What could be causing pain under the left rib cage?

Generally, pain under the left rib refers to discomfort or pain beneath the left side of the ribcage. This type of pain may be caused by intense physical activity, poor posture, costochondritis, pancreatitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other conditions. If any discomfort occurs, it is important to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Intense Exercise

Engaging in high-intensity activities such as running or weightlifting may lead to muscle strain or fatigue beneath the left ribs, resulting in localized pain and soreness. Under medical supervision, medications such as Yunnan Baiyao aerosol, Huoxue Zhitong Capsules, or Dicha Pills may be used for treatment.

2. Poor Posture

Long-term poor posture, such as slouching or hunching over, can cause muscle tension and pain beneath the left ribs. It is recommended to correct sitting and standing posture, perform regular stretching exercises, and apply heat or cold therapy to relieve muscle tension.

3. Costochondritis

Costochondritis may be associated with viral infections, trauma, or overuse. The inflammatory response can stimulate nerve endings around the costal cartilage, causing pain beneath the left ribs, possibly accompanied by swelling and tenderness of the cartilage. Under medical guidance, medications such as naproxen tablets, indomethacin enteric-coated tablets, or amoxicillin capsules may be prescribed for treatment.

4. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is commonly caused by excessive alcohol consumption, pancreatic duct obstruction, or infection. Abnormal activation of digestive enzymes within the pancreas can damage pancreatic tissue and trigger inflammation, leading to severe abdominal pain that often radiates to the area beneath the left ribs. Symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting, and fever. Patients should follow medical advice and may be treated with medications such as octreotide acetate injection, ulinastatin injection, or pancreatin enteric-coated capsules.

5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is typically caused by dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, excessive gastric acid secretion, reduced esophageal clearance, or delayed gastric emptying. When stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, it irritates the esophageal lining, potentially causing inflammation, ulcers, and pain beneath the left ribs. Other symptoms may include a burning sensation behind the breastbone and difficulty swallowing. Under a doctor’s guidance, patients may use medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets, or mosapride citrate dispersible tablets.

To prevent and alleviate pain beneath the left ribs, maintain regular eating habits, avoid overexertion, practice proper sitting and standing posture, engage in moderate exercise, and strengthen overall physical health.