Pain Under Left Breast: Causes, Treatment, and More

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Pain under your left breast can have many different causes, from heartburn to a heart attack. A healthcare professional can make a diagnosis based on your symptoms. If you have sudden, severe pain, it’s best to seek emergency medical care.

The left side of the body houses a number of vital organs. Under and around the left breastbone are the heart, spleen, stomach, pancreas, and large intestine. And that’s in addition to the left lung, left breast, and left kidney, which actually sits higher in the body than the right one. When you experience pain under the left breast, it can have a variety of causes — some simple, some serious.

1. Heart attack

Because the heart is located left and center in the chest — and because heart disease is the leading cause of death in America — a heart attack is often the first thing people think of when they experience pain near their left breastbone.

Symptoms

Squeezing, tightness, or pressure in the chest are common symptoms — but they don’t always occur. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, one-third of those experiencing heart attacks won’t have any pain. When there is pain, it can last for a few minutes or come and go. Learn more about the warning signs of a heart attack.

Other symptoms include:

• shortness of breath
• nausea and vomiting (usually more common in women)
• fatigue
• discomfort in the arm, shoulder, and jaw

Treatment

Your doctor may recommend surgery. Angioplasty involves using a balloon to unclog a blocked coronary artery. A stent will likely be placed to keep the artery open. Coronary bypass surgery takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body and grafts it to “bypass” a blocked artery. Here’s what you need to know about coronary bypass surgery and alternative treatments.

Prevention

A healthy diet (one that is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, omega-3 fatty acids, and low-fat dairy) can help prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure and promote a healthy weight. Consider adding foods that can help lower your blood pressure.

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can have similar effects. The American Heart Association recommends aiming for 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week. This can help prevent heart disease.

ACE inhibitors can decrease blood pressure and reduce the heart’s workload while statins can lower cholesterol and plaque buildup on artery walls. These buildups can block arteries and cause a heart attack.

2. Pericarditis

This is an inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, two-layered membrane that surrounds the outside of the heart. Pain occurs when the irritated membrane rubs against the heart. It can be caused by a number of factors — some preventable, some not. They can include an autoimmune disease (a disease in which the body fights healthy cells) such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, an infection, heart attack, and chest injury.

Symptoms

Sharp, stabbing pain in the chest is a common symptom. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the pain intensifies when lying down, coughing, or swallowing. Pain can radiate to the back, neck, and shoulder.

Tiredness and anxiety are also common symptoms of pericarditis.

Treatment

Your doctor may advise anti-inflammatories, antibiotics (if the cause is bacterial), steroids, or pain relievers. In some cases, your doctor will recommend draining any fluid in the pericardium.

Prevention

When you’re experiencing symptoms, seek treatment promptly, rest, and follow your treatment plan diligently. Protect yourself from heart disease by following the tips above. Always wear a seatbelt and proper protective sporting equipment when engaging in contact sports.

3. Precordial catch syndrome

Most prevalent in older children and young adults, this condition occurs when the nerves of the chest wall become pinched or irritated. According to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, this can happen due to an injury to the chest, a growth spurt, or even bad posture. While precordial catch syndrome can mimic some of the symptoms of a heart attack, it’s a harmless condition that resolves on its own. Most people, in fact, will outgrow it by their mid-20s.

Symptoms

• sharp, stabbing pain, often on the left side of the chest
• sudden onset
• short-lived (three seconds to three minutes)
• pain that intensifies with deep breathing

Treatment

For pain, your doctor will likely recommend over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Self-care

Relaxation techniques (such as imagining a calm, serene scene) to reduce anxiety may be helpful. Improving posture (sit with head up, shoulders back) will keep the chest cavity open and reduce pinching. Deep breathing — while it can increase the pain — can also help to resolve an attack.

4. Pleurisy

This condition results when the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the inside of the chest cavity becomes irritated and inflamed. Common causes include a viral infection, such as the flu, or a bacterial infection, such as bacterial pneumonia. When the left lung is affected, left-side pain will result.

Symptoms

• chest pain, especially when breathing
• shallow breaths (to avoid painful deep breathing)

Treatment

Your doctor will focus on treating the underlying cause of the condition. After that, the Mayo Clinic recommends OTC pain relievers like Tylenol or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB).

Self-care

Rest in a comfortable position and apply an ice pack to the chest.

5. Costochondritis

An inflammation of the cartilage that attaches your ribs to the breastbone, costochondritis affects more women than men and generally occurs after age 40. The Mayo Clinic reports that it’s generally felt on the left side of the breast. Causes include an injury to the rib cage, heavy lifting, an infection, and arthritis. Experts note, however, that it often has no identifiable cause.

Symptoms

• sharp, aching pain or pressure
• pain that worsens with coughing or sneezing

Treatment

Your doctor may recommend OTC or prescription-strength pain relievers and anti-inflammatories or steroids.

Self-care

Heat and cold therapy and bed rest will help relieve the pain. Avoid running, weight lifting, and manual labor, as they can worsen the problem.

6. Chest injuries

Any blow to the chest — from a fall, car accident, or playing sports — can break or crack a rib or bruise the chest. When it happens on the left side of the body, there can be serious complications. For example, the jagged edges of a broken rib may puncture the liver or spleen.

Symptoms

• tenderness where the injury occurred
• painful deep breathing
• pain when you twist

Treatment

Your doctor will recommend or prescribe pain-relieving medication.

Prevention

Deep-breathing exercises will help prevent shallow breathing and the risk of developing pneumonia. Wearing a seatbelt and protective sporting equipment will help protect the chest.

1. Gastritis

The stomach sits in the upper region of the left side of the body. When its lining becomes inflamed and irritated — thanks to things like infections, the use of certain medications, spicy foods, and chronic alcohol use — pain can develop.

