Aching pain in the left side under the ribs in front. Pain in the left hypochondrium is an alarm signal

Many people experience pain on the left side under the ribs. This common symptom does not occur on its own, but is always a consequence of some pathological process in the body or a simple deviation from the physiological norm. The nature of the painful sensations, duration, their severity, associated symptoms depend on the root cause. Familiarize yourself with the main factors in the development of pain in the hypochondrium, the principles of their diagnosis, prevention and treatment.

What is pain on the left under the ribs?

Painful sensations localized on the left in the region of the ribs and under them are not specific. They can signal illness internal organs, nervous system. When diagnosing, their exact localization and determination of their nature can help to detect and differentiate serious systemic pathologies (oncological diseases, injuries, chronic inflammatory processes). Pain under the ribs can be dull, sharp, pulling or throbbing, accompanied by other symptoms associated with the underlying disease:

dyspeptic manifestations;
dizziness;
general weakness;
loss of consciousness;
pale skin;
rise in body temperature;
chills, etc.

Why does my left side hurt under my ribs?

You should not ignore pain and burning in the left side, even if these unpleasant symptoms passed completely, because may indicate serious pathologies that require treatment. Meet following reasons soreness:

diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
systemic lupus erythematosus;
lymphomas;
malaria;
inflammation of the visceral peritoneum;
perforation (hole) in hollow organs;
chronic myeloid leukemia;
kidney infections;
stretching renal pelvis;
diaphragmatic hernia;
cholecystitis;
cholelithiasis;
thoracic intercostal neuralgia;
ischemic colitis;
splenitis, splenomegaly, splenic rupture;
vegetative crises;
myocardial infarction, pericarditis, angina pectoris;
compression of organs during pregnancy.

Front

Pain on the left under the ribs in front is provoked by chronic sluggish inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. At the same time discomfort occur regularly and last a long time. Feeling strong burning sensation in most cases indicates chronic pancreatitis. If the pain in the front is constant and intensifies after eating, then this may indicate gastroduodenitis, sometimes the presence of a tumor.

Side

Most doctors associate pain in the left hypochondrium with pathological disorders of the functioning of the heart. This syndrome can also signal other diseases: intercostal neuralgia, acute renal failure, significant enlargement of the spleen. An unambiguous reason that will help immediately determine the main diagnosis based on location pain, does not exist, so pain under the left rib requires consultation with a specialist.

From behind from the back

If the patient does not have pathologies that cause discomfort in the left back of the back, then the pain is a consequence of hypothermia, eating fatty, spicy or salty foods, or excessive physical activity. Reasons that cause pain symptoms include:

neuralgia;
bronchopulmonary lesions;
myocardial infarction;
osteochondrosis;
pathologies of the esophagus.

After eating

If immediately after finishing a meal the left stomach hurts, this is a consequence of developing gastritis. The severity of symptoms varies depending on the acidity of the stomach, the degree pathological change mucous membrane. Additionally, patients note a burning sensation in the esophagus, heartburn, belching, sour taste in the mouth, diarrhea. In the absence timely treatment gastric ulcer develops, duodenum, pancreatitis.

Stitching pain

A tingling sensation on the left during physical activity indicates ischemia ( insufficient blood supply) organs and tissues due to poor warm-up. The body did not have time to adapt to the increased blood circulation. This condition is not a pathology, so unpleasant stabbing sensations during training should not cause concern. The pain in this case goes away quickly and has no consequences. It must be remembered that if the stabbing pain turns into a dagger pain without obvious reasons, then this may signal the development of serious pathologies:

left-sided pneumonia;
malignant neoplasm in the lung, stomach, intestines;
tuberculosis;
infectious pleurisy;
cardiomyopathy;
myositis;
inflammation of the left side of the diaphragm.

Pulling

Pain on the left front of a pulling nature signals sluggish duodenitis or colitis. As a rule, the clinical picture includes vomiting, nausea, and digestive disorders. In the absence of signs of gastrointestinal diseases, heart problems are suspected: angina pectoris, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, defects. A nagging pain followed by a sharp, burning pain below the ribs indicates intestinal perforation or vascular thromboembolism abdominal cavity.

Periodic

Painful sensations of a periodic nature are rarely associated with pathological conditions, more often this is a consequence physiological characteristics human body. This symptom occurs during physical activity, heavy lifting, or in a certain body position. Sometimes patients note periodic pain when visiting a bathhouse or sauna, after a heavy meal. As a rule, this condition does not require specific treatment, but you should undergo examination to exclude the presence of diseases.

