Pain in the left side under the ribs: what is in front, causes

When there is pain in the left side, you need to take into account that many internal organs are located in the abdomen, so the root causes of the discomfort can be very different.

Pain in the left side can be a symptom of various pathologies

Important! In any case, when the patient’s left side hurts, it’s worth paying close attention to. You especially need to be wary if discomfort appears unexpectedly and lasts more than half an hour. In this case, it is better to play it safe and call an ambulance or immediately consult a doctor yourself. Since a number of diseases require emergency surgery and hospitalization.

What organs are located on the left side?

To answer the question of what may hurt in the left side, you need to know what organs are located here.

To make a correct diagnosis, it is important to determine where exactly the discomfort is localized. Conventionally, the anterior abdominal wall is divided into 9 regions and 3 floors:

1st upper floor, it includes the epigastric, right and left hypochondrium;
2nd middle floor, which consists of the left and right lateral sections, between them is the umbilical region;
3rd lower floor, it includes the suprapubic region, left and right iliac region.

Conventionally, the anterior wall of the abdomen is divided into 9 regions.
What is in the left side of a person? The digestive and genitourinary organs are located here, namely:

stomach (most of it);
spleen;
most of the pancreas;
loops of the small and large intestine;
left kidney, adrenal gland, ureter;
female genital organs, namely the left ovary and oviduct, part of the uterus;
male genital organs, such as the seminal vesicle, prostate.

Pain syndrome in the left side may appear as a result of a disorder in any of these organs. Depending on the root cause, it can have a different character, be constant or paroxysmal, aching, encircling, dagger-like, or radiating to the back.

Also, painful sensations in the left side can be caused by:

endocrine disorders (diabetes mellitus);
diseases of the cardiovascular system;
connective tissue pathologies;
hernia;
respiratory diseases;
pathologies of the nervous system.

Pain is divided according to the mechanism of its occurrence, as well as according to its characteristics, which allows making the correct diagnosis:

Visceral pain that appears due to disturbances in the peristalsis of the stomach and intestines, when spasms and stretching of the muscles of these organs are observed. They can be dull and aching, for example, with increased gas formation, or cramping, if the patient has intestinal colic. They often radiate to adjacent areas of the body.
Somatic pain, in most cases, has a clear localization and is observed constantly. It appears due to irritation of the peritoneum, for example, when a stomach ulcer ruptures. In this case, the pain will be sharp and cutting, intensifying with movement and breathing.
Referred pain appears due to the irradiation of unpleasant sensations. It occurs in organs that are not localized in the left side and radiates here. For example, discomfort in the side can appear with left-sided lower lobe pneumonia, inflammation of the pleura and a number of other pathologies.

Causes of pain in the left side of the abdomen

Now you know what is on the left side of the stomach. Painful sensations in this area can be caused by many diseases, both chronic and acute. Most of the symptoms of pain are associated with damage to the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract.

There are the following types of pain:

Organ pain, which is characterized by the presence of pathology of one or more organs. This can be an inflammatory, infectious, ischemic process. At the same time, the sensations change: they fade away, then return with renewed vigor. The pain can be either acute or aching in nature.
Parietal pain is characteristic of the abdominal wall and is most often associated with inflammatory processes or internal furunculosis.
Neurogenic pain occurs when there are problems with nerve fibers, which transmit impulses between organs and the central nervous system.
Referred or mirrored pain occurs quite often in patients and is characterized by localization in a completely different place from the location of the affected organ. For example, due to cysts on the left ureter, the patient may feel pain in the right side of the lower back.

Pain in the hypochondrium on the left

The nature of the discomfort

Pain in the left side under the ribs can be:

Spicy. If a sharp, dagger-like pain on the left side suddenly appears under your ribs, you should immediately call an ambulance. As a rule, it is observed when the integrity of the stomach, small intestine, spleen, or kidney is damaged. If acute pain on the left under the ribs is observed when inhaling after a fall or an accident, this indicates severe damage to internal organs. Any of these conditions can result in the death of the patient.
Dumb. If for a long time there is a dull diffuse pain on the left in the hypochondrium, then this indicates sluggish diseases of the digestive tract, such as gastritis, pancreatinitis.
Aching. Such pain, which is observed constantly, also indicates low-grade inflammation. It is characteristic of inflammation of the colon and duodenum. It is often a sign of angina pectoris, ischemic heart disease, or a pre-infarction condition.

Diseases that cause pain in the left hypochondrium

Discomfort in the left hypochondrium may occur with the following pathologies:

Gastritis . With inflammation of the gastric mucosa, aching pain is observed in the left hypochondrium.

In addition, the following signs appear:

nausea, vomiting;
heaviness in the stomach, intensifying and manifesting itself when eating or immediately after eating;
heartburn;
belching;
bitterness in the mouth;
constipation or diarrhea.

Symptoms unrelated to the digestive system may also develop:

heart pain, arrhythmia;
pallor;
excessive sweating;
drowsiness;
symmetrical sensitivity disorders in the arms and legs;
anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.

Stomach ulcer . The clinical picture depends on the severity and duration of the pathology. With a stomach ulcer, left-sided pain is observed after eating.

