What causes a dull pain below the left rib cage while running?
Generally speaking, dull pain below the left rib during running may be caused by factors such as intense exercise, chronic gastritis, or intercostal neuralgia. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Intense exercise: During running, if the body's muscles fail to keep up with the pace of exercise, it may lead to a side stitch (exercise-related transient abdominal pain), or excessive activity of the respiratory muscles may cause dull pain below the left rib. This is usually a normal phenomenon. The individual should rest more, avoid continuing physical activity, drink warm water, and replenish fluids promptly.
2. Chronic gastritis: Factors such as unhygienic diet or medication use may trigger chronic gastritis, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and recurrent abdominal pain. Running can exacerbate these symptoms and even affect the chest area, causing a sensation of dull pain below the left rib. It is recommended that patients take medications such as berberine hydrochloride tablets or Yuanhu Zhitong tablets under medical guidance for treatment.
3. Intercostal neuralgia: Chest pain is a common symptom of this condition, which worsens with coughing, deep breathing, or physical activity. Therefore, dull pain below the left rib during running might be due to intercostal neuralgia. Patients should follow medical advice and take medications such as carbamazepine tablets or nimesulide tablets to relieve discomfort.
In addition, other possible causes include pleurisy or soft tissue strain. Patients should seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital.