.

To figure out what’s causing pain in your left rib cage, a doctor will give you a physical exam that includes feeling the affected area. This will help them check for any signs of swelling or inflammation that might be caused by conditions such as costochondritis.

If they suspect the pain could be due to a heart problem, a doctor might use an electrocardiogram to measure the electrical activity in your heart. This will help to rule out any serious underlying condition.

Next, they may take blood, stool, or urine samples for testing. Analyzing these results can alert a doctor to signs of kidney problems, pancreatitis, or gastritis.

If the cause of your rib cage pain still isn’t clear, you may need an imaging test, such as:

• ultrasound
• CT scan
• X-ray
• endoscopy

This will give a doctor a better view of your bones, organs, and tissues.

What kind of doctor should I see for left rib pain?

There are many possible causes of pain around your left rib cage. A primary care doctor can usually help you determine the cause. If needed, they can refer you to a specialist, such as an orthopedic doctor who treats bones, muscles, and joints.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

If you think you could be having a heart attack or other medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services right away.

Treating your left rib cage pain depends on what’s causing it. If it’s related to any type of inflammation, a doctor will likely recommend you take NSAIDs to lower your pain and swelling. In some cases, you may need an antibiotic to clear up a bacterial infection.

Bruised ribs will likely heal with rest, as will broken ribs, if there are no complications.

In rare cases, you may need surgery. For example, if a kidney stone is too large to pass through your body on its own, a doctor may need to surgically remove it.

Given the number of organs in the upper left part of your body, it’s not uncommon to feel pain under the left rib cage. It may be caused be an easily treatable condition.

But if you have pain in this area that’s severe, worsens over time, lasts more than 24 hours, or is associated with any of the serious symptoms above, you should get medical treatment immediately to rule out any underlying conditions.

Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More

Your left ribs protect the organs that sit below them, like your heart and your stomach. Pain in this area can be caused by injury, infection, or an underlying condition.

If you have pain in your chest, you might worry about a serious condition, such as a heart attack. While it’s true that pain under your left ribs can be a heart attack symptom, discomfort in that area is not always related to your heart.

Depending on the cause, left rib pain might feel sharp and stabbing, or dull and aching. For many people, pain in this area is due to a benign (not harmful), treatable cause. But if you’re having chest pain, it’s best to see a doctor or healthcare professional to make sure it’s nothing serious.

Read on to learn about possible causes of left rib pain, diagnosis, and treatments.

Chest pain can sometimes signal a medical emergency, such as a heart attack. If you’re feeling pain in your left ribs, it’s best not to ignore it.

Heart attack symptoms include:

• pain, discomfort, or a heavy feeling in your chest, usually in the middle or on the left side
• pain or discomfort in your neck, jaw, shoulders, arms, back, or above your belly button
• shortness of breath
• sweating
• fatigue
• nausea and vomiting
• lightheadedness or dizziness
• fast or irregular heart rate

If you think you could be having a heart attack, call 911 or local emergency services right away.

Your rib cage consists of 24 ribs — 12 on the left and 12 on the right side of your body. Their function is to protect your organs that lie beneath them.

On the left side, this includes your heart, left lung, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and left kidney. When any of these organs are infected, inflamed, or injured, pain can radiate under and around your left rib cage. It’s also possible to injure your ribs themselves.

Costochondritis refers to inflammation of the cartilage that attaches your ribs to your breastbone. This condition doesn’t always have a clear cause. It can happen for several reasons, such as:

• an infection
• an injury
• severe coughing

Costochondritis causes a sharp, stabbing pain that’s usually felt on the left side of your rib cage. It may get worse when you cough, sneeze, or press on your ribs.

A forceful blow or injury to your chest is the most common cause of bruised or broken ribs.

If you have a bruised rib, you’ll usually feel pain in your chest that’s worse when you inhale or move.

When a rib is broken, the pain is likely to be severe. It may make you feel like it’s hard to breathe in all the way. Broken ribs can sometimes cause serious complications, such as:

• a collapsed lung
• injuries to your blood vessels or organs, such as your spleen
• flail chest, which is a medical emergency that happens when you have many fractures in your ribs

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are two different digestive conditions. The causes of IBS and IBD aren’t fully known.