In addition to them, signs such as:

heartburn;
sour belching;
nausea and vomiting after eating;
weight loss

Important! If perforation of a stomach ulcer develops, then a sharp dagger pain appears, pale skin, weakness, and possible fainting. This is a dangerous condition that requires urgent hospitalization.

Stomach tumor . If there is a constant pain syndrome in the left side, which does not depend on food intake, then this may indicate oncology. There are no specific symptoms of cancer. The patient may experience the following symptoms:

loss of appetite;
aversion to meat;
dyspeptic disorders;
weight loss;
anemia;
vomiting and bowel movements mixed with blood (observed in the later stages, when the tumor disintegrates).

In addition, pain in the left side can be associated with overeating, mechanical damage to the stomach.

Pain in the left hypochondrium is caused by pathologies of the spleen:

An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) usually develops with Filatov's disease. In addition to pain, the following are observed:

asthenia;
constant headaches, including migraine headaches;
vertigo;
heat;
arthralgia and myalgia;
excessive sweating;
frequent viral diseases;
tonsillitis.

In addition to pain in the left side with splenomegaly, migraine may develop

A splenic rupture is characterized by the appearance of sharp left-sided pain in the hypochondrium after physical impact on the organ. One of the main signs of pathology is the appearance of a bruise around the navel; a hematoma may be observed in the left side of the abdomen; pain may radiate from the hypochondrium to the back. In this case, you need to urgently call an ambulance.

In addition, pain in the left hypochondrium can be observed:

with a hernia of the diaphragmatic opening of the esophagus;
for pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, such as cardiomyopathy, in which, in addition to pain, there is tachycardia, fatigue, ischemic heart disease, accompanied by aching pain, burning behind the sternum, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, nausea;
with diseases of the respiratory system, namely left-sided pneumonia, as a rule, the pain is dull, not very pronounced, but when coughing, the patient may note that there is colitis in the left side and chest; with the development of pleurisy, pain intensifies not only when coughing, but also when breathing, changing body position;
with intercostal neuralgia, the nature of the pain can be very diverse, it can be sharp, aching, dull, burning;
for diseases of connective tissue and spine;
for injuries.

Liver problems

This is the most common reason why people have pain on the right side under the ribs. What is there? That's right, the liver and bile ducts. If there is a deviation in the functioning of this organ, cramping or paroxysmal pain appears. In fact, its exact nature varies depending on how much the disease progresses. The pain can be either dull or sharp.

Here is what pathology the discomfort tormenting a person may indicate:

Cirrhosis. Other symptoms include changes in eye and skin color, bloating, vomiting and weakness, as well as acute digestive disorders. In addition, the spleen increases in size, the palms begin to turn red, and jaundice progresses. Varicose veins of the esophagus may also develop, internal bleeding often occurs, and blood pressure increases.
Hepatitis. Moreover, no matter what it is (medicinal, alcoholic, A, B or C). The disease is always accompanied by aching pain in the right hypochondrium. At the same time, the person is overcome by weakness, the color of feces, urine and skin changes. And impurities of bile and blood appear in the excrement.
Fatty hepatosis. It develops in people suffering from diabetes and obesity. It is also common in patients with metabolic disorders.
Liver cancer. The symptoms of this pathology are similar to those of cirrhosis. In addition to pain in the right hypochondrium, a bitter taste appears in the mouth, the color of the skin and eyes changes, and the temperature increases. Often a person suffers from cramps, muscles and limbs can atrophy. The functionality of the gastrointestinal tract is also disrupted, and internal bleeding occurs.
Echinococcosis. The reason for its development is helminthic infestation. The main symptom is unbearable heaviness and severe pain in the right hypochondrium. The person also experiences digestive disorders, suffers from fever and chronic lethargy.

When discussing the pathologies of the organs located on the right side under the ribs, it is important to note that many conditions, if left untreated, can be fatal. That is why, if the slightest discomfort occurs, it is necessary to consult a doctor and immediately begin treatment.

Left-sided pain in the iliac region

Pain in the left lower abdomen due to gastrointestinal diseases

Left-sided pain in the lower abdomen can be observed with such pathologies as:

Colitis , in which, in addition to aching pain in the lower abdomen, the following are observed:

false urge to have a bowel movement;
flatulence;
diarrhea, sometimes with mucus and blood.

With nonspecific ulcerative colitis, not only inflammation of the walls of the colon is observed, but also ulceration of the mucous membrane, in which, in addition to the symptoms described above, the following signs may appear:

heat;
weakness;
loss of appetite;
weight loss;
arthralgia;
violation of water-salt balance.

Intestinal obstruction . Its earliest manifestation is pain in the abdomen; it occurs regardless of food intake and can appear unexpectedly at any time of the day or night. They are of a cramping nature. As the pathology progresses, they usually subside within 48-72 hours, but this is a dangerous symptom.

Also observed:

constipation;
bloating and asymmetry of the abdomen;
nausea and repeated vomiting.

Also, pain in the left lower abdomen can be observed with intestinal cancer . They are usually blurred and weakly expressed, but still they are constant and not associated with food intake.

In addition, there are:

constipation;
bloating and rumbling in the intestines;
blood in the stool.

