Pain in the left hypochondrium. Pain in the left hypochondrium

In the upper part of the abdominal cavity on the left, which is limited by the lower ribs, there are several important internal organs:

Discomfort under the ribs can be a consequence of various pathological conditions:

Back pain on the left under the ribs is a serious phenomenon that can be caused by diseases of the internal organs. All causes can be divided into two large groups: direct injuries and injuries to the back or diseases of the internal organs, which happens much more often. These may be the following diseases:

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The diagnosis directly depends on the place where the pain is felt most strongly: the left, right hypochondrium, lower back, or both sides. It is recommended to determine the localization of unpleasant sensations before consulting a doctor - this information will help to quickly and accurately diagnose the root cause and prescribe correct treatment.

It hurts on the left

Among all clinical cases, back pain in the left hypochondrium is often caused by four common pathologies:

Enlarged spleen. This disease may be preceded by various abnormalities: leukemia, lymphoma, lupus, and so on. A characteristic sign of the pathology is a dull pain sensation located under the ribs on the left. Liver dysfunction and the development of varicose veins are often observed.
Pancreatic oncology. Malignant processes cause pain in the left hypochondrium, radiating to the back, which can be confused with signs of chronic pancreatitis. It is easy to distinguish these diseases - cancer symptoms do not depend on food intake. Discomfort is predominantly felt in the back left and can spread throughout the back.
Pancreatitis causes pain on the left under the ribs, mainly in chronic form. Symptoms spread along the shoulder blades or throughout the back. Unpleasant sensations on the left under the ribs at the back are encircling in nature. Often, the signs of the disease intensify if you eat something fatty or spicy. If the disease is at the acute stage, then the pain in the left hypochondrium from behind is felt very sharply. Even changing body position cannot relieve the discomfort. In addition, pain in the left hypochondrium is accompanied by new symptoms, including nausea, subcutaneous hemorrhages in the abdomen and the appearance of cyanosis.
Coronary heart disease, especially myocardial infarction, can cause pain under the left rib and in the lower back. Separately, the gastralgic form of pathology is distinguished - acute illness caused by dysfunction of the left ventricle. In the early stages left back pain under the ribs may seem like an attack of gastritis, as hiccups appear and slight nausea may be felt. But later, compression of the heart begins, radiating to the shoulder blade and arm.

Discomfort on the right

Kidney inflammation

Description

If your back hurts in the area of the ribs at the back, such manifestations cannot be ignored. Many extremely dangerous diseases can be accompanied by such a symptom.

It is possible to determine exactly what is causing the pain only after special examinations. Back pain under the ribs may not be so significant, but it is better to once again make sure of your health than to treat a dangerous disease at the peak of its progression.

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Rib area injuries

But most often pain in the right hypochondrium is caused by damage to the liver and biliary tract. It is necessary to focus on the following characteristics of pain in the right hypochondrium:

Beginning and development;
Localization and migration;
Duration;
Intensity and character;
Relationship with specific causes of enhancement and relief.

With the classic development of right hypochondrium syndrome, patients are bothered by aching pain under the right rib coupled with a feeling of heaviness.

Types of lumbar pain

Discomfort, no matter where it is localized, can be different. Feelings may look like this:

cramping, indicating muscle contraction,
constant,
increasing, characteristic of tissue inflammation,
acute, characteristic of sudden hemorrhage, rupture of formation and blockage of blood vessels,
pulling,
blunt,
aching,
short,
long,
in the form of a lumbago, indicating that the violations concern nervous system.

Symptoms: pain on the right side under the ribs

What could cause pain in the right ribs?

In addition to injury, pain in the right ribs can be associated with inflammatory processes in organs such as:

Pain on the right under the ribs, pain under the left rib is just one of the manifestations of any disease. For some minimal assistance the doctor in making a diagnosis and his own awareness, it is necessary to know other characteristic symptoms of the most dangerous diseases.

Stomach or pancreatic cancer

Pain in the hypochondrium behind oncological diseases characterized by very pronounced expression. They do not depend on the position of the person’s body or diet. Jaundice may occur. Patients experience loss of body weight and loss of appetite.

Spleen diseases

In addition to such manifestations as pain under the ribs on the left, a person’s body temperature often rises and he feels feverish. Attacks of nausea and even vomiting appear.

When a person makes any movements, the pain syndrome worsens. In diseases of the spleen, they often appear dermatological diseases, causing itching.

Pancreatitis

Severe pathology digestive system, in which there is pain under the right rib, sometimes under the left rib. The pain is accompanied by very frequent nausea, poor appetite, loss of body weight.

Diarrhea is another sign of pancreatitis. The food is not completely digested and pieces of it are sometimes visible in the toilet bowl.

Self-diagnosis

The exact cause of pain can only be determined after a thorough examination. First you need to see a therapist. After examining and collecting anamnesis, he will refer the patient for further examination to other highly specialized specialists.

Diagnostic methods to determine the causes of pain:

No matter how you try to independently establish the diagnosis and causes of pain on the left under the ribs, only a qualified specialist can definitely do this.

The patient undergoes the first examination at an appointment with a therapist, which is based on a survey and primary diagnosis can give a referral to one of the specialists:.

Neuropathologist;
Surgeon;
Traumatologist;
Endocrinologist;
Cardiologist;
Gastroenterologist.

The initial examination includes palpation of the back on the left under the ribs, checking the condition of the mucous membrane and skin.

The following examinations are carried out in laboratory conditions:

Blood and urine analysis;
Ultrasound examination;
Tomography;
Heart examination;
X-ray.

Based on the information collected, the doctor prescribes treatment and decides whether the patient needs to be hospitalized.

If your back hurts in the area of the ribs at the back, then immediate diagnosis is required so that there is no serious consequences. So, you can carry out self-diagnosis at home by performing a few simple exercises. The nature of the pain may vary.

Treatment of cholecystitis

If a person has pain in the back left side, then, first of all, you need to visit a local therapist, who will examine the patient, perform palpation and tapping, listen to complaints, ask about the type of pain and the frequency of its occurrence, and suggest what the person is sick with.

At the initial diagnosis stage, the doctor must exclude the possibility of injuries that damage organs. Some acute forms of pathologies (appendicitis, damage to the spleen, liver) require urgent surgery, because there is a high risk of death for the patient.

The doctor also rules out acute forms of heart problems.

Since pain under the ribs can have a varied nature, each type of disease will have its own treatment regimen.

On the left under the ribs there are vital important organs, and everyone should listen to the pain. At perforated ulcer, acute pancreatitis, ruptured spleen, or heart attack requires urgent hospitalization.

Depending on the pathology, conservative or surgical treatment is prescribed. Is it possible to talk about traditional methods of treatment when sometimes the pain between the ribs does not tolerate delay in seeing a doctor?

To alleviate the condition, you can take no-shpa, a nitroglycerin tablet, or put a piece of sugar under your tongue. No-spa with baralgin or promedol with atropine solution are injected intramuscularly.

For of this disease The following treatment methods are provided:

1.medication treatment,

The area of the abdomen below the ribs is called the hypochondrium. In the left hypochondrium are the spleen, loops of the small intestine, and the splenic angle of the colon. Due to the peculiarities of the passage of nerve fibers in this same area, pain may be felt in diseases of the stomach, pancreas and heart. Therefore, pain in the left hypochondrium can have a variety of causes.

