What are the causes of pain below the left rib cage?
Jun 23, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, pain below the left rib cage may be caused by reasons such as growing pains, overexertion, pleurisy, costochondritis, or cholecystitis. Symptomatic management usually involves general treatment and medication. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment. It is also advised to ensure adequate sleep, adopt a comfortable lying position, and avoid pressing on the painful area.
In general, pain below the left rib cage may be caused by growing pains, overexertion, pleurisy, costochondritis, cholecystitis, or other reasons. Symptomatic management through general treatment, medication, and other methods is recommended. If discomfort occurs, it is advised to seek medical attention promptly and undergo appropriate treatment under a physician's guidance. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Growing Pains
During growth and development, the growth rates of bones and muscles may be inconsistent. Muscles may experience mild stretching due to adaptation to rapid bone growth, resulting in pain sensations. Growing pains are typically more pronounced at night and may be accompanied by mild joint pain and muscle soreness. It is recommended to engage in appropriate physical exercise daily to strengthen muscles and bones and alleviate growing pains.
2. Overexertion
If physical exercise has not been performed for a prolonged period and vigorous activity is suddenly undertaken, lactic acid buildup may occur, irritating localized areas of the limbs and causing pain. It may also lead to soreness below the left rib cage, often accompanied by muscle soreness and fatigue. It is recommended to rest appropriately and apply heat or massage to promote lactic acid metabolism and relieve pain.
3. Pleurisy
When the pleura is infected by pathogens such as bacteria or viruses, or subjected to chemical or physical irritation, an inflammatory response occurs, leading to pleural congestion and edema, which stimulates nerve endings and causes pain. Symptoms may include chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. It is recommended to follow medical advice in using medications such as aspirin tablets, rifampin tablets, isoniazid tablets, and others to alleviate symptoms.
4. Costochondritis
Costochondritis is associated with viral infections, localized nutritional deficiencies in the costal cartilage, trauma, and other factors. It manifests as dull or distending pain in the left rib area, which may worsen with coughing or twisting movements. It is recommended to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) under medical guidance to relieve symptoms, such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, and celecoxib capsules.
5. Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis refers to inflammation of the gallbladder, commonly associated with gallstones. Gallstones obstruct the cystic duct, leading to impaired bile drainage and subsequent inflammatory response in the gallbladder wall, causing pain. The pain typically occurs in the upper right abdomen but may radiate to below the left rib cage in some cases. It is often accompanied by fever, jaundice, nausea, and other symptoms. It is recommended to use medications such as anti-inflammatory bile-promoting tablets, clindamycin hydrochloride tablets, and ursodeoxycholic acid tablets under a physician's guidance for treatment.
It is recommended to ensure adequate sleep daily, adopt a comfortable lying position as much as possible, and avoid pressing on the painful area.