Symptoms

• indigestion
• nausea and vomiting
• abdominal fullness
• pain in the upper-left portion of the body

Treatment

Your doctor may recommend OTC or prescription antacids as well as acid-reducing medications. If these don’t resolve the issue and bacteria are found to be the cause of your gastritis (many cases are tied to the bacterium H. pylori), you’ll be prescribed antibiotics.

Prevention

Avoid alcohol and spicy or hard-to-digest fatty foods. Eat small, frequent meals. You may want to try adding certain herbs to your diet. Ask your doctor if you can safely take myrrh, licorice, or clove.

2. Pancreatitis

The pancreas sits tucked behind the stomach. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that occurs when digestive enzymes are inappropriately activated while still in the pancreas, causing irritation.

Symptoms

• upper abdominal pain, especially when it radiates around the back
• nausea and vomiting
• fever
• oily stools

Treatment

Pain medication and anti-nausea medication can be beneficial. Surgery — for example, to remove gallstones if they’re the cause of the pancreatitis or to unblock any bile ducts in the pancreas — may also be suggested by your doctor.

Prevention

Because smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and a fatty diet can all contribute to pancreatitis, changing those habits can help.

3. Heartburn

When digestive acids start to erode the lining in your esophagus (windpipe), it can create a burning sensation in your throat and upper chest. Some people experience the pain behind the left breastbone and mistake it for a heart attack.

Symptoms

• sharp, burning pain
• tightness in chest
• pain that usually occurs after eating or while lying down
• sour taste in mouth
• feeling a small amount of stomach contents (regurgitation) rise up through the throat

Treatments

Your doctor may recommend antacids, either prescription or OTC. Your doctor may also advise taking acid-reducing or acid-blocking medications.

Prevention

Heartburn can be triggered by fatty or spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, garlic, and carbonated drinks, so you may need to change your diet. Elevating the head of the bed (about 8–11 inches) can help reduce the esophagus’ exposure to stomach acid while sleeping. Check out these other post-meal tips to ease heartburn.

1. Injury to the spleen

The spleen is an organ that sits to the left of the stomach and works primarily to filter blood. The Merck Manual reports that injuries to the spleen often result from car accidents, athletic injuries, beatings, and falls.

In addition, an enlarged spleen, which can result from certain viruses like mononucleosis (mono), can make the spleen more susceptible to injury. When the spleen is injured or even ruptures, it can leak blood into the abdominal cavity, irritating it. Since both the spleen and stomach sit on the left side of the body, upper-left pain isn’t uncommon.

Symptoms

• tenderness in the upper-left portion of the body
• dizziness and a drop in blood pressure if internal bleeding occurs
• tight abdominal muscles

Treatment

Surgery to repair or remove the damaged spleen is sometimes recommended. However, because the spleen helps the body fight infection, some doctors advocate against removing the spleen and instead encourage letting it heal on its own. Blood transfusions may also be necessary.

Prevention

Wearing a seatbelt and protective equipment when playing contact sports is the best way to protect the spleen.

2. Hiatal hernia

A hiatal hernia is a condition that occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm (a muscle that separates the abdomen and the chest) into the chest cavity. When that happens, digestive acid can reflux into the esophagus. Because the stomach is located in the upper-left portion of the body, it’s not uncommon for pain to be felt there.

Symptoms

• heartburn
• pain that mimics a heart attack
• belching
• trouble swallowing
• inability to pass gas or stools

Oftentimes there are no symptoms, however.

Treatment

Medications to neutralize, reduce, or even prevent stomach acid or surgery to reposition the stomach into the abdominal cavity may be advised.

Prevention

Obesity and smoking up the risk of having a hiatal hernia. You’ll be advised to quit smoking and lose weight if necessary. Not straining with a bowel movement and limiting the amount of acid-producing foods (spicy foods, tomatoes, chocolate, alcohol, and caffeine) can also help reduce your risk.

Any sudden, abnormal, or debilitating pain — left side or otherwise — needs immediate medical attention. While not an exhaustive list, seek emergency care if you have:

• tightness or pressure in the chest, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with heart problems or the pain is accompanied by sweating, nausea, and shortness of breath
• trouble breathing
• an injury to the chest
• changes in your stools — either you can’t pass them or they look bloody, oily, or resemble tar
• pain that doesn’t improve with rest or starts to radiate to other parts of the body

Given the vital organs located there, pain under the left breast isn’t uncommon. In most cases, it’s not a heart attack. But because the pain can be intense and the symptoms worrisome, it’s worth getting them evaluated. In many cases, the conditions can improve with medication and lifestyle adjustments.

Causes, treatment, and when to seek help

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• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
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Pain under the left breast can have a range of causes from digestion to heart conditions. Home remedies may be enough to treat some conditions, but others require medical attention.

There are some organs in the upper left region of the body that could be the source of the pain. These include the stomach, heart, lungs, ribs, colon, pancreas, and spleen.

Doctors often group the most common causes of pain under the left breast into two main categories: digestive and heart-related.

This article looks at the different causes of pain under the left breast, their symptoms, and the treatment options available.

Share on PinterestThe pain of a heart attack tends to occur in the center of the chest.

As the heart is situated slightly to the left of the midline in the upper body, pain under the left breast can sometimes indicate a heart problem.

According to the American Heart Association, when pain does occur during a heart attack, it commonly happens in the center of the chest, lasts longer than a few minutes, and can return after fading.

Heart attack pain can cause a very strong, uncomfortable, crushing pressure or squeezing sensation, or it may feel like very bad heartburn. Some people may not experience any or only mild chest pain; this is more common in women, older people, and those with diabetes.

