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.

Pain Under Left Breast: Causes, Treatment, and More

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• 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?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

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.

Pain under left breast

Causes of pain under the left breast

Pain under the left breast is not a specific symptom indicating a specific disease, although it worries primarily about possible cardiac problems. Really painful manifestations in the left half of the chest require careful observation, timely access to a doctor and diagnosis, since pain under the left breast can signal serious pathologies associated not only with the heart, but also with the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, oncological processes in the gland itself or nearby organs.

Causes of pain under the left breast

The etiological causes of pain under the left breast are varied, and can be associated with diseases of the stomach, intestines, heart, spleen or pancreas, with osteochondrosis, with pathological inflammatory or oncological processes in the gland itself.

The main causes of pain under the left breast:

• Diseases of the spleen, which are characterized by radiating pain in the left upper quadrant, located under the left gland:
  • Heart attack due to thrombosis or occlusion (embolism) of the splenic artery, which is one of the largest arteries in the peritoneum. Also, a heart attack can be caused by rheumatism, coronary heart disease, endocarditis, portal hypertension.
  • Abscess or cyst of the spleen.
  • Injury and rupture of the spleen.
  • Torsion of the spleen pedicle (wandering spleen torsion).
  • Infectious mononucleosis and splenomegaly (enlarged spleen).
• Gastrointestinal disorders:
  • Diseases of the small intestine characterized by aching, dull pains extending from the upper left.
  • Gastric ulcer accompanied by acute pain radiating to the left.
  • Gastritis, accompanied by arching pain, often radiating to the left upper quadrant.
  • Dyspepsia with nausea and soreness which may radiate under the left breast.
  • HH is a hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm, which is most often formed under the processus xiphoideus – the xiphoid process and is reflected by pain in the left side of the back, under the left breast.
  • Gastropathy of ischemic etiology with aching pain in the region of the xiphoid process, upper left.
  • Oncological processes of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Causes of pain under the left breast may be associated with cardiac diseases:
  • Angina pectoris – angina pectoris, ischemia of the middle muscle layer of the heart, myocardium, characterized by pressing, retrosternal pain, often radiating to the left arm, under the chest.
  • AMI – acute myocardial infarction, accompanied by intense pain on the left.
  • Аneurysma aortae – aortic aneurysm.
  • Pericarditis – pericarditis may present with pain under the left breast when it becomes acute.
  • Mitral valve prolapse, characterized by transient, aching, unexpressed pain in the left upper quadrant.
  • Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, causing pain, masquerading as symptoms of angina pectoris.
  • Intercostal neuralgia, accompanied by severe, sharp pain, spreading along nn. Intercostales – intercostal nerves.
• VVD – vegetative-vascular dystonia, accompanied by pain similar to the clinical picture of angina pectoris or myocardial infarction.
• Broncho-pulmonary diseases:
  • Left-sided lower lobe pneumonia, accompanied by dull, mild pain on the left side, in the back and under the chest.
  • Exudative left-sided pleurisy, manifested by increasing pain on coughing on the left side, often from the back or under the chest.
• Cyst, abscess, fibroadenoma of the mammary gland, accompanied by pain under the breast due to duct occlusion, impaired lymph flow.
• Fibromyalgia.
• Breast cancer.

Symptoms of pain under the left breast

Symptoms of pain under the left breast are non-specific and can be a sign of a variety of diseases that require a thorough, comprehensive diagnosis. This is due to the fact that under the left breast there are the spleen, and the pancreas, and the heart, and loops of the small intestine, and many other organs that innervate to the left side.

According to the mechanism of development and sensations, pain is divided into the following types:

Somatic, peritoneal, which develop with inflammation, violation of the integrity of the peritoneal peritoneal sheet. These pains have a clear localization, are felt as sharp, sharp, aggravated by exertion, movement, and may indicate a rupture, perforation.

There are the following signs of pain under the left breast:

• Acute, dagger pain under the left breast, rapidly growing, unbearable, most often indicates perforation of the stomach wall, perforation of the small intestine, renal pelvis, rupture of the spleen. This symptom requires emergency medical attention.
• Acute pain under the left breast with a deep breath may indicate a violation of the integrity of nearby internal organs damaged during trauma, accident.
• Aching, dull pain at the top left may be a signal of a chronic inflammatory process associated with the gastrointestinal tract – pancreatitis, gastritis, cholecystitis, duodenitis.
• Constant pressing, aching pain in the upper left quadrant is a symptom of angina pectoris, a pre-infarction condition.
• Intense pain on the left, which does not go away after taking cardiological drugs, spreading and extending into the arm, may be a sign of a developing myocardial infarction.

The symptomatology of left-sided pains, localized under the breast, requires a thorough diagnostic examination, the sooner a person pays attention to painful signs, consults a doctor, the more favorable the prognosis of the identified disease will be.