Pain in the left hypochondrium

As already mentioned, pain in the left hypochondrium can be caused not only by the pathology of the organs located there, but also by neighboring ones.

Causes of pain in the left hypochondrium:

Diseases of the spleen;
Diseases of the small and large intestine;
Stomach diseases;
Diseases of the pancreas;
Coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction;
Fractured ribs, ruptured spleen, and other injuries.

Sometimes pain can occur normally - for example, during physical activity. Such conditions are not considered a disease and do not entail any dangerous consequences. But pain can also be caused by a serious illness, including myocardial infarction or tumor processes, as well as injuries that can be dangerous to the health and life of the patient.

Read about it here.

Nature of pain

The nature of the pain can say a lot about its possible reason. It cannot be considered an absolute diagnostic sign, and it only helps to tentatively determine how dangerous the condition that has developed in the patient is.

Stitching pain in the left hypochondrium during exercise

These are the pains that occur during physical activity, and are usually characterized as “a tingle in the side.” They often occur if the patient has been engaged in physical exercise for a short time after eating. These pains are normal and occur due to the fact that the spleen contains a blood depot that has to quickly adapt to the load.

Such pain is a signal that the body is not sufficiently prepared for training.. To avoid stabbing pain during sports, it is necessary to carry out training at least an hour after eating and always start with a warm-up (at least 20 minutes).

To relieve a painful attack, you need to press your hands on the left hypochondrium and make several downward bends. You need to breathe deeply while playing sports, as small movements of the diaphragm increase pain.

Cutting acute pain syndrome

Unlike the previous type of pain, this a sign of life-threatening conditions. Sudden cutting pain can occur due to injury, rupture of the spleen, perforation of intestinal loops, perforation of a stomach or duodenal ulcer, or abdominal myocardial infarction.

This pain is always accompanied by a sharp deterioration general condition patient and other symptoms characteristic of various diseases that cause pain (vomiting when an ulcer perforates, pallor and shortness of breath during a heart attack). If an attack of cutting pain occurs, the patient must immediately stop physical activity and call an ambulance.

The exact cause of pain can only be determined in a hospital, therefore, refusing hospitalization is dangerous to health. Once the cause of the pain is determined, treatment will be prescribed.

Acute pain

This pain differs from the previous one in lower intensity, but nevertheless also indicates dangerous conditions. It occurs due to injury, most often due to a rib fracture.

The danger of this fracture is that it is loose in the soft tissues. A rib fragment can damage surrounding organs- diaphragm, spleen, intestines - than cause more dangerous complications mentioned in the section above.

It can also manifest itself as acute pain traumatic splenic rupture And intra-abdominal bleeding, if it is very intense.

In any case, with such pain it is necessary stop physical activity, lie down or sit in a comfortable position (if you suspect a rib fracture, you can and should lie on the injured side, since this position fixes the bone fragments in one position).

You definitely need to call an ambulance, since an accurate determination of the causes of pain is only possible in a hospital, as in the previous case.

Blunt pain

It occurs with long-term chronic diseases– pancreatitis without exacerbation, chronic colitis, gastritis, abdominal angina. At first glance, it does not seem dangerous, but the disease that caused it gradually progresses and can cause complications.

If dull pain in the left hypochondrium occurs constantly, then need to see a doctor to make a diagnosis. However, these conditions are not considered emergencies because their causes are usually not life-threatening.

It's a dull pain

Unlike a dull pain that periodically comes and goes, aching pain is least intense, but her attack can last for several days or more, without giving time to rest. This type of pain is the most exhausting. It is a sign of sluggish inflammatory processes - chronic duodenitis, colitis, stomach ulcers, pancreatitis.

Often such pain - sign of pre-infarction condition or chronic left-sided pneumonia (most often tuberculosis). These pains are not a sign of life-threatening conditions, but significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life, therefore, as a rule, people with aching pain in the left hypochondrium themselves consult a doctor.

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Pain in the hypochondrium according to the mechanism of occurrence

The mechanisms of pain in the left hypochondrium are different:

This may be pain caused by direct damage to the organs of the left hypochondrium- in this case it is intense, sharp or dagger-like, and has a clear localization.
There may be pain due to irritation of the peritoneum– peritoneal pain, which also has a clear localization and pronounced symptoms. It occurs when a stomach ulcer perforates. Pain resulting from irritation of the abdominal organs is called visceral. It occurs because the abdominal organs have a common innervation, and with diseases of the liver, stomach and intestines, pain in the left hypochondrium may occur.
Referred pain occurs in pathologies not related to the abdominal cavity– pleurisy, pneumonia, angina and heart attack. They also arise due to the peculiarities of the passage of nerve fibers.
Often angina pectoris and myocardial infarction can be disguised as pain in the left hypochondrium and that's why long time remain undiagnosed.
The opposite situation is also possible, when gastritis or a stomach ulcer causes pain in the left side of the chest, making the patient think that he is suffering from some kind of heart disease.

What hurts in the left side below the ribs?

The cause of pain in the left hypochondrium can be diseases not only of the organs located there, but also referred and visceral pain arising from the lesion neighboring organs. So call painful sensations diseases of almost any organ can occur abdominal cavity, heart disease, lungs and pleura, ribs and diaphragm.

Determine what exactly from this extensive list of diseases the patient has only a doctor can possessing the necessary knowledge and diagnostic equipment. Therefore, if you are bothered by pain in the left hypochondrium, regardless of its nature, you should consult a doctor. The only exception is pain that occurs during exertion, which can occur in completely healthy people.

Pain and crunching in the back can lead to dire consequences over time - local or complete limitation of movements, even disability.

People, taught by bitter experience, use natural remedies recommended by orthopedists to cure their backs and joints...

What is on the left side below the ribs?

In the left hypochondrium there are several organs - spleen, jejunal loops, left corner of colon, which due to its location is called splenic. Next to it are located: the tail of the pancreas, greater curvature stomach, transverse and descending colon, left kidney.

From above, the hypochondrium is limited by the diaphragm, to which the pleura and pericardium are adjacent, and from the outside by the lower pairs of ribs (VIII-XII pair, false and free ribs). The abdominal aorta is also adjacent to the organs of the left hypochondrium. Some of these organs are completely covered by the peritoneum (stomach, small intestine), the other - only partially (spleen, colon) or almost not covered (pancreas, kidney, aorta).

How to make a diagnosis?

A doctor must diagnose diseases of the abdominal organs and their cause. The most common and informative methods research – radiography, ultrasound, MRI and CT abdominal organs. Read about it here.

X-rays are prescribed if a rib fracture is suspected. X-rays with contrast may also be used to diagnose stomach ulcers.

This method cannot be used when an ulcer is perforated. and suspicion of it, since it is possible to isolate contrast agent V abdominal cavity.

Ultrasound allows you to see more diseases– splenic rupture, intestinal damage, tumors of the abdominal organs. Ultrasound can also reveal perforation of a stomach ulcer and swelling of the pancreas tissue due to pancreatitis.