Other symptoms include:

• profuse sweating
• nausea or vomiting
• shortness of breath
• heavy, weak shoulders or arms
• severe pain traveling to the arm, jaw, neck, back, and elsewhere in the body
• dizziness
• a strong sense of anxiety or impending doom

Treatment

If someone suspects a heart attack, they should call an ambulance immediately. While waiting, they should rest, and if they are not intolerant to aspirin, they should take an adult-dose tablet (300 milligrams) to help thin the blood.

Further treatment options will depend on when symptoms started and how soon the person having the attack can access the first stage of care.

If the cause of the attack is found to be a blocked coronary artery, the doctor may recommend a procedure called an angioplasty to open a blocked or severely narrowed coronary artery with a balloon and possibly place a stent.

1. Angina

When the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen in the coronary artery blood supply, the resulting pain under the left breast or in the center of the chest is known as angina.

Associated symptoms include an uncomfortable feeling in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Angina pain can also feel like indigestion, and a person may also experience sweating, light-headedness, nausea, or shortness of breath.

Treatment

Angina is a possible symptom of severe underlying heart disease, so anyone experiencing symptoms of angina should seek medical attention immediately. A doctor may prescribe medication, such as beta-blockers, ACE-inhibitors, statins, or aspirin.

2. Pericarditis

The heart is surrounded and protected by a thin, layered, fluid-filled membrane called the pericardium. It can become inflamed due to infection or a disorder where the body’s immune system attacks itself.

Symptoms of acute pericarditis include:

• sharp, stabbing pain under the left breast or in the chest
• pain in one or both shoulders
• pain worsening when taking a deep breath or lying down on the back
• feeling hot, sweaty, feverish, light-headed, and short of breath

Treatment

Immediate treatment for pericarditis may include an OTC anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen and rest until feverish symptoms decrease. If a person experiences severe pain, a doctor may prescribe a steroid, such as prednisone.

If the condition is severe, the person may need to say in the hospital for monitoring.

Ibuprofen is available for purchase online.

Prevention

While acute pericarditis typically cannot be prevented, getting treated quickly and following a prescribed treatment plan will reduce the chance of the acute pericarditis recurring or becoming a long-term condition.

3. Gastritis

When the stomach’s lining becomes inflamed, this is known as gastritis. Not everyone will experience symptoms, but a sharp, stabbing or burning pain under the left breast is a potential clue that gastritis may be present.

The pain can also be accompanied by heartburn, feeling sick, vomiting, and bloating.

Treatment

For mild symptoms, changing the diet and lifestyle can ease pain under the left breast. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as antacids, can help reduce stomach acid.

Home remedy options include:

• reducing alcohol intake
• eating smaller portions more often, as opposed to one big meal
• cutting out dairy, spicy, fried, or acidic foods, and caffeinated drinks
• cutting down or giving up tobacco smoking
• reducing high intake of OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• eating foods high in fiber and plant nutrients

If the pain is caused by or related to the presence of the bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, the doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics and medicine that reduces the production of stomach acid.

4. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis has symptoms that include:

• sudden, severe pain under the left breast and in the upper center part of the abdomen
• nausea and vomiting
• rapid pulse
• fever

Chronic pancreatitis, where the condition worsens over time, has symptoms including:

• frequent or prolonged episodes of pain under the left breast that can spread to the back
• nausea and vomiting
• oily, pale-looking stools
• diarrhea

Treatment

Treatment for chronic pancreatitis ranges from pain management, using increasing strengths of medication, to surgery if pain under the left breast is still severe.

For acute pancreatitis, immediate treatment includes:

• intravenous fluids to aid in hydration and ensure the body’s other organs have good blood flow
• no eating for 24-48 hours, then following a high-calorie diet to support healing
• giving intravenous pain medication or antinausea medication

5.

Heartburn

Share on PinterestHeartburn may cause a pain under the left breast.

When stomach acid travels back up the food pipe, it causes a burning sensation in the mid-chest and throat, and sometimes pain under the left breast. Heartburn can be a symptom of indigestion and stomach acid issues.

Symptoms include:

• a tight, burning sensation in the upper chest or throat that sometimes travels under the left breast and the jaw
• a bitter taste in the mouth
• pain under the left breast or in the chest while lying down or just after eating

Treatment

Self-help treatment options for mild heartburn include not eating big meals, not lying down to sleep right after eating, and raising one’s pillow, so the head is higher than the waist when sleeping. This may help prevent stomach acid from traveling up the food pipe.

OTC medications such as antacids are a first medical option to try and are available for purchase online.

6. Pleurisy

The lungs are surrounded by a layered membrane called the pleura. If the pleura surrounding the left lung become inflamed due to infection or another cause, the resulting pain will develop under the left breast.

More severe causes of pleurisy include rheumatoid arthritis and lung cancer.

The most common symptom of pleurisy is a sharp chest pain when taking a deep breath, but it can also be accompanied by:

• pain in the shoulder
• a dry cough
• shortness of breath

The pain can get worse when the person walks around, coughs, or sneezes.

Treatment

Rest is highly recommended. Lying on the side of the pain can help relieve pain symptoms.

If a person experiences particularly severe chest pain, they should seek immediate treatment from a doctor, who may prescribe NSAIDs or other pain-relieving medication.

A doctor may also carry out further tests, such as blood tests, a chest X-ray, a chest CT scan. They may also take a small sample of pleural lung tissue for biopsy.

Pleurisy caused by a viral infection often gets better after a few days, but a bacterial infection will require antibiotic therapy.

Prevention

The best way to prevent severe cases of pleurisy is early intervention.

7. Spleen

The spleen can cause pain under the left breast if it is enlarged or if it bursts following an injury.

