What causes pain when pressing below the left rib in females?
Sep 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Shuai
Introduction
In general, pain upon palpation below the left rib in females may be caused by trauma, costochondritis, chest or abdominal wall injury, intercostal neuralgia, cholecystitis, or other reasons. It is recommended to follow medical advice for symptomatic treatment. If trauma is suspected as the cause, heat application may be tried to see if symptoms improve. When necessary, oral administration of neurotrophic agents such as vitamin B6 tablets and oryzanol tablets may be considered.
In general, pain upon pressing below the left rib in women may be caused by trauma, costochondritis, chest and abdominal wall injury, intercostal neuralgia, cholecystitis, or other reasons. It is recommended to follow medical advice for symptomatic treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Trauma
Pain may result from physical trauma. Applying heat therapy may help improve symptoms. If necessary, oral medications such as vitamin B6 tablets and oryzanol tablets, which support nerve health, can be taken. If there is no improvement, it is advisable to visit an orthopedic department promptly for a 3D reconstructed CT scan to rule out fractures or bone cracks.
2. Costochondritis
This condition is often caused by prolonged pressure, such as long periods of sitting, especially with forward bending or desk work, leading to repeated compression on the ribs. Over time, this may cause localized aseptic inflammation or costochondritis, resulting in pain. For this condition, discomfort can be relieved through heat therapy, massage, and manual manipulation.
3. Chest and Abdominal Wall Injury
Contusions or strains of soft tissues in the chest and abdominal wall may also lead to tenderness. Under medical guidance, patients may use blood-activating, stasis-resolving, and analgesic medications, such as Shujin Huoxue Pian (Relaxing Tendons and Activating Blood Tablets) or Yunnan Baiyao Capsules.
4. Intercostal Neuralgia
Intercostal neuralgia refers to nerve pain caused by viral infections, mechanical injury, or other factors. It mainly presents as pain along the intercostal spaces, often sharp in nature, and may worsen during coughing, deep breathing, or sneezing. Patients may follow medical advice to take antiviral medications such as acyclovir tablets or ganciclovir injection.
5. Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis typically causes pain below the right rib cage; however, if pain occurs on the left side accompanied by symptoms such as belching or acid reflux, patients are advised to undergo a chest X-ray or chest CT scan to evaluate lung conditions. Medications such as ranitidine hydrochloride tablets or ursodeoxycholic acid tablets may be used under medical supervision.
If discomfort persists or worsens, seek prompt medical attention to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment to avoid delays in care.