Left-sided pain in the lower abdomen in diseases of the female reproductive organs

Pain in the lower abdomen on the left side can be observed with diseases of the female genital organs, such as:

inflammation of the appendages, with which pain can be observed not only in the lower abdomen, but also in the groin and lumbar region; in addition, there may be an increase in temperature, asthenia, cephalgia, myalgia, problems with urination; chronicity of the disease is characterized by dull pain in the left side, groin, in the vagina, menstruation and sexual function disorders;
torsion of an ovarian cyst, in which, in addition to severe pain, a disturbance in general health, hypotension, fever, and vomiting are observed;
ectopic pregnancy, which can cause rupture of the oviduct or ovary, resulting in sharp, unbearable pain.

Important! If an ectopic pregnancy is terminated, urgent hospitalization is required, since in this case there is a threat to the patient’s life.

Pain in the left side behind can be observed with heart disease. This sign is most often characteristic of myocardial infarction, although it can also be observed with angina pectoris, enlargement of the aorta, and pericarditis. With myocardial infarction, there is a sharp pain in the heart, which extends to the left shoulder blade, side, upper limb, and neck. In addition, the following appears:

cold sweat;
nausea;
dyspnea;
dizziness;
pre-fainting state.

In addition to pain in the left side during myocardial infarction, cold sweat may be observed

Nature and symptoms of pain

The pain syndrome for various pathologies may differ.

Gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammatory process that affects the mucous membranes of the stomach and leads to disruption of the functionality of the organ.
There are many varieties of the disease. A characteristic symptom is gastralgia. The pain is sharp, and the unpleasant sensations are stabbing, pressing, burning. The pain intensifies significantly after overeating or eating spicy food. Other symptoms of gastritis include heartburn, flatulence, and vomiting.

The abdomen is often swollen, and the stool is unstable - there is frequent diarrhea or constipation.

If similar pain occurs, you should contact the following doctors: a therapist and a gastroenterologist. The initial examination consists of interviewing the patient, drawing up a clinical picture and sending him for diagnostics.

The following methods are used to diagnose gastritis:

gastroscopy of the stomach;
biopsy;
electrogastroenterography;
pH-metry of the stomach;
organ probing;
X-ray examination;
clinical tests.

Treatment consists of prescribing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medications.

It is also necessary to follow the diet prescribed by the doctor throughout the therapy.

Peptic ulcer

Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum is a chronic pathology , the peculiarity of which is the formation of ulcerative defects on internal organs.
It manifests itself as so-called “dagger” pain, unexpectedly, but very strongly - the patient is forced to lie down because he cannot move independently. The pain is located in the epigastric region, that is, in the pit of the stomach, and then moves to the right side. This is caused by a spill of stomach contents. Additionally, the ulcer is accompanied by severe heaviness in the abdominal area, vomiting and frequent belching.

It is important to receive timely treatment, since in its absence, diffuse peritonitis can be diagnosed.

This complication is fatal.

A gastroenterologist diagnoses peptic ulcer disease. First of all, such patients have a pronounced ulcer history. Diagnostics is carried out using the following methods:

gastroscopy;
biopsy;
Ultrasound;
X-ray of the stomach.

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Therapy includes taking antibiotics, as well as medications that neutralize gastric juice and create a film on the mucous membranes of the stomach. It is recommended to follow a daily routine, eat a balanced diet, give up bad habits, and avoid stress.

The course of treatment takes 2-3 weeks.

Oncology

Stomach cancer (or other abdominal cancer) is a malignant tumor growing in the tissues of the stomach or any other affected organ.
Stomach cancer has a high mortality rate. The pain syndrome is usually constant; patients complain of a feeling of fullness from the inside. The pain often moves to the chest area, causing a feeling of heaviness. After meals, one often feels nauseous and vomits, including blood. In addition, the patient quickly gets tired and often feels weak throughout the body. Blood is not only regurgitated, but is also present in the stool.

Expert opinionAstafiev Igor Valentinovich Neurologist - Pokrovsk City Hospital. Education: Volgograd State Medical University, Volgograd. Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after. HM. Berbekova, Nalchik. The tumor makes it difficult to swallow even plain water, digestion is disrupted: belching and heartburn appear.

If gastric cancer is suspected, the initial examination is carried out by a gastroenterologist, after which he refers the patient to an oncologist to confirm the diagnosis. Additionally, a consultation with a nutritionist is scheduled.

Cancer is diagnosed using the following methods:

endoscopy;
endoscopic ultrasound;
biopsy;
X-ray of the stomach;
CT scan.

Treatment of cancer patients is carried out in a hospital and depends entirely on the stage, severity of symptoms and general condition of the patient. Treatment consists of surgery to remove the affected parts of the organ, followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Maintenance medications are also prescribed.

Pancreatic diseases

The pancreas is usually affected by inflammatory and destructive processes .
Typical manifestations of pathology are pancreatitis and oncology. Pancreatitis is a non-infectious inflammation in the gland, accompanied by swelling, decay and death of internal tissues. Scars form, the anatomy of the organ and the function of the gland are disrupted.

A characteristic manifestation is a dull and nagging pain, which can turn into a sharp pain.

This depends on the degree of edema and necrosis of internal tissues, the development of peritonitis. The pain is localized in the epigastrium, which is determined by the location of the source of the disease, and can often radiate to the back.