Aching pain under left breast

The nature of aching pain in the upper left is most often due to chronic inflammatory processes. Aching pain under the left breast may be associated with sluggish, latent inflammation of the stomach, small intestine, spleen. Often, aching pain, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, is a signal of a developing stomach ulcer. Also, dull, chronic pain can serve as a signal of coronary heart disease, angina pectoris. Often, diseases of the pancreas, which is located in the upper part of the abdominal region and directed to the left, can also manifest as aching, girdle pains. Aching sensations that appear after physical exertion, psycho-emotional stress are associated with myocarditis and other cardiac pathologies. All implicit pain symptoms require a doctor’s consultation and a comprehensive examination.

Sharp pain under left breast

Sharp painful sensations always need immediate relief, since delay can lead to serious, life-threatening consequences. Sharp pain under the left breast may be evidence of spasm of the coronary arteries in IHD (ischemic heart disease), aortic aneurysm, pulmonary embolism, acute myocardial infarction, perforation of the wall of the stomach or small intestine, infarct pneumonia. Sharp pain sensations, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, fever, may be a manifestation of acute pancreatitis, since part of the pancreas (tail) is located just on the left side. Such sensations are figuratively called “dagger”, they cannot be tolerated, and often they are not removed by conventional painkillers. In addition, sharp pains spreading to the left, including under the chest, may be one of the clinical manifestations of mediastinal emphysema, which “starts” with retrosternal pain and crepitus (a characteristic crackling sound inside the chest). Sharp pains require relief and emergency medical care.

Severe pain under left breast

A strong painful symptom on the left in the upper quadrant, under the breast, is caused by irritation of the nerve endings in this area and is associated with pleurisy, acute dry pericarditis, acute left-sided pneumonia, exacerbation of angina pectoris. Severe pain in the left chest often indicates intercostal neuralgia, which is a consequence of osteochondrosis.

In addition, severe pain under the left breast is often a symptom of PE – pulmonary embolism, which develops intensively, quickly and is characterized by retrosternal pain radiating forward. According to the symptoms, the clinical picture of PE is very similar to myocardial infarction, however, thromboembolism is also accompanied by shortness of breath, hemoptysis, and loss of consciousness.

The most dangerous is severe pain under the left breast, which “starts” from the middle of the chest and spreads to the left side, under the chest, into the arm, into the back. Most often, it is an acute myocardial infarction, which requires immediate relief and hospitalization.

Dull pain under left breast

Mild, dull pain under the left breast may be associated with osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, and dull, spreading pain may indicate a chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract – stomach, small intestine. Less commonly, aching, dull pain in the left side of the sternum (under the breast) manifests pancreatitis, cholecystitis in an atypical form. In addition, a feeling of dull pain is inherent in prolonged cardialgia of the vegetative type (cardialgia of a vegetative crisis). This disease is manifested by palpitations, tremor of the limbs, shortness of breath, high blood pressure and is not stopped by validol or other cardiological agents. Dull pain under the left breast with vegetative cardialgia is removed with sedatives. The same symptoms are characteristic of false angina pectoris, in which aching sensations appear in the middle of the chest, dull pain under the left breast. These signs are exacerbated by physical exertion, emotional stress, and fatigue.

The most dangerous factor that can cause dull pain in the area under the breast is the oncological processes of the mammary glands. As a rule, cancer in the first stage does not manifest itself clinically, the second and its subsequent stages are accompanied by growing, dull, aching painful sensations. Therefore, all women who notice the slightest signs of pain in their breasts, under the breasts, should see a doctor as soon as possible, undergo a proper diagnosis and begin treatment.

Stitches under the left breast

A stabbing sensation in the left upper part of the body is most often not associated with cardiopathologies and is most likely due to muscle inflammation, neuralgia, and less often angina pectoris. However, not all patients can objectively describe the nature of the pain symptoms, so often a stabbing pain under the left breast can be a sign of perforation of the stomach wall or damage to internal organs associated with trauma, an accident (stabbing sensations intensify when inhaling, bending forward). In addition, when such symptoms appear, exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, radicular syndrome, lobar pneumonia, tuberculosis, and abscess of the left lung should be excluded. It is believed that stabbing, transient pain on the left or right, under the breast, is most often associated with a reflex syndrome with intercostal neuralgia. Pain sensations are caused by irritation, pressure on the intercostal nerve roots by deformed vertebrae.

Stitching pains in the left chest area, including under the breasts, can be signs of the following diseases:

• Vegetative-vascular dystonia.
• Intercostal neuralgia.
• Panic, hysterical conditions, accompanied by pseudocardialgia.
• Thoracoalgia – pain associated with osteochondrosis.
• Dry left-sided pleurisy.
• Acute form of left-sided pneumonia.
• Less often – diaphragmatic hernia.

Burning pain under left breast

Burning pain under the left breast is a typical sign of a developing myocardial infarction, which begins with a pronounced pain symptom in the chest, spreading to the back, to the shoulder blade, to the left arm, to the neck, under the left chest. In addition to burning pain, a heart attack is characterized by profuse, increased sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, and a state close to fainting. Such signs require an ambulance call and resuscitation.

