[20F] Experiencing intermittent sharp pain under left rib

Patient Description

A 20-year-old female reports experiencing intermittent sharp pain under the left rib, more towards the side than the abdomen, for the past two days. The pain is described as very tolerable, rating a 2 out of 10 in severity, and does not radiate to other areas. The patient also noted a single brief sharp pain in the left chest that resolved quickly. There have been no changes in appetite or weight, and no associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, or chills. The area of pain does not exhibit bruising or rash, and bowel movements are normal with soft, brown stools. The patient has a history of eczema diagnosed in childhood but is not currently on any medications and has no known drug allergies. There is no recent use of recreational drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, and no family history of similar symptoms or related medical conditions.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible causes of your left-sided rib pain include:

  • Musculoskeletal Pain: This is a common cause of rib pain and can result from muscle strain or inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone (costochondritis). This type of pain often worsens with movement or pressure, but you mentioned that your pain does not worsen with touch.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, heat or cold therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

  • Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions like gastritis, peptic ulcers, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can sometimes cause pain in this area. However, these conditions often come with other symptoms like heartburn, indigestion, or changes in bowel habits, which you did not report.

    • Treatment depends on the specific condition and may include dietary changes, medications, or in some cases, surgery.

  • Spleen Irritation: The spleen is located under the left rib cage and can become irritated or enlarged due to infections or other conditions, causing pain in this area. However, this is usually accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue, easy bruising, or frequent infections.

    • Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medications or surgery.

What you can do

Here are some general suggestions that might help:

  1. Rest and avoid any activities that seem to make your pain worse.
  2. Try applying a warm or cold compress to the area to see if it helps with the pain.
  3. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help with pain and inflammation.

However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional about your symptoms. They can provide a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe pain or pain that suddenly gets much worse
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain that spreads to the chest, neck, or shoulder
  • Fever, nausea, vomiting, or unexplained weight loss

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care.

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9 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are common causes of sharp pain under the left rib?

Common causes of sharp pain under the left rib include musculoskeletal pain, gastrointestinal issues, and spleen irritation. Musculoskeletal pain is often due to muscle strain or inflammation, while gastrointestinal issues might involve conditions like gastritis or GERD.

How can musculoskeletal pain be managed at home?

Musculoskeletal pain can often be managed at home with rest, applying warm or cold compresses to the affected area, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain.

When should I be concerned about rib pain?

You should be concerned about rib pain if it becomes severe, suddenly worsens, is accompanied by difficulty breathing, spreads to other areas like the chest or shoulder, or if you experience additional symptoms like fever, nausea, or unexplained weight loss.

Can gastrointestinal issues cause pain under the left rib?

Yes, gastrointestinal issues such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, or GERD can cause pain under the left rib. These conditions often come with other symptoms like heartburn, indigestion, or changes in bowel habits.

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