Additional symptoms of pancreatic diseases:

vomiting and nausea;
diarrhea and constipation;
dehydration of the body;
change in skin color.

A general practitioner diagnoses diseases of this type .

Subsequently, the patient is referred to a gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, oncologist and surgeon.

Diagnosis is carried out as follows:

clinical researches;
blood biochemistry;
urine tests.

Often pancreatic diseases can be complicated by diabetes mellitus.

Gallbladder diseases

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. Acute pain is localized in the front, accompanied by fever and vomiting. Additional symptoms include yellowing of the skin. In this case, the pain can radiate to the shoulder and scapular region, and also spread to the entire abdomen.

Hepatic colic is an attack of acute pain, similar in symptoms to cholecystitis, but the difference is that colic can be stopped.

Other symptoms include periodic feelings of nausea, belching, and bitterness in the mouth. The pain is not intense, but is nagging in nature. The body temperature rises, the stomach swells.

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Treatment is prescribed by a gastroenterologist. The following are used to diagnose diseases:

blood analysis;
blood biochemistry;
Ultrasound;
X-ray;
radioisotope survey.

Treatment is usually done with a combination of medications and a special diet.

Treatment and rest in a sanatorium are recommended.

Subphrenic abscess

Subphrenic abscess is an abscess in the diaphragm area . The pain is intense, localized in the epigastric region and under the ribs. Irradiates to the area of the shoulder blades and collarbone. Additional symptoms include shortness of breath, weakness, and cough.

The treatment is carried out by a surgeon, since surgical intervention is required.

Before the operation, diagnostics are carried out, including the following methods:

fluoroscopy;
Ultrasound;
CT scan;
clinical researches.

Treatment consists of an operation during which the abscess is opened and drained.

Antibacterial medications are prescribed.

Myocardial infarction - gastralgic form

Myocardial infarction in this form is characterized by acute pain in the epigastric region , radiating to the area of the heart muscle and between the shoulder blades.
Symptoms include decreased blood pressure and a dull heart sound. Diagnosed and treated by a cardiologist. Diagnostics is carried out using the following methods:

ECG;
clinical researches;
echocardiography.

Treatment must be started immediately, otherwise this condition can be fatal.

Pain in the left side due to kidney disease

Pain on the left in the lower back can be observed with kidney pathologies, such as:

Inflammation of the renal pelvis may be accompanied by a dull, aching pain, which can be of varying intensity. In addition, general intoxication, high fever, nausea and vomiting may occur. When chronic, diseases often worsen when it is damp and cold. Frequent urination is also observed, since with this disease the bladder is often affected.
Urolithiasis is accompanied by a mild dull pain in the lower back, worsening after physical exertion, prolonged walking, or driving on uneven roads.

Pain in the left side can appear for various reasons, so you should not engage in self-diagnosis. Only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe adequate therapy.

Dull pain in the left hypochondrium in front is the first symptom of a serious pathology. The most important thing in this situation is to see a doctor as soon as possible. Based on the collected history and examination, the doctor will be able to establish a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Pain has a broad meaning, according to many doctors. But the main thing is that the category of the disease can be determined by its type and location. It is enough for an experienced specialist to carefully listen to all the colors of the patient’s pain syndrome in order to make a preliminary diagnosis. Pain under the left rib in the front can be of several categories:

Peritoneal pain syndrome. This pain actually does not stop and is in one place. When moving, the pain becomes more pronounced and acute. The nature of such pain refers to a perforated ulcer, which requires immediate surgical intervention.
Visceral pain syndrome. It may be cramping, dull and aching. It has the ability to radiate to nearby organs. Such pain is characteristic of diseases of the digestive system, intestinal pathology and stomach disease.
The pain has a wandering characteristic. This pain syndrome is difficult to diagnose. The patient cannot clearly determine the permanent location. Signs of pain of a wandering nature: most of all there is a dull pain in the left hypochondrium in front and, to a lesser extent, radiates to the stomach.
The pain is radiating. It is located directly in the affected organ.

What causes pain in the left hypochondrium? All reasons are divided into two degrees:

Pain that is typical for diseases in the upper left abdomen.
Diseases where the pain syndrome is located in the very lower left abdomen.

The most famous diseases at the top left are:

a type of gastritis;
food poisoning;
flatulence;
constipation;
peptic ulcer;
pathologies of the spleen;
stomach cancer;
pancreatitis;
myocardial infarction;
intestinal obstruction.

Features of treatment will depend on the correct diagnosis. Therefore, a timely visit to a doctor will prevent the situation from worsening and quickly get rid of the problem.

Now let's look at each disease in more detail.

What, what organs are located on the right under the ribs - on the side, in front, behind?

The area under the ribs is occupied by the digestive organs.
They perform very important work, and disruptions in their activities are extremely dangerous. This is not the case when you need to be patient a little. If you don’t have time to leaf through anatomy manuals to find out what is on a person’s right side under the ribs, then just take note that the following organs are located in this area:

liver;
gallbladder;
pancreas;
right section of the diaphragm;
intestines (slightly lower);
right kidney (from the back);
adrenal glands

The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body. The huge number of functions it performs makes it vulnerable. Therefore, she is attacked by dangerous ailments: hepatitis, fatty degeneration, cirrhosis, tumors.

