What illness causes pain below the left rib?
Feb 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Qifeng
Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory response caused by the activation of pancreatic enzymes within the pancreas, leading to self-digestion, edema, hemorrhage, or even necrosis of pancreatic tissue. Patients often experience pain below the left rib cage, as well as symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fever. It is recommended that patients receive treatment with medications such as cimetidine injection or ranitidine hydrochloride oral solution under the guidance of a physician.
Pain below the left rib cage may be caused by conditions such as acute pancreatitis, angina pectoris, or intercostal neuralgia.
1. Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory response in which pancreatic enzymes are activated within the pancreas, leading to self-digestion, edema, hemorrhage, or even necrosis of pancreatic tissue. Patients commonly experience pain below the left rib cage, along with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fever. It is recommended that patients receive treatment under medical guidance using medications such as cimetidine injection or ranitidine hydrochloride oral solution.
2. Angina Pectoris
Angina pectoris results from insufficient blood supply in the coronary arteries, causing acute and temporary ischemia and hypoxia of the myocardium. It primarily manifests as a feeling of tightness or pressure-like pain in the chest area, which may radiate to the neck. Under medical supervision, patients may take medications such as isosorbide mononitrate tablets or metoprolol sustained-release tablets to alleviate discomfort.
3. Intercostal Neuralgia
Intercostal neuralgia is a type of inflammatory response in the chest caused by factors such as viral infection or trauma. It may cause pain below the left rib cage, typically presenting as a semi-circular pattern, with pain often described as stabbing or burning. Patients may follow medical advice to take medications such as mecobalamin tablets or oryzanol tablets to relieve rib-related pain symptoms.
In addition, other possible causes include acute injury or costochondritis. It is advisable to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital.
