Organ below ribs on left side

Your left ribs protect the organs that sit below them, like your heart and your stomach. Pain in this area can be caused by injury, infection, or an underlying condition.

People can experience pain under the ribs in the upper left abdomen for many reasons. Some possible causes include gastrointestinal issues and injuries to organs within the area. The rib cage attaches to the breastbone and spine, and the ribs protect many vital organs. On the left side of the body, these organs include the:. This article lists and explains 10 possible causes of upper left abdominal pain under the ribs and explains when a person with this symptom should contact a healthcare professional. Frequent pain in the abdomen can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome IBS. IBS is a collection of symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal GI tract.

Organ below ribs on left side

Pain under the left rib cage is commonly a sign of pancreatitis, kidney stones, or inflammation in the stomach. However, it can also be associated with injury to any other organs located in the upper left abdomen, such as the heart, spleen, pancreas, lung or left kidney. Pain in injured, left-sided organs can be sudden and is usually accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or increased pain with movement, coughing or sneezing. Since pain under the left ribs can be caused by so many different problems, it should always be assessed by a doctor preferably a gastroenterologist , specially if it is very intense or if it lasts for more than two days. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach, in the left upper quadrant. It is responsible for producing digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin, glucagon and somatostatin. This inflammation can cause an intense pain under the left rib cage that can radiate to the back. Other symptoms of pancreatitis include nausea, vomiting and fever. See how these symptoms vary from pancreatic cancer. Usually, the most common cause of pancreatitis is excessive alcohol intake, however it can also be caused by viral infections like measles or mumps , gallbladder stones, cystic fibrosis or use of certain medications like liraglutide, losartan, or corticosteroids. What to do: You should see a general physician or gastroenterologist, who may recommend admission to the hospital for IV treatment of fluids and analgesic medication. In more serious cases, surgery might be necessary. Diet changes like avoiding fatty foods can help to reduce risk of pancreatitis flares. Supplements like oral enzymes can also be recommended by your doctor. Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum.

Learn more about symptoms and treatment for an enlarged spleen. IBS and IBD are chronic disorders that affect the digestive tract and can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and constipation.

The spleen is a small organ usually about the size of your fist. But a number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged. Your spleen is an organ that sits just below your left rib cage. Many conditions — including infections, liver disease and some cancers — can cause an enlarged spleen. An enlarged spleen is also known as splenomegaly spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee. An enlarged spleen usually doesn't cause symptoms. It's often discovered during a routine physical exam.

People can experience pain under the ribs in the upper left abdomen for many reasons. Some possible causes include gastrointestinal issues and injuries to organs within the area. The rib cage attaches to the breastbone and spine, and the ribs protect many vital organs. On the left side of the body, these organs include the:. This article lists and explains 10 possible causes of upper left abdominal pain under the ribs and explains when a person with this symptom should contact a healthcare professional. Frequent pain in the abdomen can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome IBS.

Organ below ribs on left side

The spleen is a small organ usually about the size of your fist. But a number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged. Your spleen is an organ that sits just below your left rib cage. Many conditions — including infections, liver disease and some cancers — can cause an enlarged spleen. An enlarged spleen is also known as splenomegaly spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee. An enlarged spleen usually doesn't cause symptoms. It's often discovered during a routine physical exam. A doctor usually can't feel the spleen in an adult unless it's enlarged. Imaging and blood tests can help identify the cause of an enlarged spleen. Treatment for an enlarged spleen depends on what's causing it.

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People with severe pancreatitis may have additional symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. In more serious cases, surgical procedures like a pericardiocentesis for removal of excess fluid or a pericardiectomy for removal of the sac or a portion of it may need to be performed. Pain in injured, left-sided organs can be sudden and is usually accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or increased pain with movement, coughing or sneezing. An enlarged spleen usually doesn't cause symptoms. You should monitor and report any additional symptoms to your healthcare provider, such as difficulty breathing, fever, or chest discomfort. Financial Services. Treatment for an enlarged spleen depends on what's causing it. Does diabetes cause dizziness? We avoid using tertiary references. There are many possible causes of pain around your left rib cage. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. These tests might include:. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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Pleurisy happens when the tissue that surrounds your lungs becomes inflamed. People can ease pain and help the healing process by:. IBS and IBD are chronic disorders that affect the digestive tract and can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and constipation. Consult a medical professional who can properly identify the potential causes of pain under the left rib cage and recommend treatment for any underlying conditions. A doctor usually can't feel the spleen in an adult unless it's enlarged. Kidney stones are more common in adult men, but they can occur in women and children. Overview Enlarged spleen Enlarge image Close. Problems with the spleen, such as an enlarged spleen or spleen injuries, may cause left rib cage pain. These tests might include:. Here's what it could be and what you can do. Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone. This content does not have an Arabic version. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.