Symptoms of an enlarged spleen include:

• tenderness and pain under the left breast
• feeling uncomfortable when eating even just a small meal
• anemia and extreme tiredness
• bleeding easily

A burst spleen typically will cause:

• pain under the left breast or ribs, and tenderness when touched
• bleeding
• dizziness and fast heart rate

Treatment

If a person suspects a burst spleen, they should go immediately to the emergency room. Bleeding can be life-threatening if left untreated.

A doctor will check for an enlarged spleen by feeling the abdomen and may recommend further testing through blood testing or imaging, such as an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan.

Underlying conditions, such as chronic liver disease and subsequent cirrhosis, can affect and interact with the spleen.

A doctor will prescribe medication when medical therapy is possible to treat splenic or liver disease. Surgery is only required if underlying causes cannot be diagnosed clearly, or if complications arise from the enlarged or damaged organ.

Prevention

People should aim to keep the spleen safe when playing sport by wearing protective sporting equipment. Always wearing the seatbelt when in the car is also advised.

As cirrhosis can be caused by excessive or long-term high alcohol intake, cutting down is recommended.

8. During pregnancy

Share on PinterestAs the uterus grows it may cause pain under the left breast.

Soreness and pain experienced under the left breast during pregnancy are often caused by pressure from the top of the uterus as it grows, or if the baby is kicking or punching the expectant mother. The pain can be worse when leaning forward.

Muscles and other tissues will stretch as the baby grows, and this can also cause pain under the breasts.

The expectant mother’s body is changing during pregnancy, and the internal organs will be pushed and moved as the baby grows. The mother’s body chemistry may also change, and other causes of pain under the left breast during pregnancy can include:

• heartburn with stomach acid reflux
• the rib cage changing position to allow space for the baby in the abdomen

Some conditions can be treated at home with rest and OTC medication, but people should seek medical attention straight away if:

• the chest is injured
• the pain under the left breast is unexpected
• symptoms of pain and tightness do not get better with rest
• shortness of breath, feeling sick, or profuse sweating accompanies the pain

Pain under the left breast is often frightening to experience. As there are several organs in this area of the body, the earlier the cause of the pain can be diagnosed, the more likely that treatment and recovery will be successful.

A heart attack is not the most common reason for pain under the left breast, but it is always better to have the symptoms checked out, especially if other symptoms of a heart attack are present.

Many causes of pain under the left breast can be prevented through making changes to several everyday lifestyle choices. Following a healthful diet, getting regular exercise, lowering or cutting out tobacco smoking, reducing alcohol intake, keeping weight down, and reducing stress can all help.

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Pain and heaviness in the left hypochondrium

What is the left hypochondrium

The left hypochondrium is the area of ​​the body that is located on the left under the breast and reaches an average of 10 centimeters in length and width.

The stomach, pancreas, spleen, loops of the small intestine, left lung, heart, kidneys can give pain in this area.

Doctors conditionally divide the abdominal wall into 9 regions: right and left hypochondrium, epigastric region, right and left lumbar region, navel region, right and left iliac region, hypogastric region.

Pain, heaviness or other discomfort in the left hypochondrium can also occur with anemia, diseases of the spine, and as a variant of the so-called radiating (reflected) pain.

In most cases, the doctor can guess the cause of pain in the left hypochondrium by the nature of pain and accompanying symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis, laboratory blood tests are prescribed, as well as ultrasound (ultrasound), radiography, or endoscopic examination.

Varieties of pain in the left hypochondrium

Pain in the left hypochondrium may be sharp, dull, cutting or aching.

Acute pain in the left hypochondrium

Acute or so-called stabbing pain is not always a sign of a serious pathology. This happens if gases accumulate in the splenic angle of the large intestine.

In addition, such pain occurs with acute pancreatitis or injuries of the spleen. In addition to pain, the severity of the condition can be indicated by accompanying symptoms: vomiting, high fever, chills, increased heart rate, and a sharp drop in blood pressure.

With the appearance of stabbing and acute pain in the left hypochondrium, an ambulance should be called immediately.

Acute pain may appear spontaneously or may be due to exercise, changes in body position, alcohol or fatty foods.

Acute pain in the left hypochondrium may indicate pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas

Dull pain or heaviness in left hypochondrium

Usually dull pain is characteristic of chronic or gradually developing diseases: pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, some infections. Patients often describe dull pain as heaviness, discomfort, a feeling of fullness in the left hypochondrium.

Such pain should not be ignored. Without treatment, the risk of disease progression and the development of severe complications increases.

Aching pain in the left hypochondrium

Aching pain is more often characterized by patients as mild, exhausting, as if spreading, which can spread to the entire abdomen.

Aching pain does not always have a serious cause. So functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome or infections that affect the gastrointestinal tract (enterovirus infection, salmonellosis) can manifest themselves.

Cutting pain in left hypochondrium

Cutting pain is characterized by patients as sharp, dagger, localized. As a rule, it comes from a certain organ, for example, an inflamed pancreas in acute pancreatitis.

If there is a cutting pain in the left hypochondrium, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

According to the nature of the course, pain in the left hypochondrium can be acute or chronic.

Causes of pain and heaviness in the left hypochondrium

Any pain syndrome begins in the same way: pain receptors of cells in the affected part of the body are excited. It is this excitement that the brain perceives as pain.

The peritoneum, as well as the internal organs, have good innervation (they have many nerve endings and receptors), so any inflammatory processes or organ malfunctions naturally manifest as pain.

In addition, pain can occur when organs are stretched and squeezed by them on the nerve endings of neighboring tissues. This happens with swelling of tissues after injury or due to stretching of the loops of the intestines by intestinal contents or gases.