Treatment will begin with diet. Then herbal preparations (Karsil, Legalon, Silymarin, Artichoke, Liv-52), medicines of animal origin (Essentiale, N forte), amino acids (Oritin, Heptral), and preparations containing ursodexoxycholic acid (Urosan, Urosufalk) will be used. More serious medications are prescribed individually by a doctor.

If an attack begins, the patient must be hospitalized. Conservative treatment can be used (anesthetics - Atropine, No-shpa, Papaverine, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents), or surgery will be performed.

For the treatment of chronic cholecystitis, antibiotic therapy (Ampicillin), antispasmodics (Eufillin, Papaverine, Atropine), choleretic drugs (Cyclovalon), and vitamins are used. Recovery is impossible without a strict diet.

A common disease that affects the pancreas is pancreatitis. Diagnosis of this severe pathology includes biochemical and clinical blood tests, general urine analysis, ultrasound, radiography, CT, laparoscopy, endoscopy. The treatment is complicated. It is carried out in a hospital: IVs are placed, antihomotoxicological drugs and enzymes are used. Diet is required. The prognosis is not always positive, so treatment should be started as early as possible.

To confirm suspicions of kidney disease, you will have to undergo an ultrasound, donate blood and urine test (including a 24-hour test); in some cases, urography is used.

The right dome of the diaphragm is adjacent to the ribs. In itself, it does not hurt, but pathological processes in the adjacent organs force them to increase in size and put pressure on the diaphragm. A new growth may also appear on it.

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First of all, pain in the right side indicates the following diseases:

Liver (hepatitis or cirrhosis);
Pancreas;
Adrenal gland;
Intestines;
Spine (osteochondrosis);
Ribs (crack or fracture of ribs);
Right lung (lung cancer or pneumonia);
Diaphragms;
Peripheral nerves;
Right kidney (urolithiasis, pyelonephritis);
Gallbladder.

However, in order to correctly identify the very cause of these painful symptoms in the right side or back, it is necessary to pay attention to the nature and location of the pain.

Liver

One of the most common causes of pain under the rib on the right is liver disease.

They usually arise due to:

viral diseases, most often hepatitis groups A, B or C;
unhealthy lifestyle – smoking, alcohol abuse (alcoholic hepatitis), frequent consumption of fatty or spicy foods;
drug poisoning – a number of medications can contribute to the occurrence of toxic hepatitis.

Gallbladder

One of the functions of the liver is the production of bile, which plays a large role in the digestion of food due to its ability to break down fats, and its excess goes into the gallbladder.

After eating excessively fatty foods, the gallbladder injects its contents into the intestines, since the bile produced by the liver at that time may not be enough to break down fats.

And if there are infections or stones in the gallbladder, pain occurs, thus signaling the presence of a problem and the need to follow a diet.

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This organ is located deep in the abdominal cavity and its main function is to produce insulin, digestive enzymes and gastric juice.

If pain in the right side under the ribs is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and profuse sweating, this may be caused by inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which occurs due to:

complications of gallbladder disease (most often cholelithiasis);
alcohol abuse;
complications after surgery on the stomach or biliary tract;
abdominal injuries or metabolic disorders (in rare cases).

- diaphragmatitis - a disease of unknown origin;

- diaphragmatic hernia;

- tumors of the diaphragm;

— thinning of the right dome of the diaphragm (in very rare cases);

- abdominal injuries, which can result in rupture of the diaphragm.

Appendix

When pain occurs under the right rib, as a rule, appendicitis is first suspected, and this diagnosis is not removed until other causes are identified.

Let us note that if acute sharp pain appears on the right side under the ribs, you should urgently consult a doctor, since assistance not provided in time for a ruptured appendix can cause death.

Pain occurs as a result of the fact that the heart muscle, due to insufficiency, ceases to perform its basic functions and blood begins to stagnate in the liver, causing it to increase, thereby causing pain.

Dull pain caused by the presence of chronic diseases can be relieved with the help of antispasmodics (for example, no-spa).

However, you should not take painkillers if you are not sure of the exact causes of the pain. The fact is that in the future this may complicate the diagnosis of the disease.

However, taking any medications without making an accurate diagnosis is prohibited.

If you experience mild pain on the right side under the ribs, you should consult a doctor (general practitioner, endocrinologist, surgeon, traumatologist, infectious disease specialist or cardiologist) in order to prevent serious problems.

Be healthy!

What is in a person's right side? The photo presented for review clearly demonstrates the location of the internal organs on the right, where the liver, kidney, lung, appendix, appendages in women and more are located. When acute, sharp pain occurs, the following may occur:

Kidney rupture or prolapse.
Liver dysfunction associated with liver injury.
Rupture of the gallbladder.

Each person can independently, by observation, help in making the correct diagnosis. Why do you need:

Determine as accurately as possible where it hurts.
Identify all the points where the pain spreads.
Record the strength of pain.
Understand the nature - constant pain or paroxysmal pain. Place of localization, aches, pulls, shoots or encircles.
Determine what factors influence the increase in pain: deep inhalation or exhalation, coughing, sudden movements, sneezing.
Find out what helps reduce pain or get rid of it completely: heat or cold, medications or keeping the body in a certain position.

