What part is located below the left chest, and why is there a feeling of pain?
Feb 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Pain below the left chest may be caused by the intercostal nerves, lungs, stomach, spleen, or colon. Inflammation of the intercostal nerves in the lower left chest is primarily due to nerve damage or inflammation. The pain is typically sharp or stabbing and often occurs during movement or deep breathing. It is usually brief in duration and generally does not cause significant discomfort once relieved.
Pain below the left chest may be caused by conditions affecting the intercostal nerves, lungs, stomach, spleen, or colon. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Intercostal Nerves
Inflammation of the intercostal nerves in the lower left chest is usually due to nerve damage or inflammation. The pain typically feels like sharp, needle-like stabs and often occurs during movement or deep inhalation. It is generally brief in duration, and patients usually experience no significant discomfort after the pain subsides.
2. Lungs
When lung inflammation becomes severe, it can spread to the surrounding pleura, causing chest pain. In particular, pneumonia in the lower left lung may lead to pain in the left chest. It is recommended to visit a qualified hospital for a chest X-ray or pulmonary CT scan to confirm the diagnosis.
3. Stomach
Conditions such as gastritis, gastric ulcers, or stomach cancer can cause pain below the left chest, often accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, and belching. In such cases, a gastroscopy under medical supervision is necessary for accurate diagnosis.
4. Spleen
The spleen is located in the upper left abdomen. Damage to or enlargement of the spleen may cause pain in the lower left chest area.
5. Colon
The colon extends into the upper and lower left abdominal regions. Conditions such as colitis, colon polyps, or other colon disorders may lead to discomfort in the lower left chest area.
If any of these symptoms persist, patients should seek timely medical attention to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance.