Also, pain in the left hypochondrium may have physiological causes. Sometimes it appears after overeating, intense sports, during pregnancy. As a rule, this is not dangerous: pain and heaviness go away on their own when a person returns to the usual rhythm of life.

Pain on the left often has physiological causes: overeating, pregnancy or active sports

Diseases in which there is pain in the left hypochondrium

The most common diseases that lead to pain in the left hypochondrium include:

• pancreatitis,
• peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum,
• pathologies of the spleen,
• abdominal injuries,
• lung diseases,
• myocardial infarction,
• intercostal neuralgia.

In case of myocardial infarction, a person experiences severe pain in the region of the heart, radiating to the left arm or hypochondrium

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas.

There is acute and chronic pancreatitis. The first appears suddenly and is characterized by acute sharp pain in the left hypochondrium and the center of the abdomen. The second one develops gradually. In chronic pancreatitis, pain does not always occur, but only after overeating or alcohol abuse. As a rule, patients describe it as aching.

In addition to severe pain, acute pancreatitis may present with the following symptoms:

• nausea,
• diarrhea,
• high temperature,
• yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes,
• rapid heartbeat.

People with chronic pancreatitis may lose weight for no reason, they may develop oily stools with an unpleasant odor.

Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum

Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum is a disease in which defects (ulcers) form in the stomach, as well as in the upper parts of the duodenum.

The first sign of a stomach ulcer is usually a burning pain in the left hypochondrium and upper abdomen, which is especially strong on an empty stomach and is slightly relieved after eating or taking heartburn medications.

Burning pain in the left hypochondrium and upper abdomen is one of the symptoms of peptic ulcer disease

Common symptoms of gastric and duodenal ulcers:

• fullness in the abdomen,
• bloating,
• belching,
• nausea,
• frequent feeling of hunger.

Pathologies of the spleen

Spleen is an organ that is located on the left just below the ribs. Its main function is to deposit blood. Platelets accumulate in the spleen, which, if necessary, are released into the bloodstream and close the damaged vessels. In addition, old erythrocytes are destroyed in it and immune cells – lymphocytes – are formed.

The spleen is like an oval about 12 cm long and not more than 8 cm wide

The most common pathologies of the spleen, in which it can hurt in the left hypochondrium:

• abscess,
• spleen injury,
• splenomegaly.

Abscess , or suppuration of the spleen, may develop after infectious diseases (endocarditis, typhoid fever, and others). As a rule, the abscess resolves on its own, but while healing is in progress, aching or dull pain may be felt in the left side.

Injury to the spleen dangerous organ rupture. This can happen due to a blunt blow to the side, such as in a car accident or during a fight. A ruptured spleen can lead to pain shock and death.

Splenomegaly is a condition in which the spleen is enlarged.
One of the causes of splenomegaly can be infectious mononucleosis, the causative agent of which is the Epstein-Barr virus. Also, other infections can be the culprits of splenomegaly: parasitic, viral, bacterial.

Cirrhosis, some types of anemia, autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus) can also lead to splenomegaly.

Enlargement of the spleen in size is usually accompanied by aching pain and a feeling of fullness in the left hypochondrium.

Abdominal injuries

Abdominal injuries are potentially life-threatening injuries that may be accompanied by massive internal bleeding. Such injuries can be open (eg, stab or cut wounds) or closed (internal bruising from a car accident or impact).

As a rule, pain in severe abdominal injuries is acute and is caused by the accumulation of blood between the tissue of the internal organs.

An abdominal injury, accompanied by a sharp deterioration in well-being, is an indication for urgent hospitalization and emergency surgical treatment.

Diseases of the lungs and pleura

Pleuropneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs and pleura caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection.

The main symptoms of pleuropneumonia are shortness of breath, chest pain, excruciating cough, fever. In some patients, pleuropneumonia is manifested by dull pain in the left hypochondrium.

In general, the disease is mild and successfully treated with a course of antibacterial, antiviral or antifungal drugs. In rare cases, severe complications develop, such as respiratory failure.

Myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction (heart attack) is a condition in which the heart suddenly stops receiving blood (partially or completely).

Most often, a heart attack occurs due to atherosclerosis – the accumulation of cholesterol plaques in the walls of blood vessels. Sometimes plaques rupture, and blood thickens around them – blood clots form, which can block the artery. Because of this, not enough blood and oxygen will flow to the heart, so its tissues will begin to die.

Despite the fact that a heart attack is an acute condition, its symptoms develop gradually (over several hours, days or even weeks).

Common symptoms of a heart attack:

• severe pressing pain in chest;
• pain on the left under the ribs, in the neck, jaw, back;
• shortness of breath;
• weakness;
• dizziness;
• cold sweat;
• nausea or vomiting.

If you suspect a myocardial infarction, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Intercostal neuralgia

Intercostal neuralgia is a condition when a person experiences acute burning or shooting pain in the area to which the intercostal nerve is responsible for sensitivity.

Intercostal nerves entangle each rib like threads and attach to the spine and sternum

As a rule, pain in intercostal neuralgia girdles from the back to the abdomen, may disturb constantly or comes in waves, aggravated by deep inspiration, coughing or sharp turns of the body.

Which doctor to contact if there is pain in the left hypochondrium

If there is aching or dull pain in the left side, you should contact a therapist as soon as possible or immediately make an appointment with a specialized specialist who treats gastrointestinal problems – a gastroenterologist.

At the consultation, the doctor will conduct a survey and examination and, possibly, refer you to a narrow specialist – a nephrologist, gynecologist, endocrinologist, surgeon or neurologist.

You should also seek medical advice if:

• pain persists for more than one or two days or worsens;
• in addition to pain, fever, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea;
• people lose weight for no reason;
• weakness appeared, blood pressure decreased.