MRI shows a more accurate picture of diseases abdominal cavity, moreover, it turns out to be voluminous. This method allows you to identify different stages of inflammation of the spleen, intestines, stomach, and abdominal vessels.

If you suspect colon disease perform a colonoscopy– a method that allows you to assess the condition of the colon mucosa. When tumor processes are detected, a biopsy is performed to distinguish benign tumor from malignant.

In what cases should you consult a doctor?

All diseases that cause pain in the left hypochondrium, dangerous to the life and health of the patient, Therefore, you need to consult a doctor in any case. If the pain is severe and occurs suddenly, then you need to consult a specialist immediately; if the pain is nagging or stabbing, you do not need to endure it, but you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

And only stabbing pain during physical activity is not a disease and its attack can be stopped by doing a series of bends. This the only case when pain in the left hypochondrium is a variant of the norm, and not a pathology dangerous to life and health.

Possible diseases

In this case, the pain occurs on the left side and radiates more to the front, the patient feels a supportive unpleasant sensation.

In addition, pain on the left under the ribs can radiate to the front part with a stomach and duodenal ulcer. With an ulcer, the pain is acute and migrates to the right hypochondrium.

In cases of nervous system disorders, paroxysmal pain on the side under the left ribs is accompanied by such unpleasant symptoms as migraine and cramps.

Herpes zoster affects the nerve endings in the intercostal area, so it does not appear immediately. Initially, aching pain on the side in the left hypochondrium turns into an acute one, and only over time do herpetic rashes appear on the skin.

Pain in the back left under the ribs

Pain in the left hypochondrium, which radiates back, occurs with kidney disease (in in this case– left kidney) and vertebral osteochondrosis.

Kidneys can hurt in different ways:

Severe, unbearable pain is a sign of renal colic.
Constant, but not severe, “severe” pain - with inflammation and enlargement of the organ.

Vertebral osteochondrosis can also provoke both mild aching pain after sleep or a long stay in one position, and strong piercing pain that weakens after a person freezes in one position.

Pain under the ribs on the lower left

Almost always pain under the left ribs below (especially under the lower rib) has aching character and is caused by an enlarged spleen.

The spleen is an organ that, when enlarged, responds to all kinds of diseases.

Infectious diseases provoke an enlargement of the spleen - infectious mononucleosis, accompanied by fever, sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes.
Hemoblastic diseases: lymphomas, leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Septic diseases: purulent abscesses, bacterial endocarditis
Chronic diseases with high degree severity: tuberculosis, lupus erythematosus, malaria.

Pain under the lower left rib, which is associated with an enlarged spleen, is a very dangerous symptom, since in difficult cases the inflamed organ can collapse even with the slightest movement.

Symptoms of pain on the left under the ribs

In order to understand what disease pain on the left under the ribs may portend, it is not enough to determine its location. An important point in making a diagnosis is the nature of the pain. The pain may be:

Harsh.
Dull aching.
Spicy.
Stabbing.

Depending on the nature of the pain and the accompanying symptoms, it is possible to determine which organ needs a thorough medical examination and subsequent treatment.

Dull aching pain on the left under the ribs

If you feel aching pain on the left under the ribs, which is also located in the middle of the abdomen, this indicates gastritis or a gastric ulcer. Associated symptoms of these diseases are:

Vomiting, bringing relief.
Decreased appetite.
Diarrhea.
Sour and bitter eructations.

Often gastritis with decreased secretion gastric juice provoke the occurrence of such a terrible disease as cancer.

Dull aching pain in the left hypochondrium is also a sign of stomach cancer. But it should be remembered that the pain can also become severe. Stomach cancer is characterized by:

Unreasonable weight loss.
Anemia or signs of intoxication (jaundice of the face and eye whites).
Increasing weakness and impairment of human performance.
Depression.
A strong desire to change your diet, for example, an aversion to meat.

A dull aching pain at the bottom of the left rib indicates an enlarged spleen - splenomegaly.

Often, aching pain on the left side plagues people suffering from diseases of the pancreas. It is in the left hypochondrium that the “tail” of the organ is located, so the attack begins there. Afterwards the pain becomes irritating. Associated syndromes of pancreatic diseases:

Fever.
Vomit.
Nausea.

Sharp pain on the left under the ribs

Sharp pain in the left hypochondrium is characteristic of gastric and duodenal ulcers. They can radiate to the lower back and back. The sharp pain is so excruciating that the patient is forced to squat, clasping or pressing his stomach against a hard object. In addition, ulcer sufferers suffer from:

"Hungry" pains.
Heartburn.
Vomiting.
Constipation.
Weakness, increased irritability and headaches.

Sharp pain may increase under the ribs on the left after physical exertion or nervous strain.

Stitching pain under the ribs on the left

Stitching pain in the left hypochondrium, which intensifies when coughing or inhaling - serious symptom lung diseases (left-sided pneumonia, inflammation of the left lung, tuberculosis, lung cancer) or the left side of the diaphragm.

Associated symptoms for lung diseases are:

Fever.
Fever (for pneumonia and subphrenic abscess).
Constipation.
Shortness of breath.
Pale blue color of the nasolabial triangle (for pneumonia).
General intoxication of the body (if the diaphragm is damaged).

Any discomfort in the left hypochondrium is an indicator of many pathologies. Due to the fact that this area of the peritoneum is occupied by several organs, dysfunction of any of them can be a potential source of pain. It hurts on the left under the ribs in front: what is it, and what consequences this process can have on the body, read on.

Depending on the description of the pain process and previous events, it seems possible to find out the cause of its occurrence. However, self-diagnosis of the body can pose a health hazard. Only a qualified specialist, after carrying out a series of diagnostic measures, is able to detect the disease.

Table 1. Pain sensations

Features of pain	Description
Stabbing	Occurs with excessive physical exertion. Long runs or jumping, for example, can trigger a short-term attack, especially if the exercise is done immediately after a large meal.
cutting	If the attack was not preceded by vigorous activity, the following diseases are suspected: myocardial infarction; splenic rupture; acute form of pancreatitis.
Acute	After serious injuries to the abdominal area, discomfort sometimes appears during active inhalation. This indicates injury to internal organs.
Dumb	If an attack lasts more than 1 day, there is a high probability of having chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Enlarged spleen caused by autoimmune pathologies And bacterial infections, also occurs with muted pain.
Aching	Mild pain can be an alarming sign of colitis or duodenitis. In combination with attacks of nausea or vomiting, it is sometimes diagnosed as a stomach ulcer. Often such symptoms indicate the development of coronary heart disease.

Summarizing the above factors, painful sensations can be provoked by the following ailments:

heart attack;
pleurisy;
splenic rupture;
tumors of the gastrointestinal tract;
dysfunction of the heart muscle;
duodenitis;
intercostal neuralgia;
splenomegaly;
diaphragmatic hernia.

In general, any diseases of the “representatives” of the digestive system, localized in the left part of the peritoneum, can provoke a painful attack.

A good diagnostic source is a detailed description of the pain pattern, starting from the moment of its onset:

Reflected. It appears as an echo of painful sensations coming from organs adjacent to this area, such as during pneumonia.
Visceral. Accompanies intestinal spasms and disruptions in motor functions stomach. With increased gas formation, it can spread from the left to the right hypochondrium.
Peritoneal. The source of occurrence is easily determined. The pain is caused by irritation of the abdominal area. Observed during exacerbation of stomach ulcers.