In order to correctly diagnose pain in the right rib, it is necessary not only to carefully collect anamnesis, but also to do a series of examinations. The doctor can make a primary diagnosis by interviewing the patient. To collect anamnesis, not only existing chronic diseases are important, but also hepatitis or other acute inflammatory processes suffered in the past.

After questioning and collecting facts that accompany pain on the right side under the ribs, the patient is examined. The integrity of the skin is revealed. After this, you can begin to palpate the abdominal wall. The inflamed right kidney can be palpated in the anterior abdominal wall. The liver, if inflamed, will extend beyond the edge of the right rib.

Further important for diagnosing pain in the right rib is examination of the sclera of the eyes, tongue and skin. With an inflammatory process in the liver or gall bladder, the surface of the tongue will be coated with a yellowish coating. With inflammation of the pancreas or kidney, a coating on the tongue is also possible, but it is white.

After establishing a preliminary diagnosis, additional laboratory testing should be performed.

Vegetative-vascular dystonia is a complex disease, which is based on a violation of the tone of blood vessels. Patients with this disease often complain of

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, including under the right rib.

These pains are very diverse: they can be sharp or dull, aching or stabbing, constant or paroxysmal. The patient, as a rule, cannot clearly localize the pain (show exactly where it hurts). The examination does not reveal signs of any of the diseases listed above.

Pathology of the spleen

Dull pain in the left hypochondrium in front may be due to problems with the spleen (trauma, ulcer, sepsis, hepatitis). Violation of the integrity of the spleen is characterized by pain, burning, vomiting, and general intoxication of the entire body. The patient also develops a need to drink large amounts of water, decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate. The spleen is one of the main organs, and if there is pain in it, you should urgently go to the hospital and undergo a full examination to determine the location of the pain.

Types of pain on the side in the left hypochondrium

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

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

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

According to the nature of the pain sensations there are:

According to the source of pain, there are:

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

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

Stomach ulcer

Pain appears in the stomach due to irritation of the mucous membrane. Over time, the mucous membrane becomes covered with ulcers and its destruction occurs. The following symptoms are also characteristic of an ulcer:

vomiting reflex;
pain that radiates to the left hypochondrium;
belching;
weakness.

You should know that pain during a peptic ulcer can be a harbinger of a serious pathology, such as a perforated ulcer. It is characterized by severe stabbing pain, a state of shock in the patient, vomiting mixed with blood, loss of consciousness and general intoxication of the body.

Why does my left side hurt under my ribs?

You should not ignore the pain and burning sensation in the left side, even if these unpleasant symptoms have passed completely, because may indicate serious pathologies that require treatment. The following causes of pain occur:

diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
systemic lupus erythematosus;
lymphomas;
malaria;
inflammation of the visceral peritoneum;
perforation (hole) in hollow organs;
chronic myeloid leukemia;
kidney infections;
distension of the renal pelvis;
diaphragmatic hernia;
cholecystitis;
cholelithiasis;
thoracic intercostal neuralgia;
ischemic colitis;
splenitis, splenomegaly, splenic rupture;
vegetative crises;
myocardial infarction, pericarditis, angina pectoris;
compression of organs during pregnancy.

Front

Pain on the left under the ribs in front is provoked by chronic sluggish inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. At the same time, unpleasant sensations occur regularly and last a long time. A strong burning sensation in most cases indicates chronic pancreatitis. If the pain in the front is constant and intensifies after eating, then this may indicate gastroduodenitis, sometimes the presence of a tumor.

Side

Most doctors associate pain in the left hypochondrium with pathological disorders of the functioning of the heart. This syndrome can also signal other diseases: intercostal neuralgia, acute renal failure, significant enlargement of the spleen. There is no clear reason that will help immediately determine the main diagnosis based on the location of the pain, so pain under the left rib requires consultation with a specialist.

From behind from the back

If the patient does not have pathologies that cause discomfort in the left back of the back, then the pain is a consequence of hypothermia, eating fatty, spicy or salty foods, or excessive physical activity. Reasons that cause pain symptoms include:

neuralgia;
bronchopulmonary lesions;
myocardial infarction;
osteochondrosis;
pathologies of the esophagus.

After meal

If immediately after finishing a meal the left stomach hurts, this is a consequence of developing gastritis. The severity of symptoms varies depending on the acidity of the stomach and the degree of pathological changes in the mucous membrane. Additionally, patients note a burning sensation in the esophagus, heartburn, belching, sour taste in the mouth, and diarrhea. In the absence of timely treatment, peptic ulcer of the stomach, duodenum, and pancreatitis develops.

Urolithiasis disease

Pain due to urolithiasis can be equally felt on both the right and left lower abdomen. Pain in the left side of the abdomen is observed when the stone moves along the left ureter from the peritoneum. Urolithiasis is the formation of stones of various etiologies and sizes in the organs of the urinary system.

What is located on the left side of the abdomen in women and causes pain?

Here is an approximate list of causes of pain in the left half of the peritoneum among the fair sex:

urological ailments;
problems with gynecology;
gastroenterological diseases;
various injuries (the rarest cause, but you should not forget about it).