If there is a sharp acute pain in the left hypochondrium, an ambulance should be called as soon as possible.

In addition, call an ambulance immediately if:

• vomiting of blood or bloody stools;
• pain radiates to chest, neck or shoulders;
• pain accompanied by shortness of breath;
• developed severe bloating.

Diagnosis for pain and heaviness in the left hypochondrium

To distinguish the suspected disease from other similar pathologies and confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe laboratory and instrumental studies.

Laboratory research methods

To evaluate a patient’s general health, a doctor may order a complete blood count.

Clinical blood test with leukocyte formula and ESR (with microscopy of a blood smear when pathological changes are detected) (venous blood)

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Based on the results of a clinical blood test, one can suspect an inflammatory process, determine its severity and suggest a possible cause.

For the diagnosis of pancreatitis, laboratory tests are used that allow you to evaluate the work of the pancreas, identify violations and start treatment in a timely manner. As a rule, three indicators are determined: the level of glucose, the content of pancreatic amylase and lipase in the blood.

Pancreas

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Also, the doctor may prescribe a coprogram (a comprehensive analysis of feces). The analysis shows how well food is digested under the influence of pancreatic juice. If there are not enough enzymes, fat residues, muscle fibers and other components are found in the feces, which should not normally be present.

Coprogram

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To diagnose gastric and duodenal ulcers, a doctor may prescribe a general and biochemical blood test, a test for C-reactive protein – a marker of the acute phase of inflammation, as well as blood tests for liver enzymes – alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

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In addition, tests for Helicobacter pylori are mandatory, because depending on whether a person is infected or not, the choice of drugs for treatment will also differ.

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If a perforated ulcer is suspected, your doctor may order a fecal occult blood test to check for bleeding.

Occult blood (FOB Gold), feces, count

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To detect Payr’s syndrome, doctors look at changes in the parameters of a clinical blood test (as a result, there will be a high level of leukocytes, an increase in ESR, a decrease in hemoglobin and red blood cells). In addition, blood tests for creatinine and urea may be ordered.

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Diagnosis of pathologies of the spleen is carried out using a clinical and biochemical blood test: a clinical analysis reveals a significant increase in ESR (more than 20 mm/h), a sharp decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin. In biochemical – a decrease in the amount of total protein due to albumin, an increase in urea.

The doctor also evaluates the results of the hemostasiogram: in case of pathologies of the spleen, the results will show an increase in blood clotting ability.

Hemostasiogram (Coagulogram)

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To confirm the diagnosis of intercostal neuralgia caused by herpes zoster, PCR tests and tests for antibodies to the causative agent of herpes, the varicella-zoster virus, are prescribed.

Diagnosis using PCR tests allows you to identify the genetic material (DNA) of the virus in the blood, urine or discharge from the rash.

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Antibody tests help clarify the stage of the disease. So, with herpes zoster, an increased titer of antibodies of class G and class M is detected in the blood.

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Instrumental methods of examination

Depending on the nature and localization of pain, different instrumental examination methods are used, including:

• ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs, kidneys, liver;
• computed or magnetic resonance imaging;
• radiography for suspected inflammation of the lungs and pleura;
• endoscopic examinations of the gastrointestinal tract (gastroscopy, colonoscopy).

Treatment of pain in the left hypochondrium

Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain.

For the treatment of pancreatitis , as a rule, drugs are used that reduce the production of hydrochloric acid by the stomach, as well as enzymes, antispasmodics, and for severe pain, analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The main goal of treating gastric and duodenal ulcers is to reduce the production of hydrochloric acid with the help of drugs (proton pump inhibitors). They block the release of acid in the stomach and help the ulcer heal.

In addition, treatment may be supplemented depending on the cause that provoked the mucosal lesion. As a rule, it includes the destruction of Helicobacter pylori, changing drugs that injure the mucous membrane or reducing the doses taken, the use of healing agents and drugs that reduce the production of hydrochloric acid.

Surgical treatment is used only in severe cases of peptic ulcer, and also if the patient develops complications that cannot be stopped by conservative methods.

The tactics of treating pathologies of the spleen depend on the cause. So, antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, and anti-inflammatory and painkillers help relieve pain and stop the spread of inflammation during an abscess.

Treatment of abdominal injuries

The slightest suspicion of rupture of the spleen with blunt abdominal trauma is an indication for urgent hospitalization and emergency surgical treatment.

Treatment of inflammation of the lungs and pleura

In general, pleuropneumonia is mild and is successfully treated with a course of antibacterial, antiviral, or antifungal drugs. In rare cases, severe complications develop, such as respiratory failure, which require hospitalization.

Treatment of myocardial infarction

The main thing is to restore blood flow to the heart. The main ways to do this are to inject drugs into the vein that destroy blood clots in the vessels (thrombolytics) or install a stent (a thin tube that keeps the vessel open). This is done on an emergency basis in a hospital setting.

In severe cases, heart surgery may be required – coronary bypass surgery: the surgeon takes a part of a healthy vessel from the leg, arm, chest or abdomen and attaches it to a blocked artery near the heart. So the blood will be able to bypass the clot along the new vessel.

Treatment of intercostal neuralgia

Treatment of intercostal neuralgia depends on the cause that led to nerve damage. So, for herpes zoster, a course of antiviral drugs is prescribed, and for cancer, surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

For unbearable pain that interferes with normal life, the doctor may perform an intercostal nerve block. This helps to anesthetize the affected nerve and bring relief at the same time. Sometimes the blockade relieves pain for several months. Sometimes local anesthetics, such as patches or ointments, are also used.

Treatment of gynecological pathologies

Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are used for treatment. In severe cases, minimally invasive treatment (laparoscopic surgery) or abdominal surgery may be required.

