What causes pain in the left ribs?
Disease description:
I've had a cold recently and have been coughing constantly. Pain has also developed in the left rib area. Why is this happening?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Left rib pain can be caused by various factors, common etiologies include:
1. Trauma: Such as bruises or crush injuries. Especially in middle-aged and elderly individuals with osteoporosis, even minor bumps may lead to rib fractures and subsequent pain.
2. Costochondritis: This inflammation may be associated with viral or bacterial infections. It commonly occurs after a cold, and the pain may radiate to the shoulder, back, or armpit. It is a self-limiting disease, but symptoms can be relieved with medication.
3. Musculoskeletal causes: Pain may result from intercostal muscle strain, rib fractures, or chest wall contusions. This type of pain typically worsens during movement or deep breathing, and tenderness is often felt upon palpation of the affected area.
4. Cardiac causes: Although pain caused by angina or myocardial infarction usually occurs behind the sternum, it may sometimes radiate to the left rib area. This type of pain is often accompanied by a feeling of pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, and other symptoms.
5. Pulmonary causes: Conditions such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, or pneumothorax may cause pain below the left ribs, especially during deep breathing.