IBS and IBD both cause persistent, long-term pain in your abdomen, which is the area from your chest down to your hips. It’s possible for IBS or IBD to cause pain under your left ribs. These conditions also cause digestive symptoms, such as constipation, diarrhea, and gas.

Symptoms may come and go. IBS symptoms tend to improve after you have a bowel movement. IBD is a more serious condition that causes physical changes to your intestines. A doctor can see these changes using imaging tests.

Your pancreas is a gland located near your small intestine, on the left side of your belly. It makes insulin, which your body uses to turn sugar into energy. It also releases digestive juices into your small intestine to help break down food you’ve eaten.

Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of your pancreas. It can have many causes, including:

• injury
• long-term heavy alcohol use
• gallstones

Pain caused by pancreatitis can happen suddenly (acute pancreatitis), or it can slowly get worse over time (chronic pancreatitis). Additional symptoms of pancreatitis include:

• fever
• fast heart rate
• nausea
• vomiting
• weight loss
• jaundice

It’s important to treat pancreatitis to prevent serious complications.

Your spleen also sits in the left side of your body, near your rib cage. This organ is an important part of your immune system. It produces white blood cells that fight infection, and it processes other parts of your blood.

An enlarged spleen, also called splenomegaly, can cause symptoms such as:

• pain or discomfort
• bloating
• feeling full after eating only a small amount of food

Several things can cause an enlarged spleen, including:

• viral infections, such as mononucleosis
• bacterial infections, such as syphilis
• parasitic infections, such as malaria
• blood diseases
• liver diseases

Sometimes, your spleen can rupture, usually as a result of trauma. It’s a medical emergency, and you should get medical attention immediately.

If your spleen ruptures, the area might feel tender when you touch it. In addition to pain, other signs and symptoms can include:

• low blood pressure
• dizziness
• blurry vision
• nausea

More rarely, a splenic infarct happens when a portion of your spleen necrotizes or “dies.” This happens when the blood supply is lowered or stopped, usually as a result of an injury or conditions that affect your blood.

Gastritis refers to inflammation of the lining of your stomach, which is also near the left side of your rib cage.

It doesn’t always cause symptoms, but possible symptoms include:

• pain in your upper abdomen
• feeling full after eating only a small amount of food
• nausea
• vomiting

The causes of gastritis include:

• Helicobacter pylori infection
• frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• long-term, heavy alcohol use

Your kidneys are part of your urinary tract. They’re located on either side of your spine, but when they become inflamed or infected, the pain can radiate to the front of your body. When your left kidney is involved, you might feel pain near the left side of your rib cage.

Kidney stones are hardened calcium and salt deposits that form into stones. They can cause a cramping pain as they move out of your kidneys and make their way toward your bladder. In addition to pain in your left rib cage, kidney stones can also cause:

• an urge to urinate, with little urine coming out
• bloody or cloudy urine
• pain in your side that radiates to the front of your body

Kidney infections occur when bacteria from your urinary tract make their way into your kidneys. This usually happens due to a bladder infection. Additional symptoms of a kidney infection can include fever and nausea.

If you’re having symptoms of a kidney problem, it’s important to see a doctor. You can get a diagnosis and start any treatment that may be needed.

Your heart is surrounded by a fluid-filled sac called the pericardium. Pericarditis refers to inflammation of this sac. This can cause a dull ache or a stabbing pain that’s usually worse when you’re lying down. Pericarditis can also cause a high fever.

Researchers aren’t sure why it happens, but it often occurs after you’ve had a viral infection.

Pericarditis can lead to complications if it is not treated.

Pleurisy happens when the tissue that surrounds your lungs becomes inflamed. Causes of pleurisy include:

• pneumonia
• blood clot in your lung
• injury
• cancer that has spread from another part of your body to the tissue surrounding your lungs
• cancers that specifically affect the tissue surrounding your lungs, such as mesothelioma

Pleurisy on your left side may cause pain under your left rib cage, but the main symptom is a sharp, stabbing pain when you breathe. Be sure to see a doctor if you experience any intense chest pain while breathing.

To figure out what’s causing pain in your left rib cage, a doctor will give you a physical exam that includes feeling the affected area. This will help them check for any signs of swelling or inflammation that might be caused by conditions such as costochondritis.