What to do with pain in the left hypochondrium

Any pain is a reason to see a doctor. You can start with a therapist or immediately make an appointment with a specialized specialist who deals with the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases – a gastroenterologist.

In the event of acute pain in the left hypochondrium, it is urgent to call a medical team. Before the ambulance arrives, you should lie down and not take any medications so as not to worsen the condition and not interfere with the correct diagnosis.

Sources

1. Gastroenterology: clinical treatment protocols. 2021.
2. Acute myocardial infarction with ST elevation electrocardiogram: clinical guidelines. 2022.
3. Inflammatory diseases of the female pelvic organs: clinical guidelines. 2021.

Pain in the left hypochondrium

The reason for visiting doctors in many patients is pain under the ribs on the left. Many do not pay attention to such a symptom and this only worsens their condition. The reason is that pain can provoke a variety of diseases – from damage to internal organs to spinal injuries, neoplasms, and problems with the nervous system.

Medical statistics show that pain in the left hypochondrium can be diagnosed in people at different ages. They appear in both women and men.

The nature of the pain itself can be different. Sometimes it manifests itself acutely and passes quickly, in other cases it becomes aching and lasts for a long time. The reason for going to the doctor is usually severe pain, a situation in which they begin to interfere with daily life.

Pain in the left side can manifest itself for various reasons. In our clinic, specialists have all the necessary experience and equipment to identify the source of discomfort, reduce it or completely eliminate it.

In this material, we will consider the reasons why pain appears, why it should be tried to be eliminated as quickly as possible.

What can hurt in the left hypochondrium

The area under the rib on the left contains a large number of vital organs. These include such as the stomach and spleen.

Pain can also be a consequence of the poor condition of the dome of the left kidney with the adrenal gland, the pancreas. Muscles and ligaments, diseased lymph nodes, and nerves can get sick.

Also, pain syndrome can be diagnosed due to damage to the spine. In some cases, doctors diagnose problems with the heart and other internal organs, which are located far enough from the specified zone.

Types of pain under the ribs on the right

Pain can be a manifestation of many different pathologies. Doctors distinguish several manifestations of pain. They can be shooting, aching, blunt, dagger, differ in the duration of the attack.

Pain attacks can be provoked for various reasons. For example, they are able to worsen after eating, physical or emotional stress. It is important to monitor the reactions of your body – this will simplify the doctor’s diagnosis of the pathology of the spleen, stomach and other internal organs, and help you choose the best method of treatment.

There are several main types of pain on the left side of the abdomen. These include such as:

• Spastic . The main cause of such pain in the left hypochondrium is a spasm. It affects smooth muscle. Most often, these symptoms are accompanied by colic, intoxication. The attack begins suddenly and also abruptly disappears. Feelings can spread widely throughout the body. Some patients note that they feel pain in the lower back, shoulder blades, and lower extremities.

• Reflected . It is usually provoked by the course of inflammatory processes in the internal organs located in the left hypochondrium. Feelings can be varied – from pulling and stabbing to aching. It is important to note that pain in this case can signal damage to organs that are located far from the area under the left rib.

• Psychogenic . Caused by neurological disorders. The causes of this pain usually become especially difficult to diagnose. In this case, pain can periodically manifest itself in different parts of the body.

• Visceral . Pain is formed due to damage to internal organs. It can be provoked as due to tissue damage, diseases of a different nature.

• Peritoneal . Pain develops due to the fact that the receptors of the peritoneum are irritated. Usually the pain takes on a sharp character, it reacts to movements with intensification.

• Distension . This is the body’s reaction to a strong stretching of the organ. Most often affects the stomach.

The main causes of abdominal pain on the left side

Pain can manifest itself for many reasons. Among them are such dangerous ones as pancreatitis, neoplasms, cirrhosis and many others. It is important to consult a doctor when a pain syndrome appears, who can conduct a correct diagnosis of the abdominal organs.

Sometimes pain may not be provoked by any disease. For example, people who are actively involved in sports sometimes complain about them. In this case, changing the training regimen or the very approach to them helps to solve the problem. For example, conducting a proper warm-up immediately before training.

Much more often, the cause of pain lies in various pathologies of the body. Consider the frequent sources of discomfort that can be diagnosed by doctors.

Acute or chronic pancreatitis

Often, under the left rib begins to hurt when the patient develops pancreatitis. It is an inflammatory disease that affects the pancreas.

Acute pancreatitis is characterized by noticeable symptoms that usually appear suddenly. The pain gradually increases, especially if you turn to your left side. Sometimes an attack is provoked by malnutrition or the use of alcoholic beverages.

With pancreatitis, the pain becomes girdle, which further complicates the process of its diagnosis. The patient may experience other symptoms – vomiting, general weakness, increased body temperature.

If pancreatitis does not receive the right treatment, it becomes chronic. The symptoms are similar, but much less pronounced. Exacerbation can occur after drinking alcohol, fatty, fried foods. Accompanied by nausea, heaviness, bloating.

Pathologies of the gastroduodenal region

Pain syndrome in this case can be provoked by many reasons, most often – peptic ulcer. It can affect the stomach, duodenum.

Additional symptoms include pronounced unpleasant belching, heartburn, worsening after eating. The pain itself can have a different character – from stabbing and dull to aching and squeezing.

Enlargement of the spleen

An enlarged spleen is also called splenomegaly. This is a secondary manifestation of various types of concomitant diseases. In this case, the internal organ can increase its markings by two to three times.

Pain will be aching, prolonged. They are accompanied by discomfort and heaviness after eating.

Unpleasant sensations are stimulated for various reasons, for example, during physical exertion.

There are many reasons for the enlargement of the spleen. This is both an infectious lesion, and the course of many other variants of diseases.