In addition, burning pain under the left breast often indicates a running oncological process in the lungs (in the left lung). The pain in this disease is felt as constant, pressing, burning, dull, it may spread to a relatively healthy side – the right.

Diagnosis of pain under the left breast

Diagnostic measures that are assumed for non-specific pain symptoms are always complex. Diagnosis of pain under the left breast includes the following doctor’s actions:

• History taking, including hereditary history.
• Examination – palpation of the sternum, measurement of blood pressure, pulse, temperature, checking reflexes.
• X-ray of the chest (skeletal system, organs).
• ECG (electrocardiogram), ultrasound of the heart.
• Scintiography.
• Pulmonary angiography.
• Tomogram – CT, MRI.
• Laboratory tests of blood, urine, possibly exudate.

Diagnosis of pain under the left breast is impossible without the presence of a doctor, often patients try to independently differentiate the symptoms and stop the pain symptom, this can lead to quite serious consequences, even death. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis after all the necessary examinations is the prerogative of a general practitioner, cardiologist, neuropathologist or gastroenterologist.

Treatment of pain under the left breast

Treatment of pain under the left breast depends on the diagnosis, that is, the identified disease. If the pain symptom manifests itself as an acute, life-threatening, it is stopped, and then diagnostic measures and basic therapy begin.

Treatment of pain under the left breast in an acute manifestation also involves the following actions:

• Exclusion of life-threatening pathology – rupture of the spleen, myocardial infarction, aortic aneurysm.
• All patients over 40 years of age with complaints of severe left-sided pain should be hospitalized to reduce the risk of acute conditions.
• Strong anesthetic analgesics (precursors, narcotic drugs) are contraindicated in case of suspected gastrointestinal pathology, since relief of an acute symptom can distort the overall clinical picture.
• Strong analgesics are allowed for suspected cardiopathology, lung disease, and trauma.

First aid, treatment of pain under the left breast with suspicion of cardiac pathology consists in the following actions:

• It is necessary to take a heart drug – validol, nitroglycerin (sublingually).
• Take a horizontal position, ensure peace and quiet.
• Observe the nature of the pain, if it does not subside, urgently call an ambulance.

Treatment of pain under the left breast associated with gastrointestinal diseases is to stop eating, then you need to call a doctor, undergo a complete gastroenterological examination. Strong, girdle, dagger pain in the left side requires emergency medical care, self-medication can aggravate the course of the disease and provoke serious complications.

If the pain under the left breast is associated with neuralgia, rest is also indicated, consult a doctor who will prescribe adequate symptomatic therapy.

How to prevent pain under the left breast

Prevention of pain under the left breast is a standard dispensary examination, which should be carried out at least once a year. It is known that it is easier to prevent a disease, pain symptoms, than to treat them later, this fully applies to preventive measures of painful sensations, wherever they develop.

Prevention of pain under the left breast is carried out in accordance with preventive measures for the identified disease.

If it is cardiopathy, you must regularly perform the following actions:

Maintain a positive attitude, master self-regulation techniques, including breathing.

Prevention of pain under the left breast does not imply specific recommendations, since the symptom is nonspecific and often a sign of serious, life-threatening conditions. That is why preventive measures are rather a timely call to a doctor, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

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, accompanying symptoms can indicate the severity of the condition: 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 physical activity, 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 the 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 the 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,
• palpitations.

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:

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

Pathologies of the spleen

Spleen is an organ 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 should I contact if there is pain in the left hypochondrium

If aching or dull pain appears 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, there is fever, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea;
• people lose weight for no reason;
• weakness appeared, arterial 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 a strong 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 in case of pathological changes) (venous blood)

430 ₽

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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

1,030 ₽

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Lipase

300 ₽

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Pancreatic amylase

260 ₽

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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

370 ₽

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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).

Biochemistry 21 indicators (extended)

3,690 ₽

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C-reactive protein

330 ₽

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Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

170 ₽

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Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 9000 3

170 ₽

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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.

Helicobacter, DNA (Helicobacter pylori, PCR) scraping, count.

440 ₽

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Helicobacter, DNA (Helicobacter pylori, PCR) scraping, quality.

400 ₽

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Helicobacter pylori IgM (col)

640 ₽

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Helicobacter pylori IgA (col) 900 03

640 ₽

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Helicobacter pylori IgG (s/col)

440 ₽

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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.

1 420 ₽

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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.

Creatinine

170 ₽

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Urea

180 ₽

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Diagnosis of spleen pathologies 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)

730 ₽

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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.

Varicella-zoster virus, DNA (VZV, PCR) scraping, quality.

260 ₽

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Varicella-zoster virus, DNA (VZV, PCR) urine, quality.

260 ₽

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Varicella-zoster virus, DNA (VZV, PCR) plasma, quality.

260 ₽

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

Virus Varicella-Zoster IgG (n/col)

660 ₽

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Virus Varicella-Zoster IgM (n/col)

660 ₽

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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 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.