Note. If pain slowly moves from the left side of the abdomen to the navel, doctors diagnose diseases of the duodenum.

Why does it hurt on the left side under the ribs in front?

Centuries-old medical practice succeeded in defining internal pathologies. Women experience pain on the left side during exacerbation of endometriosis. The affected tissues, when swollen, provoke the occurrence of prolonged nagging pain that fills the peritoneum.

Cracks and fractures of the ribs also lead to severe pain in the left hypochondrium. Numerous fractures pose a danger to organs located adjacent to the sternum and cause severe damage to the body.

Among the many diseases localized in this zone, the most typical and common ones can be identified.

Pathologies of the diaphragm

The opening in the thoraco-abdominal barrier, intended for the esophagus, serves as the border zone between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. If the muscle frame weakens, the lumen becomes larger, which is fraught with movement upper section stomach from the peritoneum to the sternum. At the same time, the “filling” of the stomach begins to be released into the esophagus.

Factors that enhance the formation of a hernia:

bearing a fetus;
decreased muscle tone;
excess weight;
excessive loads.

Often this condition leads to pinching of the stomach, accompanied by acute, cutting pain.

Intercostal neuralgia

Many neurological pathologies can lead to irritation of the nerves located between the ribs. Painful sensations are characterized by a wide range of manifestations - from weak and aching to cutting. When coughing, sharp sighs or changing body position, the pain intensifies.

The attacks are severe: a stabbing pain arises in the sternum, radiating to the left side, the muscles spasm and sweating increases. When you press on the spine area, severe pain occurs.

During neuralgia, pain covers the entire lumbar region and the area under the shoulder blades. The pain lasts for a long period of time and often leads to numbness in certain areas of the body.

Heart pathologies

Despite the fact that the left part of the peritoneum is attached to the organs of the digestive system, diseases of the internal motor are also expressed through discomfort in this area.

For example, the following symptoms are typical for coronary heart disease:

aching, weak pain;
constant shortness of breath;
cardiopalmus;
nausea;
burning sensation in the chest area.

Ischemia is caused by pathologies of the arteries, leading to a deterioration in the blood supply to the heart.

Also, similar symptoms are observed with cardiomyopathy, characterized by dysfunction of the heart muscle. It is accompanied by severe asthenia and acute pain during any active actions.

The gastralgic form of myocardial infarction in 3% of situations manifests itself through pain in the left side of the abdomen. Patients report discomfort, bursting sensations in the sternum, increased sweating, diarrhea and nausea leading to vomiting. Such symptoms often mislead specialists when making a diagnosis, since they are similar to the manifestations of digestive disorders. Difficulty breathing, blue lips and swelling of the face indicate the presence of heart problems.

Spleen diseases

The spleen is a fragile, easily injured organ. Any negative changes in its functioning are accompanied by painful sensations. In patients suffering from excess weight, pathological processes manifest themselves less noticeably, because it is deeply “hidden” in the left hypochondrium area.

Enlargement of the spleen occurs when infectious pathologies. In addition to pronounced painful sensations, the pathology is characterized by the following symptoms:

high body temperature;
angina;
migraine;
intoxication;
muscle pain;
enlarged lymph nodes and liver.

With splenic hypertrophy occurring against the background immune diseases, the injured organ causes pain. It is especially acute when severe injuries leading to rupture of the spleen. In addition to discomfort, evidence of cracks is the bluish discoloration of the skin in the central part of the peritoneum due to the accumulation of a large amount of blood contained in the organ.

Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract

Considering the specificity of the left part of the peritoneum, the most characteristic ailments manifested through pain in the left hypochondrium are considered to be diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Table 2. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Disease	Description and additional symptoms
Gastritis	A very common pathology. The mucous membrane of the gastric walls is hypersensitive to any microirritants found in food. Typical for the disease the following manifestations: belching; heartburn; nausea; irritability; vomit; heaviness in the abdominal cavity; feeling of fullness in the stomach; paleness of the skin; lethargy; dryness in oral cavity; burning in the central part of the abdominal cavity.
Stomach ulcer	Manifestations of pathology are similar to gastritis. Pain appears after eating. Symptoms: sour belching; weakness; nausea; pallor; vomit; heartburn; loss of appetite; weight loss. The acute form of the disease is characterized by sharp, piercing pain, leading to loss of consciousness.
Colitis of the upper intestinal loops	Typical symptoms: discomfort in the central part of the peritoneum; increased gas formation; regular diarrhea; unpleasant smell of stool; rumbling.
Oncology of the gastrointestinal tract	In the early stages of development, the tumor is difficult to diagnose without the use of special equipment. Symptoms: depressed state; loss of appetite or, conversely, rapid satiety; non-acceptance of certain products; regular bowel disorders; anemia.

Pathologies of the pancreas

Despite the fact that the organ is partially located in the left hypochondrium, pancreatic diseases often manifest themselves through severe pain in this area.

One of the most characteristic diseases of the gland is pancreatitis, for which the following symptoms are typical:

acute, prolonged pain;
nausea;
fever;
regular vomiting of bile;
a feeling of bitterness in the mouth;
darkening of urine;
lightening of stool.

The pain can be so piercing that the patient is unable to straighten up. The only acceptable body position during an attack is sitting with your head pressed to your knees. In the chronic form of the disease, patients report aching pain that appears after eating fatty foods.

You can find more detailed information about what pancreatitis is and why it is dangerous.

Note. Due to the fact that this organ is difficult to access, oncological pathologies of the pancreas are difficult to diagnose. On initial stages Cancer symptoms are practically not manifested.

Treatment methods

Diagnostics involves the use of a wide variety of instrumental and laboratory tests:

X-ray;
blood and urine tests;
Ultrasound of internal organs;

Depending on the complaints and examination results, the patient is prescribed a consultation with a specialist doctor - a gastroenterologist, cardiologist, surgeon, traumatologist and endocrinologist.

To relieve painful sensations and eliminate the disease that provoked them, specialists use the following methods.

Table 3. Methods for relieving and eliminating painful sensations

Method	Description
Manual therapy	Reduces inflammatory processes and accelerates tissue regeneration.
Reflexology	Includes many techniques - heat therapy, acupuncture and acupuncture. Effectively relieves pain and relaxes.
Physiotherapy	It is used as an additional method to the main therapy. Increases blood circulation, successfully fights swelling and inflammatory processes, eliminates disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Massotherapy	Removes muscle spasms and stimulates the circulatory system in problem areas.

If severe discomfort occurs in the area of the left hypochondrium, and pain appears at regular intervals, you should immediately consult a doctor. Self-diagnosis and treatment not agreed upon with a specialist can lead to negative consequences for the body. Timely initiation of therapy will help prevent diseases from becoming chronic and maintain health.

Video - Pain and heaviness in the left hypochondrium

Pain in the left hypochondrium can be a symptom of a number of diseases and pathological conditions. In a person, on the left under the ribs there is the spleen, pancreas, part of the stomach, the left part of the diaphragm, the upper pole of the left kidney and intestinal loops, so for the correct diagnosis of the disease it is important to know the nature of the pain and its localization, the dependence of pain on food intake and other factors.