Spleen injury

There are many reasons why an organ can be injured and lose its integrity. Among the common causes of injury are falls, strong blows to the abdomen on the left side.

A rupture of the spleen poses a great risk to the patient. This causes severe bleeding. The pain becomes very intense.

When the injury is received, the patient cannot change the position of the body. Unpleasant sensations will constantly intensify.

Surgical diseases of the spleen

There are many surgical lesions that can potentially lead to pain in the left hypochondrium. At the same time, in order to somehow cope with pain, a person is forced to take a certain fixed position.

Among the most common surgical diseases are such as:

• Abscess . This condition is characterized by a large accumulation of pus. The pain will be strong, throbbing. It can also spread to the chest, lower back, and even to the shoulder blades.

• Heart attack . This is necrosis of the spleen, which can be provoked by the occurrence of thrombosis or embolism. In this case, the pain will have a sharp, stabbing character, give to other internal organs.

• Thrombosis . It affects the splenic vein. Against this background, the body increases, the patient complains of severe discomfort, discomfort. Symptoms are accompanied by vomiting, which may also contain blood impurities.

All of these conditions require urgent medical attention. If pain is ignored, there is a risk of death.

Payr syndrome

This is a congenital pathology that affects the human large intestine. It is usually diagnosed during an MRI or ultrasound of the abdominal space.

Pathology is accompanied by pain under the left rib, which can occur after physical exertion or eating. Other symptoms include prolonged constipation, lasting up to five days.

Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a disease that is accompanied by an active course of the degenerative-dystrophic process. Pathology affects the intervertebral discs and vertebrae. Often the disease manifests itself in older people. In this case, due to a decrease in the gaps between the vertebrae, compression of the nerves and blood vessels occurs. This is what stimulates the appearance of pain, which is reflected in the left hypochondrium.

Herniated disc

It can manifest itself for various reasons, including due to the development of osteochondrosis. In this case, a protrusion appears on the human spine, which may be accompanied by protrusion. In addition to pain, the patient complains of a feeling of numbness, loss of mobility.

Intercostal neuralgia

In addition to the listed causes, pain in the left hypochondrium can also be provoked due to severe compression of the nerves or nerve roots. There can be a lot of reasons for this condition – from diseases of the endocrine system to trauma, infectious diseases.

Pain in intercostal neuralgia manifests itself suddenly and sharply. It turns out to be sharp, burning. The patient may note that the pain begins with a sharp shooting sensation in the spinal column.

Respiratory diseases

When a person begins to complain of pain in the left hypochondrium, many doctors first of all pay attention to potential intestinal damage, inflammation of the stomach cavity and pancreas. But such manifestations can also be characteristic of various types of damage to the respiratory system.

Among the common causes of pain under the left rib there are such as:

• Pneumonia.

• Bronchitis.

• Pleurisy.

Symptoms can be of a different nature, often dull, pulling, quite long in time. Associated symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, inability to take a deep breath, and many others.

Methods for diagnosing the causes of pain in the left hypochondrium

When a patient goes to the doctor with complaints of pain under the left rib, he is sent for diagnosis. Modern tools allow you to get an accurate picture of the current state of the human body.

Among the main diagnostic methods there are such as:

• ultrasound . Ultrasound diagnosis of the abdominal cavity is recommended. This tool is safe, informative. Ultrasound allows you to assess the size of the internal organ, to understand the features of its structure and other key parameters.

• X-ray . This diagnostic method should be used strictly dosed. The method helps to find the accumulation of fluid, a change in the position of internal organs. Often performed for diseases of the lungs, which can be felt in the left hypochondrium.

• Spleen scintigraphy . The technology belongs to the number of radioisotopes. It helps to check the activity of the body, the features of its current functioning.

• Laparoscopy . It involves performing a visual examination of the abdominal cavity. This allows you to understand if there is bleeding, injury.

• MRI . An effective, safe and informative method that helps to establish the state of internal organs, as well as the circulatory system, nerve endings, intervertebral discs.

There are also many additional diagnostic tools that can be carried out as prescribed by a doctor. They help to check the state of the myocardium, the success of the organs in their functions. These include various tests to detect inflammation and other pathologies.

How to treat pain in the left hypochondrium

The list of remedies for pain under the left rib is very extensive. They are appointed based on the results of a detailed diagnosis of the patient’s condition. To eliminate a strong pain syndrome, various options for painkillers, drugs that relieve spasm are used.

There are several categories of medications that can be prescribed during treatment. These include such as:

• Antibiotics . They are used if the patient has been diagnosed with a bacterial infection. This usually occurs against the background of pneumonia, pleurisy, an increase in the size of the spleen.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . Helps relieve inflammation and relieve pain.

• Enzymes . Necessary for the patient if he has a violation of the pancreas. The use of such a drug is aimed at stabilizing the digestive process. Steatorrhea is also eliminated, microflora is restored.

• Protease inhibitors . It is the most common drug for the treatment of pancreatitis.

Physiotherapy treatment of pain under the left rib

Depending on which symptom is manifested in the patient, various physiotherapy procedures may be prescribed for the treatment of pain syndrome. These include such as:

• Electrophoresis to enhance the effectiveness of drugs.

• UHF therapy to eliminate constipation and normalize intestinal motility.

• Magnetotherapy to eliminate intercostal neuralgia.

• Iontophoresis with prozerin.

• Reflexology and many others.

Surgery

In some cases, it is not possible to do without the use of surgical intervention. It is usually resorted to when alternative treatments show their failure.

The operation is performed when diagnosing a heart attack, injury to the spleen, abscess. Also, the cause can be protrusion with a hernia, complications in the diagnosis of pancreatitis.