What is located in the left lower abdomen in women and causes nagging pain? Discomfort in the left side of the abdomen can be caused by inflammatory, infectious, chronic or acute processes in the internal organs. Often, during the initial visit, pancreatitis, pyelonephritis, ulcers or erosions of the gastric mucosa, passage of a kidney stone, ureteral rupture, and gynecological problems are diagnosed.

Gynecological pain is characteristic only of the lower abdomen, above the pubic bone. Gynecology is often confused with pain in the gastrointestinal tract. It is possible to make an accurate diagnosis only after passing all tests and examinations (ultrasound, MRI, CT, radiography).

Characteristics of pain under the ribs on the left

It's a dull pain. This type of pain accompanies a protracted inflammatory process. The main causes of such pain are duodenitis and colitis. With a stomach ulcer, along with pain there is nausea and vomiting. Still aching pain under the ribs on the left side can be the cause of cardiac and vascular pathologies.

Acute pain requires immediate hospitalization and examination by a specialist to make a preliminary diagnosis. Basically, pain under the ribs on the left indicates perforation of the stomach, pathology of the spleen.

Dull pain. In most cases, it refers to a chronic form of stomach and intestinal disease. These include cholecystitis, gastritis, pancreatitis.

Pulmonary problems

Pneumonia

This is pneumonia.

Breathing infections in the chest area can cause pneumonia, which results in pain on the left side of the chest when breathing or coughing.

The symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild to severe and can even become life-threatening.

The most common symptoms are:

nausea or vomiting;
indigestion;
cough, with mucus;
pain under the ribs when breathing;
signs of infection such as fever, chills and sweating.

Pleurisy

Inflammatory lesions of the serous membrane that surrounds the lungs. Pleurisy may affect the left lung and lead to unilateral pain below the ribs. The main symptom is chest pain, which gets worse with breathing. Inflammation can cause discomfort in the back and spread to the shoulders.

For both pneumonia and pleurisy, it is necessary to take an x-ray and seek treatment from a doctor. Antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs are prescribed, and bed rest should also be observed.

Sometimes, if the pain is severe, the patient may be given pain-relieving injections. In general, treatment lasts 2-3 weeks.

To help reduce the symptoms of pleurisy and pneumonia, it is important to take care of your lung health.

Pain in the left lower abdomen during pregnancy

When a pregnant woman experiences pain in the left lower abdomen, she should immediately consult a specialist to avoid serious complications. Symptoms of pregnancy pathology:

pain on the left side does not go away within 30 minutes;
pain increases over time;
acute dagger pain in the left side with normal general condition.

All of the listed pain symptoms characterize the onset of a threatened abortion, which requires immediate consultation with a gynecologist and emergency treatment. When the pain is nagging and short-lived during pregnancy, this is due to the growth of the uterus in the early stages. The uterus, which has an increased size, causes pressure on nearby organs and can also cause slight and nagging pain. Pain in the left lower abdomen may also indicate pressure on the intestines from the growing uterus. Quite often, pregnant women suffer from constipation, which also causes pain and discomfort, mainly on the left side. During gestation, the body produces special hormones that inhibit the functioning of the intestines, thereby causing stagnation in it.

Sharp and dull pain in the right hypochondrium with vegetative-vascular dystonia

Acute pain in the right hypochondrium – extremely unfavorable

Injury:

liver rupture;
liver hematoma;
gallbladder rupture;
kidney rupture;
prolapse of the kidney due to ligament rupture;
fracture of one or more lower ribs on the right.

Renal colic.

Hepatic colic.

Incarceration of a renal cyst.

Acute cholecystitis.

Acute pancreatitis.

All of these diseases and injuries are accompanied by acute, difficult-to-bear pain. The pain may cause the patient to lose consciousness, especially if injured. If consciousness is preserved, the patient rushes about, trying to find a body position that relieves pain.

A sick or injured person with acute pain under the right rib should be taken to a medical facility immediately.

The appendix is located in the right iliac region. In acute appendicitis, acute pain in the groin, nausea, vomiting, and fever up to 38-39 degrees occur. The atypical course of the disease causes referred pain in the right hypochondrium, which occurs against the background of a typical pain syndrome, or is the first manifestation of the pathology. If there is prolonged discomfort in the right side, you should urgently seek medical help.

DETAILS: Liver pain: how to treat it at home - All about the liver

Pain in the right hypochondrium can be a consequence of acute emergency conditions and chronic diseases of internal organs. At the first signs of illness, you should consult a doctor. Timely diagnosis and therapy improve the prognosis of the disease and prevent the development of complications.

Left cancer pain

When there is pain in the left hypochondrium in the front, this may be a signal of intestinal cancer. In its first stage, the patient does not feel severe pain, but only the first harbingers of the disease. These include frequent constipation, which is accompanied by cracks. If pathology occurs, you need to undergo a computed tomography scan or a colonoscopy. Based on the results, the exact location of the tumor, its size and the stage of the cancer can be determined. In most cases, the pain can be identical in different diseases, so in order not to make a mistake with the diagnosis, it is necessary to assign the patient additional diagnostics.