If they suspect the pain could be due to a heart problem, a doctor might use an electrocardiogram to measure the electrical activity in your heart. This will help to rule out any serious underlying condition.

Next, they may take blood, stool, or urine samples for testing. Analyzing these results can alert a doctor to signs of kidney problems, pancreatitis, or gastritis.

If the cause of your rib cage pain still isn’t clear, you may need an imaging test, such as:

• ultrasound
• CT scan
• X-ray
• endoscopy

This will give a doctor a better view of your bones, organs, and tissues.

What kind of doctor should I see for left rib pain?

There are many possible causes of pain around your left rib cage. A primary care doctor can usually help you determine the cause. If needed, they can refer you to a specialist, such as an orthopedic doctor who treats bones, muscles, and joints.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

If you think you could be having a heart attack or other medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services right away.

Treating your left rib cage pain depends on what’s causing it. If it’s related to any type of inflammation, a doctor will likely recommend you take NSAIDs to lower your pain and swelling. In some cases, you may need an antibiotic to clear up a bacterial infection.

Bruised ribs will likely heal with rest, as will broken ribs, if there are no complications.

In rare cases, you may need surgery. For example, if a kidney stone is too large to pass through your body on its own, a doctor may need to surgically remove it.

Given the number of organs in the upper left part of your body, it’s not uncommon to feel pain under the left rib cage. It may be caused be an easily treatable condition.

But if you have pain in this area that’s severe, worsens over time, lasts more than 24 hours, or is associated with any of the serious symptoms above, you should get medical treatment immediately to rule out any underlying conditions.

Pain when coughing – General information, Causes. Tomsk

General

Pain on coughing and inspiration or other respiratory movements usually points to the pleura and pericardium or mediastinum as a possible source of pain, although pain in the chest wall is also likely to be influenced by respiratory movements , and have nothing to do with heart disease. Most often, pain is localized in the left or right side and can be either dull or sharp.

Causes of chest pain when coughing can be diseases that a person is not even aware of. The most common causes: diseases of the area near or around the heart or in its middle wall, which manifest themselves in the form of pain. Pain during breathing and coughing may be signs of respiratory diseases, although they are easily confused with heart disease . Such pains are most often localized on the side of the chest – on the right or left. They can be sharp, stabbing or, conversely, blunt, pulling

The main causes of pain when coughing

Pain when coughing and inhaling is due to inflammation of the membrane lining the chest cavity from the inside and covering the lungs. Dry pleurisy can occur with various diseases, but most often with pneumonia. Pain in dry pleurisy decreases in the position on the affected side. Restriction of respiratory mobility of the corresponding half of a thorax is noticeable; with unchanged percussion sound, weakened breathing can be heard due to the sparing of the affected side by the patient, the noise of pleural friction. Body temperature more often subfebrile, there may be chills, night sweats, weakness.

Restriction of chest movement or pain when coughing, inhaling and exhaling with shallow breathing is observed with functional disorders of the rib cage or thoracic spine (limitation of mobility), tumors of the pleura, pericarditis.

In dry pericarditis the pain increases with coughing, inhalation and movement, so the depth of breathing decreases, which aggravates shortness of breath. Intensity of pain during inhalation varies from mild to severe. With shortening of the interpleural ligament, there is a constant coughing, aggravated by talking, taking a deep breath, physical activity, stabbing pains when taking a deep breath, running.

Interpleural ligament is formed from the fusion of the visceral and parietal pleural layers of the lung root region. Further, descending caudally along the medial edge of the lungs, this ligament branches in the tendon part of the diaphragm and its legs. The function of providing springy resistance during caudal aperture shift . In the presence of an inflammatory process, the ligaments shorten and limit caudal displacement.

In case of intercostal neuralgia along the intercostal space there are sharp “shooting” pains, sharply aggravated by coughing and inhaling. With renal colic pain is localized in the right hypochondrium and in the epigastric region and then spreads throughout the abdomen. The pain radiates under the right shoulder blade, to the right shoulder, increases with coughing and inhalation, as well as with palpation of the gallbladder area. Observed local pain when pressing in the zone X-XII of the thoracic vertebrae 2-3 transverse fingers to the right of the spinous islands.

A blow or compression of the chest can cause fracture of the ribs . With such damage, a person feels a sharp pain when coughing and inhaling. Pain when coughing and inhaling may also indicate the presence of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.