What can hurt in the left hypochondrium?

Pain in the left side under the ribs can be caused by organs, nerve endings and organs located in the neighborhood located in this area. The source of pain can be:

pancreas (the left part of this organ is located in the left hypochondrium);
stomach (the bottom of this hollow organ is adjacent to the ribs);
colon (in the left part of the abdomen in the subcostal region there is a loop of transition from this part of the intestine to the descending part of the large intestine);
spleen;
left side of the diaphragm;
left lung and pleura;
heart and mediastinum (reflection of pain from organs chest);
left kidney and ureters (the upper pole of this organ is located in the area under the ribs);
left appendages of the uterus in women (pain of a radiating nature);
ribs, muscles and nerves located in the left hypochondrium.

Pain in the left hypochondrium can occur both in the upper part (closer to the ribs) of this area and in its lower part. It is difficult even for a doctor to determine the disease in each specific case by this nonspecific symptom, so it is important to know the nature of the pain and the degree of its intensity.

Types of pain in the left hypochondrium

Painful sensations, according to their characteristics and mechanism of occurrence, are divided into:

Visceral. This type of pain can be cramping or aching, occurs with spasms of the stomach or intestines, and manifests itself when the motility of these organs is impaired or they are stretched muscle fibers. May transmit to nearby organs.
Peritoneal. They have a clear localization, are distinguished by constancy and intensity, arise suddenly and last for a fairly long period of time, and subside gradually. This type of pain is caused by irritation of the peritoneum. Develops with structural changes in organs (perforation of a stomach ulcer, etc.) and accompanies pathological condition, which is called “acute abdomen” (peritonitis, acute pancreatitis).
Reflected. They develop due to the irradiation of pain that arose as a result of the pathology of an organ distant from the location of the pain. Pain may radiate to the left hypochondrium in the presence of pulmonary diseases (left-sided pneumonia, pleurisy).

According to the nature of the pain, pain in the left side under the ribs can be:

Sharp, cutting. It occurs suddenly, is intense, is associated with life-threatening situations, and therefore requires calling an ambulance (it is a symptom of splenic rupture, perforation of the stomach or intestinal wall, rupture of the renal pelvis). Acute pain in the left hypochondrium when inhaling is a sign traumatic injury internal organs as a result of an accident or fall.
Dull, spilled. Dull pain in the left hypochondrium that has been present for a long period indicates the presence of a chronic disease (pancreatitis, gastritis, etc.).
Aching. Constant aching pain on the left under the ribs is a sign of a sluggish inflammatory process (colitis or duodenitis). Exhausting aching pain in this area in the presence of vomiting indicates a stomach ulcer. Frequently occurring pain in the left hypochondrium can be caused by angina pectoris, ischemic disease heart and pre-infarction condition.
Stabbing. It can occur during intense physical activity, passes quickly and is observed even in absolutely healthy people. Stitching pain on the left under the rib, which intensifies when coughing and deep breath or accompanied by nausea and vomiting, is a sign inflammatory diseases. This type of pain can occur with diseases of the spleen, intestines, heart and vegetative-vascular dystonia.

In order to speed up the process of identifying the cause of pain, it is important to take into account indirect manifestations of pain. When describing pain in the left hypochondrium, you need to indicate:

when did the pain begin?
how the process developed;
what is the nature of the pain under the rib;
duration of pain;
pain intensity;
reasons for strengthening and relief;
where does the pain go (irradiation).

Helps to establish the cause of pain and its location (pain can occur under the last left rib in the front, back and side).

Pain in the left hypochondrium anteriorly

Pain under the left rib in the front occurs when:

. In chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, pain during palpation intensifies. An acute inflammatory process is characterized by sharp, severe pain.
Diseases of the spleen. The pain can be sharp or dull and pressing, depending on the nature of the disease.
Heart diseases. The pain is burning or stabbing in nature.
Lesions of the diaphragm, pleura and lung. The pain is sharp, rapidly growing, aggravated by deep breathing, coughing and turning.
Diseases of the gallbladder with its atypical localization (the pain is aching in nature).
Spinal diseases and musculoskeletal system.

Diseases of the digestive system

The causes of pain in the left hypochondrium in front can be:

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, which in the acute form of the disease is accompanied by intense pain, nausea, loss of appetite, weakness, fever, chills and vomiting with bile (vomiting can be indomitable and does not bring relief). The feces acquire a mushy consistency and there are particles of undigested food. If inflammation affects the head of the pancreas, obstructive jaundice may develop. The chronic form of the disease is characterized by dull, aching pain in the left hypochondrium, which intensifies with dietary errors. May be shingles in nature. There is bitterness in the mouth, heaviness in the upper abdomen, nausea, and possible vomiting. With pancreatitis, pain can radiate to the lower back, be constant or paroxysmal.
Pancreatic tumors. The appearance of neoplasms in this organ on late stages The disease is accompanied by prolonged and intense pain in the left hypochondrium and in the center of the abdomen. The pain intensifies if the patient lies on his back, so he is forced to take a semi-bent position.
Acute duodenitis (inflammation of the duodenum), which is accompanied by bursting, paroxysmal pain in the stomach area, radiating to the area of the lower left rib (may radiate to the right hypochondrium or be girdling), nausea, rumbling and bloating, bitter belching or vomiting with bile , intestinal disorders and general weakness.
Duodenal ulcer, in which severe pain occurs in the left side of the epigastrium several hours after eating, radiating to the left hypochondrium. Pain occurs when you feel hungry, as well as at night. Heartburn, sour belching, vomiting and constipation are observed. When pressing, there is pain in right side epigastrium.
Peptic ulcer, in which pain in the upper abdomen and in the left hypochondrium can be of a different nature (dull, aching, sharp, burning). It occurs when you feel hungry and at night, and lasts for a long period of time. May occur immediately after eating or long after eating. Accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and noticeable weight loss.
Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining). Dull, aching pain in the left side under the rib that occurs after eating is characteristic of gastritis with low acidity. Accompanied by a tendency to diarrhea and decreased appetite. Vomiting relieves the patient's condition. With normal and high acidity, heartburn is present, pain occurs several hours after eating, and is felt under the ribs closer to the center.
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the upper intestinal loops (colitis), which is accompanied by a dull, aching pain that intensifies when walking. Pain under the rib and in the navel area is accompanied by increased gas formation, stomach rumbling, and diarrhea is often present.

Intense, sudden, dagger-like pain is a symptom of a perforation of a stomach ulcer. This life-threatening the condition is accompanied by general weakness, sudden pallor, and possible loss of consciousness. A patient with these symptoms requires emergency hospitalization.

If there is constant pain in the left side under the ribs, and the pain is in no way related to eating, it is necessary to exclude tumor diseases of the digestive organs.