Pain on the left with cardiac pathologies

In the area of the heart, burning pain is not always associated specifically with cardiac pathologies, because a person may be bothered by organs located under the heart. However, if aching pain appears on the left, under the left nipple, simultaneously with shortness of breath , nausea , rapid heartbeat , and this occurs both during exercise and at rest, the development of heart disease can be suspected. The patient may feel heaviness and burning under the sternum. Similar symptoms may appear with coronary heart disease . If the coronary arteries , the blood supply to the heart muscle is disrupted, causing the development of ischemia.

What hurts in the left side below the ribs is also of interest to those who suffer from cardiomyopathy . This is a series of diseases in which the function of the heart is impaired, but there is no arterial hypertension , pathology of the valve apparatus , or vascular disease of the heart . In patients with cardiomyopathies, the heart muscle changes structurally. As a result, a person becomes more tired, colic and a feeling of pain develop during physical activity.

Results

Dull pressing pain in the left hypochondrium in front requires not only an urgent examination by a specialist, but also further examination. Health workers have such a concept as an acute abdomen, which is fraught with serious complications. This term means urgent hospitalization of the patient, otherwise complications can lead to death. When there is pain in the abdominal cavity at the top or bottom left, then you should not risk your health, and you need to undergo an examination.

Typically, pain of various categories requires surgical intervention and an immediate call to an ambulance. Remember that health largely depends on the patient himself, as well as on the correct diagnosis and timely assistance provided. You should not take painkillers on your own, which will smooth out the picture of the emerging pathology. Only qualified specialist help can eliminate pain and normalize the functioning of the diseased organ.

To avoid the occurrence of pathology in the female reproductive system, it is necessary to visit a gynecologist twice a year and undergo additional examination. After all, as you know, gynecological diseases occur with pain, which is localized on the lower left side. Such pain can be a harbinger of a serious illness, which is fraught not only with a deterioration in general well-being, but also with more serious complications.

Treating the cause of pain in the left hypochondrium is the best solution. If you feel the corresponding pain, you should not try to relieve it on your own, because its cause can be many serious diseases that only a doctor can detect. If you experience pain, you should urgently contact a specialist who will find out its source and initiate appropriate therapy. Be healthy!

Intestines

Inflammatory (enteritis) and oncological (cancer) diseases in the right parts of the small intestine lead to dull chronic pain in the right hypochondrium. Characterized by intestinal bloating, a tendency to constipation or diarrhea, weight loss, dry skin, brittle nails, hair loss. With intestinal ulcers and Crohn's disease, blood appears in the stool.

Intestines - in this organ, food is digested, nutrients and water are absorbed, starting from the pylorus of the stomach and ending with the anus. Located in the abdominal cavity. The total length of the human intestine is about 4 m in a state of tonic tension.

Traumatic pain

Acute pain can also be caused by an injury. And this already poses a real threat not only to human health, but also to human life. It is important to remember that there are organs that are located quite close to the surface of the body. In this case, it is the spleen. It should be understood that this vital organ can rupture from a strong blow. And if this happens, then the skin in the left hypochondrium acquires a bluish tint. And this already suggests that assistance provided at the wrong time can even lead to death.

Injured rib bones can also cause pain. With strong mechanical impact, cracks or even fractures can occur, which, quite naturally, is accompanied by severe pain. In this case, it is also better to seek help from a specialist who, after the examination, will provide the necessary assistance. After all, even the selection of painkillers may depend on the individual characteristics of the body. Few people think when taking analgesics that they may contain substances that will have a side effect on the body.

Diaphragm

Also, the area of the left hypochondrium accounts for the location of the diaphragm. Its function is to separate the thoracic area from the abdominal area. And if it weakens, this can lead to disruption of its functions, and, accordingly, to pain, including on the left under the ribs. This may be caused by age-related changes, as well as a number of concomitant diseases. Also, a weakening of the diaphragm can be caused by heavy physical activity.

Other localization of pain symptom

Having figured out what hurts to the right of the costal arch, let’s remember about pain that has a different localization. These are pains that arise in the abdominal cavity or radiate to the back.

Front

If it hurts under the ribs in the front, you should look for the causes of the symptom in diseases of the organs located in the abdominal cavity:

pancreas;
duodenum and colon (large) intestine;
diaphragm.

Sometimes the pinched intercostal nerve “hurts” in the front of the ribs; in this case, the patient can find a position in which the pain symptom is almost not bothersome.

Epigastric (in the triangle under the ribs) pain is often observed during an attack of ischemic heart disease. Only a thorough diagnosis will help clarify the true cause of the pain syndrome.

From the back

Pain that shoots through the right side and the area under the ribs from the back can be associated with pathologies of the adrenal glands, osteochondrosis, diseases of the female reproductive system - adnexitis and others. Taking tests, ultrasound or x-ray examinations will allow you to differentiate pain symptoms and establish the cause of their occurrence.

Appendix and appendicitis

Among stomach diseases, the leading place belongs to acute and chronic gastritis. Acute often occurs as a result of a person eating poor-quality food and is accompanied by intense pain “in the pit of the stomach” and in the left hypochondrium, and vomiting. Chronic gastritis is usually the result of long-term improper (rare, large portions, irrational) nutrition. It manifests itself as aching pain on the left side under the ribs, heaviness in the stomach, and nausea.

There are frequent cases of gastric ulcer - a disease in which wounds - so-called ulcers - form on the mucous membrane of the organ. The main symptom is pain of varying intensity after eating.

Pancreas