Other causes

Chest pain secondary to colds (influenza, acute respiratory viral infections) and accompanied by a dry, obsessive cough , manifested by a sensation of scratching behind the sternum, aggravated by coughing, is a sign of tracheitis – inflammation of the trachea (breathing tube connecting the larynx with the bronchi). Such sensations pass on their own along with the cold itself. In addition, with a long, frequent, “hot” cough, pain occurs in the lower parts of the chest, at the level of the lower ribs. It is due to the fact that coughing is carried out mainly due to contraction of the muscles of the diaphragm . Like any other muscle, the diaphragm gets tired during prolonged work and pain occurs with each sharp contraction. This pain also goes away after the cold and cough are over.

With lung cancer the nature of the pain is different: acute, stabbing, girdle, aggravated by coughing, breathing. The pain may cover a certain area or half of the chest, it may radiate to the arms, neck, abdomen. Pain becomes especially intense and excruciating during sprouting tumors in the ribs, spine.

Cough headache begins immediately after a violent cough, sneeze or straining. It is usually bilateral, pounding, intense and ends quickly when the cough stops. In most cases, it lasts less than one minute, only occasionally 30 minutes. Approximately 1/3 of patients with cough headache may be unilateral.

Suspected to be caused by hypersensitivity to a short-term (cough) increase intracranial pressure. Mostly middle-aged men are affected, often the disease disappears after a few years. In some cases, it can last more than ten years.

Headache that comes on repeatedly when coughing or sneezing may be a serious medical condition, especially when the pain gets worse. You may need to make a magnetic resonance tomogram of the head in order to exclude diseases of the posterior cranial fossa (Arnold-Chiari developmental defect), cerebral vessels or liquor-dynamic disorders.

The pains of pneumothorax are often unbearable, but sometimes they are moderate and, like other pleural pains, are aggravated by coughing and movement. Sometimes spontaneous pneumothorax can occur even without pain. If you often experience pain when coughing , seek help from a general practitioner, pulmonologist and neurologist to find out the exact causes of the disease.

Intercostal neuralgia during pregnancy – Omega-Kyiv reference book

Neuralgia is dangerous not only for a woman, but also for an unborn baby. Intercostal neuralgia during pregnancy is a rather unpleasant phenomenon, because the pathology is always accompanied by a serious pain syndrome. Unpleasant symptoms can be traced not only in the area of ​​​​the ribs, but also on other parts of the body.

Intercostal neuralgia during childbearing occurs as a result of the fact that the expanding and growing uterus begins to put pressure on the nerve between the ribs. The pain syndrome can be so strong that sometimes a woman is not even able to move. The cause of neuralgia can also be hypothermia, colds, medication. It is important to visit a doctor immediately if negative symptoms are detected. The doctor will prescribe treatment after examination. If treatment is not carried out, then complications may arise that will turn into problems for the woman and the baby.

Symptoms of intercostal neuralgia during pregnancy

Intercostal neuralgia during pregnancy is manifested by unpleasant symptoms. The main symptoms include:

• Excessive sweating.
• Muscle cramp.
• Persistent and intermittent pain in the chest. Pain is often confused with pain in the heart.
• When staying in one position for a long time, the pain syndrome radiates to the scapula or lumbar region.
• Pale skin or redness.
• Loss of sensation in certain areas of the skin.

The disease is diagnosed by ultrasound, ECG. Also, a general blood test, an MRI, and a CT scan are prescribed. Only after diagnosis can a correct diagnosis be made and effective treatment prescribed. It is forbidden to use any methods of therapy on your own, as this can harm not only the expectant mother, but also the baby.

How to treat intercostal neuralgia in pregnant women?

Treatment of intercostal neuralgia in pregnant women is a mandatory process. It is important to consult a doctor and not to panic, a specialist will help.

If intercostal neuralgia is detected during pregnancy, treatment may be as follows:

• Pain. Pain is eliminated with the help of gels, ointments, creams, the basis of which is bee venom. If a woman does not have an allergy, then these remedies will perfectly relieve pain, relax, and warm the muscles. Ointments are applied to active points. Bee venom stimulates nerve endings.
• Taking vitamins. Be sure to take B vitamins. With a deficiency of vitamins B1, B12 and B6, the disease progresses.