Spleen diseases

If the left side hurts under the ribs in front, the cause may be diseases of the spleen:

Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), which is observed in infectious, autoimmune and myeloproliferative diseases, hematological disorders and metabolic disorders (infectious mononucleosis most often causes this pathology). Accompanied by pallor of the skin, decreased appetite and performance. With the inflammatory nature of the disease, the body temperature rises to febrile levels, severe weakness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are observed. The pain in the left hypochondrium is sharp and cutting in nature. Non-inflammatory pathology is characterized by normal or subfebrile body temperature, intoxication is mild or absent, moderate pain is characterized by a dull pressing or aching character.
Spleen abscess, which develops as a result of infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases of other organs, injuries and bruises. Accompanied high temperature body, fever and enlarged spleen. The pain intensifies with deep inspiration and can be felt in the shoulder and left side of the chest.

Heart diseases

Pain in the left side under the rib in front occurs when:

Cardiomyopathies. This is a group of diseases characterized by structural and functional changes in the heart muscle in the absence of arterial hypertension, pathology of the coronary arteries and lesions of the valve apparatus. It may occur for an unknown reason (idiopathic or primary) or develop as a result of various diseases (secondary cardiomyopathy). The disease is accompanied increased fatigue and increased heart rate. The nature of the pain is aching, stabbing or pressing.
Coronary heart disease. The disease is caused by a disruption of the blood supply to the heart muscle as a result of damage to the coronary arteries. It manifests itself as aching, pressing or burning pain of varying degrees of intensity. Painful attacks last from 30 seconds to 15 minutes, are provoked by emotional factors or physical stress, go away on their own at rest, and are quickly relieved by taking nitroglycerin. Accompanied by shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, there may be a feeling of burning and heaviness in the chest, and possible nausea. The pain may radiate to the scapula and left arm.
Myocardial infarction (a gastrological form that occurs in 2-3% of cases), in which necrotic processes affect the lower or infero-posterior part of the left ventricle of the heart. This life-threatening condition is accompanied by acute pain in the left hypochondrium, rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing. The feeling of heaviness under the heart spreads under left rib and shoulder blade, in the neck and in the left arm. There may be a burning sensation in the chest area, profuse sweating, nausea, vomiting, severe hiccups and diarrhea. There is a puffiness of the face, a pale bluish tint to the skin and lips. If these symptoms appear, immediate emergency care is required.

Respiratory diseases

Pain in the left side under the ribs in front occurs when it irradiates from the retrosternal space with:

Lower lobe left-sided pneumonia. The pain is dull, mild, aching, intensifies when coughing and can become stabbing in nature. Accompanied by a dry cough, a slight increase in temperature, severe weakness, excessive sweating, shortness of breath, rapid breathing and symptoms that resemble ARVI ( headache etc.).
Left-sided pleurisy (inflammation of the membrane that covers the lungs). May be primary (the inflammatory process develops directly in pleural cavity) and secondary ( infectious process spreads from the lungs). When fibrin protein falls out on the surface of the pleura, a dry form of this disease develops, and when any of it accumulates in the pleural cavity biological fluid(serous, purulent or hemorrhagic exudate) an exudative form of pleurisy develops. With dry pleurisy, there is increased sweating, rapid shallow breathing, increased temperature, pain in the left hypochondrium with persistent coughing, turning the body and bending over. Patients try to lie on their side, trying to reduce the pain that occurs when coughing. The exudative form is accompanied by aching pain, a feeling of heaviness and compression in the chest, pallor of the skin and limbs, and a forced position of the body. Cervical veins swell, the affected half of the chest lags behind during respiratory movements, the intercostal spaces protrude. Relief comes from the intervention of a specialist who pumps out the collected fluid.
Cancer of the left lung with metastases affecting the pleural cavity and adjacent organs. Accompanied by impaired appetite and digestion, sudden weight loss, decreased immunity and lack of oxygen.

Pathologies of the diaphragm

It hurts under the left rib and with pathologies of the muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities (diaphragm). Pain can be caused by:

Diaphragmatic hernia. This defect (hernial opening) can be congenital, traumatic or neuropathic. Through the hernial opening in chest cavity the cardiac part of the stomach or its bottom, and sometimes intestinal loops, penetrates. Small hernias are asymptomatic, but if large hernial sacs form, the patient experiences bloating, heartburn, sour belching, persistent cough, burning sensation in the chest and rapid heartbeat after eating. The pain is dull, aching, constant, and may be accompanied by nausea. If the stomach or intestines are pinched, the left hypochondrium hurts intensely, vomiting, stool retention occurs, and the general condition worsens. If a diaphragmatic hernia is strangulated, urgent medical attention is required, as this condition is life-threatening due to the risk of developing peritonitis.
Relaxation of the diaphragm. With this pathology, the diaphragm becomes thinner and moves into the chest cavity along with the adjacent peritoneal organs. It can be congenital or acquired (develops as a result of damage to the phrenic nerve), total or limited. On the affected side, the lung is compressed, and volvulus of the stomach or splenic flexure of the colon is possible. With left-sided relaxation of the diaphragm, the symptoms coincide with diaphragmatic hernia, the right-sided one is asymptomatic.

Neurological diseases

Defeats peripheral nerves may cause severe pain in acute stage diseases and aching - with chronic course diseases.

Pain under the left rib in front with intercostal neuralgia, which occurs when the nerves passing between the ribs are damaged or compressed.

Intercostal neuralgia can be:

radicular (occurs when nerve roots are pinched in the spine);
reflex (occurs when muscles spasm in the intercostal space);
one-sided;
bilateral.

It is not life-threatening, but the pain is intense, stabbing or burning. Pain increases with inhalation, physical activity, coughing or sneezing, and can radiate to the arm, epigastric region, collarbone, lower back or under the shoulder blade.

A distinctive feature of intercostal neuralgia is the presence pain points responsive to palpation of the intercostal spaces. The disease is accompanied increased sweating, loss of sensation at the site of nerve damage, muscle twitching, swelling and change in skin color in the affected area.

Stitches in the left side under the ribs due to irritation of the nerve passing in the area of the last rib (the pain resembles hepatic colic). The cause of intercostal neuralgia can be injury, uncomfortable position of the body or its sharp turn, osteochondrosis, hypothermia, etc.

Pain on the left under the ribs in front can occur during vegetative crises - paroxysmal states of a non-epileptic nature, which manifest themselves as polymorphic autonomic disorders. These conditions are not associated with heart pathologies, but are symptomatically manifested by increased heart rate, arrhythmia, increased sweating, anxiety and panic, trembling of the limbs, a feeling of pressure in the chest, as well as pain in the stomach and under the left rib. The pain can be dull, sharp, stabbing, aching, or encircling, but usually the patient is not able to determine its exact location. Subjective symptoms in this disease do not correspond to objective studies (severe organic pathology is not detected).

