What conditions can cause left rib pain?
Aug 02, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Jianjun
Introduction
In general, left rib pain may be a symptom of conditions such as trauma, costochondritis, intercostal neuralgia, herpes zoster, or pneumonia. Patients can receive symptomatic treatment based on the specific underlying cause. Besides these conditions, other possible causes include pleurisy, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, and others; therefore, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment.
Generally, left rib pain may be a symptom of various conditions such as trauma, costochondritis, intercostal neuralgia, herpes zoster, pneumonia, and others. Patients can receive symptomatic treatment based on the specific underlying cause. The detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Trauma: The ribs are part of the thoracic cage. Direct blows, falls, or traffic accidents may lead to rib injury and pain. Under medical guidance, patients can use medications such as mupirocin ointment or erythromycin ointment for treatment, along with adequate rest.
2. Costochondritis: Costochondritis refers to inflammation in the costal cartilage or the joints where the ribs connect to the sternum. It may be caused by infections, trauma, excessive exercise, rib deformities, or other congestive diseases. Costochondritis causes pain and discomfort, which often worsens during breathing or coughing. Under medical guidance, patients can take medications such as ibuprofen tablets or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, while avoiding excessive physical strain.
3. Intercostal Neuralgia: Intercostal neuralgia is pain caused by injury or compression of the intercostal nerves. This may result from rib fractures, muscle spasms, herniated discs, or spinal deformities. The pain is typically sharp or knife-like and radiates along the distribution area of the affected nerve. Under medical guidance, patients can use medications such as aspirin tablets or indomethacin capsules, while maintaining a regular daily routine.
4. Herpes Zoster: Herpes zoster is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The infection leads to inflammation of the skin and nerves, usually resulting in a characteristic band-like rash accompanied by pain on the trunk. If the rash occurs in the left rib area, it may cause pain in the left ribs. Under medical guidance, patients can use calamine lotion or acyclovir cream for treatment, while paying attention to personal hygiene.
5. Pneumonia: In pneumonia, infection and inflammation may spread to the pleura surrounding the lungs. The pleura is a thin membrane covering the surface of the lungs and the inner wall of the thoracic cavity. When irritated or inflamed, the pleura can cause chest pain, which may manifest in pneumonia patients as pain in the chest, including the left rib area. Under medical guidance, patients can use medications such as acyclovir capsules or cefaclor-trimethoprim tablets, while ensuring good indoor ventilation.
In addition to the above causes, left rib pain may also result from other conditions such as pleurisy or coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment.