A rare cause of pain in the left hypochondrium is abdominal migraine, in which painful spasms in the area of the left rib and abdomen are accompanied by paleness of the skin, nausea, vomiting and muscle cramps of the abdominal wall are possible.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and spine

The cause of pain on the left side under the ribs may be:

Osteochondrosis thoracic spine. This degenerative-dystrophic disease develops with incorrect posture, deterioration of metabolic processes in tissues and improper distribution of load on spinal column. Changes in intervertebral discs thoracic vertebrae cause compression of nerve fibers, which leads to pain. The pain can be mild and long-lasting or sharp and sharp, causing embarrassment breathing and limitation of muscle mobility. Pain can be felt in the interscapular region, in the left half of the chest, in the area of internal organs and along the intercostal nerves. Osteochondrosis is accompanied by numbness in the affected area and decreased mobility in the thoracic region.
Fibromyalgia, which is diffuse, predominantly symmetrical musculoskeletal pain of a chronic nature. Can affect any part of the body. The affected area has increased sensitivity, the body feels stiff after waking up, swelling and increased fatigue are observed, temperature surges, convulsions and spasms are possible.
Tietze syndrome. This rare pathology is characterized by the development of aseptic inflammation of the costal cartilages (left or right, several cartilages may be affected at the same time). It manifests itself as local pain, which intensifies when you press on the affected area and take a deep breath. The pain increases over time, the pain radiates to the forearm and shoulder on the affected side, and in most cases is permanent. There are periods of exacerbation and remission.
Rib injuries. When one or more ribs are fractured on the left side, there is sharp pain, aggravated by breathing movements, pale skin, difficulty breathing, hemoptysis (in case of rib fractures, internal organs in the sternum area are affected), shortness of breath, weakness, fever and cyanosis of the skin in the affected area. A crack in the rib is accompanied by excruciating pain in the affected area, which intensifies when inhaling and coughing, there is anxiety, shortness of breath, a feeling of suffocation and fatigue, swelling and blue discoloration of the tissues in the area of injury are observed. A rib bruise is accompanied by swelling of the soft tissues in this area and pain, which intensifies with coughing, inhaling and movement.

Pain in the left hypochondrium behind

Pain under the left rib behind occurs when:

Kidney diseases. The pain is pronounced and has a paroxysmal character.
Retroperitoneal hematoma, which develops with abdominal injuries. The intensity of pain varies, the pain intensifies with movements of the hip joint.
Diseases of the spleen. It can be acute when the integrity of this organ is violated and painful when its tissues become inflamed or die.
Diseases of the respiratory system.
Heart diseases.
Acute pancreatitis.
Thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis.

Kidney diseases

If it hurts on the left under the rib and behind, and the pain is paroxysmal in nature, you can suspect renal colic.

At renal colic pain:

occurs suddenly;
very intense, acute, paroxysmal;
does not subside at rest (the patient cannot find a position in which it will be easier for him);
radiates to the lower back, spreads along the ureter, can radiate to groin area, in the area of the external genitalia and on inner surface hips;
accompanied in many cases by pain in the urethra and frequent urination;
lasts from several minutes to several days.

After the attack has stopped, a dull pain remains in the lower back, but the patient is able to return to a normal lifestyle.

Retroperitoneal hematoma

If there is pain on the left under the ribs in the back, and the patient has recently had serious injury, there may be a retroperitoneal hematoma (limited accumulation of blood). This hematoma can form when organs are damaged genitourinary system, esophagus, pancreas, rectum.

The pain syndrome causes compression of the surrounding tissues by the hematoma (the more blood is shed, the more intensely the tissues are compressed and the more intense the pain is). Signs may be present acute blood loss(decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, pallor, weakness, thirst, dizziness and fainting).

Since this condition threatens the patient’s life, urgent hospitalization and additional examinations are necessary, and, if necessary, emergency surgery.

Spleen diseases

Pain under the left rib from the back can occur with:

Traumatic damage to the spleen and disruption of the integrity of the tissue of this organ. Sharp pain is felt in the lower part of the peritoneum (on the left) and in the area of the scapula, accompanied by pale skin, decreased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and unquenchable thirst. Cold sticky sweat appears.
Splenic infarction. Nagging pain radiates to the lumbar region of the back and intensifies with inhalation, sweating increases, blood pressure decreases, pallor, nausea, vomiting, and thirst appear.
Splenic cyst. When a relatively large cavity is formed in the parenchyma of the spleen, which is delimited by a capsule and filled with fluid, a dull, constant pain, which radiates to the scapula and left arm (a small cyst is asymptomatic). There is itching of the skin (hives may appear), belching, nausea and vomiting may occur, and the general condition worsens. The cyst can be congenital or form after a heart attack or abscess of the spleen. Also, a cyst occurs when there is a lesion pork tapeworm, echinococcus, due to operations on the spleen and its traumatic injury.

Dull pain in the back and left under the ribs occurs when:

inflammatory processes in the body, since the spleen as an organ immune system participates in the fight against various diseases;
formation in the spleen of benign and malignant tumors(accompanied by decreased activity, loss of appetite and increased temperature).

Respiratory system diseases

Back pain under the left rib can cause:

Dry left-sided pleurisy. Pain is felt when breathing or coughing and can affect the chest area, neck or radiate to the shoulder. It intensifies when trying to make any movement, is intense, and has a stabbing or cutting character.
Oncological process in the left lung. Excruciating and persistent pain that does not respond to pain relief occurs when a tumor grows into the pleural tissue (tumors that do not affect the pleura do not cause pain, regardless of their size). The disease is accompanied by shortness of breath, followed by a cough that can last several hours, and an increase in body temperature.
Pneumothorax is an accumulation of gas in the pleural cavity that occurs when lung damage and causes its tissue to collapse. Pneumothorax leads to a displacement to the healthy side of the mediastinum, compression of its vessels, drooping of the dome of the diaphragm and circulatory disorders and respiratory functions. It can occur spontaneously (after strong physical exertion, etc.) or as a result of injury. The pain on the affected side is piercing, radiates to the arm, neck and behind the sternum, intensifies when coughing, inhaling and with any movement. The severity of the resulting shortness of breath depends on the degree of collapse of the lung. There is pallor of the skin, a dry cough is possible, and there may be a fear of death.

Heart diseases

Pain in the left side of the back under the ribs can be:

Atypical manifestations of myocardial infarction (ischemic necrosis of part of the left ventricular muscle, which is caused by blockage coronary artery). Persistent, wave-like sharp pain can last from 15-20 minutes to several hours. The pain radiates to the left arm (a tingling sensation occurs), neck, shoulder girdle, jaw, and is localized in the interscapular space mainly on the left.
A consequence of dry pericarditis, which is inflammation of the pericardial sac (pericardium). May be infectious, rheumatic or post-infarction, manifests itself as dull pressing pain in the region of the heart, extending to the left shoulder blade, shoulders and neck. Pain in most cases is moderate, but severe pain, reminiscent of an angina attack, is also possible. The pain with dry pericarditis gradually increases, lasts from several hours to several days, is not relieved by nitroglycerin, and intensifies with deep breathing, coughing, swallowing, changing body position. There is shortness of breath, palpitations, weakness, chills, dry cough.

Attack of pancreatitis

Pain in the left side of the back in the hypochondrium can be caused by an acute form of pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas, which does not have a clear clinical picture and may be accompanied by various symptoms.

The severity of pain in the pancreas affects the severity of pain and the location of pain.

Constant, intense pain in the left side of the back occurs when:

damage to the tail of the pancreas (the lumbar region and chest are affected);
general damage to the organ, necrosis of its tissues or the development of edema (the pain is severe, has a girdling nature and affects the abdominal cavity and back).

In acute pancreatitis, the following are possible:

nausea and vomiting that does not bring relief;
bloating;
intoxication causing dehydration;
hemorrhagic spots of a bluish or yellowish tint on the left side wall of the abdomen;
spots in the navel area.

With exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis, back pain is moderate, reminiscent of pain in diseases of the spine.

Spinal diseases

Pain in the left hypochondrium of the back can be caused by osteochondrosis of the thoracic or lumbar region. With this degenerative disease, as a result of compression and irritation of the nerve roots, discomfort occurs in the ribs, both from the back and in the sternum.

Aching pain increases with movement, physical activity, staying in one position for a long time, with hypothermia. Accompanied by muscle weakness and a feeling of numbness in the upper extremities.

Pain in the left hypochondrium on the side

Pain in the left side under the ribs occurs when:

An increase in the size of the spleen, which occurs with various infectious diseases (infectious mononucleosis, etc.). Unbearable, sharp pain occurs with tuberculosis of the spleen (in this disease, the spleen is so enlarged that it can be felt in the right side of the peritoneum).
Chronic pancreatitis. Pain in this disease of the pancreas does not have a clear localization; it is cramping and of varying degrees of intensity. They usually occur half an hour after eating, as they are associated with the consumption of provoking foods (spicy, fatty, fried).
Shingles, which is associated with damage to nerve endings. The pain at the initial stage of the disease is aching in nature, then the pain becomes acute and rashes appear on the skin in the affected area.
Inflammation of the kidneys (pyelonephritis). It can be acute or chronic, accompanied by aching, dull pain, which becomes intense and paroxysmal when the ureter is blocked by a stone. Observed general weakness, fever, chills, loss of appetite, possible nausea and vomiting.
Inflammation of the ureters (urethritis). It occurs in acute and chronic form, can be infectious and non-infectious, gonorrheal and non-gonorrheal. Accompanied painful urination and discharge from the urethra.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the colon mucosa, which is manifested by cramping moderate pain in the left side of the abdomen, frequent diarrhea, false urge to defecate, fever, loss of appetite and weight, weakness and pain in the joints (not all symptoms may be present).
Obstruction of the large intestine, which develops for mechanical or functional reasons. It manifests itself as spastic sharp pain in the abdomen, which is first localized in the left side and then spreads to the entire abdominal area. Accompanied by vomiting, nausea, bloating, constipation and gas retention.
Inflammations of the genitourinary system, which cause sexually transmitted infections.

Pain on the left side under the ribs can occur with injuries to this area, as well as with inflammation of the ovary in women.

Pain in the left hypochondrium in women

Pain in the left hypochondrium on the side, closer to the lower abdomen, in women can be caused by:

Adnexitis (salpingoophoritis) is an inflammation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, which is caused by various types of bacteria that enter these organs through the bloodstream or sexually. The disease is characterized by sharp, spasmodic or dull and aching pain in the lower abdomen, which spreads to the lumbar region. There is a rise in temperature, chills, failure menstrual cycle, heavy discharge, pain when urinating and during sexual intercourse.
Torsion and rupture of the left ovarian cyst. With torsion, severe pain is localized in the lower abdomen, is aching or drawing in nature, is accompanied by an increase in temperature, a drop in blood pressure, a disturbance in the general condition of the body, and vomiting is possible. When a cyst ruptures, the pain becomes intense, radiates throughout the abdomen and rectum, nausea and vomiting occur. These conditions require emergency medical attention.
Ectopic pregnancy, which may result in rupture fallopian tube during the period from 6 to 10 weeks of pregnancy ( early stage ectopic pregnancy no different from normal pregnancy By clinical signs). At 5-8 weeks, aching, cutting or cramping pain may appear on the affected side, which becomes almost unbearable if the fallopian tube ruptures. When blood enters the abdominal cavity, pain spreads to the epigastric region, shoulders and anus, urination and bowel movements are painful. With large blood loss, pallor appears, decreased blood pressure, weak rapid pulse and loss of consciousness. This condition requires urgent hospitalization.
Allen-Masters syndrome is a condition that causes rupture uterine ligaments(can occur after a complicated birth or after an abortion). Manifested by periodic stabbing or cramping pain on the left side, which sometimes extends to the anus, is accompanied by increased fatigue, painful periods and an increase in the size of the uterus.
Endometriosis is a disease characterized by the proliferation of cells in the inner layer of the uterine wall (endometrium) outside the endometrial layer. Manifested by menstrual irregularities, stabbing pains in the affected area, pain during sexual intercourse, heavy discharge during menstruation, infertility.

Pain in the left hypochondrium in a child

Pain in a child under the left rib can be caused by:

Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining). The acute form in children is accompanied by severe pain in the epigastric region, belching, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, salivation and dry mouth. In the chronic course of the disease, the pain is moderate, loss of appetite, intoxication and indigestion are observed.
Appendicitis (in most people the appendix is located on the right, but sometimes the pain radiates to the left side of the abdomen, an abnormal location of the organ is also possible).
Coprostasis (accumulation of feces in the intestines), which occurs with constipation of various etiologies(organic, functional, nutritional, endocrine, conditioned reflex and medicinal). There is abdominal pain (the child cannot pinpoint its location), bloating, pain during bowel movements, and a feeling of incomplete bowel movement. May cause intestinal obstruction.
Intestinal volvulus is a violation of intestinal patency due to constipation, trauma, strangulation, adhesive process, hernia hiatus, which often occurs in young children. With this pathology, periods of rest in the child alternate with attacks of sudden pain. During an attack, the baby cries and presses his legs to his stomach. The body temperature rises, vomiting appears, and mucus or blood may appear in the stool. This condition requires urgent medical attention.
Inguinal hernia strangulation. Inguinal hernia is a pathological but painless protrusion of the hernial sac in the groin, which increases with walking or crying and disappears at rest. The strangulation is accompanied by sharp pain, the hernia cannot be reduced into the abdominal cavity, and the area of the protrusion is tense. With further development of the pathology, it develops intestinal obstruction, which is accompanied by bloating, inability to pass gas and vomiting. The child requires urgent medical attention.

Which doctor should you contact for pain in the left hypochondrium?

Since not only the spleen, but also other organs are located on the left under the ribs, and the pain can be radiating, it is very difficult to independently determine the cause of the pain.

If pain appears in the left hypochondrium area, you must contact a therapist who will listen to the patient’s complaints and conduct initial examination, and then tell you which specialist you need to contact in a particular case.

The therapist may refer the patient to:

if you suspect diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, peptic ulcer, colitis);
a cardiologist if you suspect heart disease (cardiomyopathy, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction);
if you suspect infectious diseases(infectious mononucleosis, etc.);
for diseases of the spleen;
if pleurisy and pneumonia are suspected;
to a neurologist if intercostal neuralgia and osteochondrosis are suspected;
to a traumatologist if rib injuries are suspected;
an oncologist if the presence of malignant processes is suspected;
surgeon for conditions requiring emergency medical care (splenic rupture, etc.)

Indications for urgent hospitalization are:

suddenly appeared sharp, sharp pains in the left hypochondrium;
aching constant pain that does not subside within an hour;
stabbing pain that occurs when moving and does not subside within 30 minutes;
dull pain accompanied by vomiting of blood or undigested food particles;
any pain that is accompanied by pallor, rapid heartbeat, decreased blood pressure, dizziness and difficulty breathing.