Pulsating

The appearance of severe throbbing pain in the left hypochondrium and slightly above indicates the development of acute pancreatitis or pancreatic necrosis. Additionally, the patient has vomiting bile, digestive problems, increased body temperature to subfebrile and febrile values, constant It's a dull pain in the epigastric region. As a rule, this condition develops within half an hour after eating food (especially fatty or spicy).

When inhaling

If, when inhaling, there is pain in the left hypochondrium, first of all, the presence of a subdiaphragmatic abscess is suspected. The nature of the symptom is intense, more acute in nature, decreases in a sitting or lying position and intensifies with sudden movements, sneezing, coughing. Subject to availability severe intoxication body, the patient complains of fever, weakness, sore throat. Less commonly, the cause of pain when inhaling is injury, peritonitis.

When pressed

Aching pain in the left hypochondrium in front, which intensifies when pressed, signals intestinal obstruction and an inflammatory process. In this condition it is noted additional symptoms: bloating, constipation, bad smell from the mouth, coated tongue. Vomiting, nausea, belching, heaviness in the abdomen, and symptoms of general intoxication of the body are also characteristic. Sharp pain in the left side under the ribs or below in most cases is a consequence of a ruptured spleen. At the same time, other signs of intra-abdominal bleeding are observed:

dizziness;
tachycardia;
tension or weakening of the abdominal muscles;
pale skin;
weakness;
decline blood pressure;
cold sweat;
increased body temperature;
chills.

During pregnancy

Natural cause The occurrence of discomfort and pain during pregnancy is the growth of the fetus. In the last trimester, it actively increases in size in the uterus, pushes, and turns over. Pain associated with the child's movements is usually sharp, short-lived, and sometimes intensifies when inhaling or exhaling. You can alleviate the condition by doing breathing exercises, lying in warm bath or taking more comfortable position.

Long-term painful sensations that a woman notes in the left hypochondrium may be a signal of exacerbation of gastritis, peptic ulcer or other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the symptom is often caused by left-sided pneumonia, diaphragmatic hernia and pathologies of the spleen. Pain in the hypochondrium may be due to renal colic, spasm of the abdominal arteries, intestinal infarction, flatulence.

Girdle pain in the left side

Sharp or aching pain in the left side, which then radiates to top part back, under the rib on the left front, indicate the development of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), exacerbation chronic gastritis or duodenal ulcer. The main difference between these pathologies is additional burning sensations, sometimes pulsations in the epigastric region. If the pain intensifies over time, then peritonitis is suspected.

Diagnostics

If you regularly feel pain or tingling in the left side under the ribs, you should seek help from a physician at the clinic, who will conduct a general examination and prescribe laboratory tests. instrumental studies:

X-ray;
ultrasound diagnostics;
general analysis blood;
biochemical analysis blood;
computed tomography.

The results of the examination will help to identify the immediate cause of pain in the side and determine further treatment tactics. Additionally, consultation with more specialized specialists may be required: traumatologist, surgeon, infectious disease specialist, gastroenterologist, oncologist, etc. If a sudden sharp pain in the left side under the ribs, you should immediately seek help at the hospital, because the symptom may be caused by rupture or perforation of an organ, bleeding, or other condition requiring emergency medical intervention.

Treatment

To eliminate pain under the ribs, you need to take a horizontal position, relax, open the window and remove constrictive clothing. Some medications will help stop the attack:

antispasmodics (Drotaverine, No-Shpa);
anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Nurofen);
analgesics (Analgin).

Remember that in case of severe sudden pain, accompanied by vomiting, nausea, dizziness, pallor, fever, you must immediately seek help from specialists. In some cases, to eliminate the cause that caused pain syndrome, shown emergency surgery. Indications for surgical intervention may include:

organ rupture;
peritonitis;
appendicitis;
ulcer perforation;
internal bleeding of any etiology.

The appearance of pain on the side, if it is localized on the left side, should be a signal for an immediate visit to the doctor. You can’t hope for chance and ignore it, especially if the pain bothers you repeatedly and is severe. Pain on the left side under the ribs is a symptom of serious problems in the body, since such important organs as:

lung,
heart,
stomach,
spleen,
pancreas,
one of the kidneys and the ureter,
loops of the small and large intestines.

It is almost impossible to figure out on your own which organ is giving a distress signal, especially since the pain can be reflected, and its source can be located in a completely different place.

Types of pain according to the nature of manifestation

To make it easier to understand the source of pain, you should recall the course a little school anatomy and imagine what is in the left hypochondrium. If you mentally divide the abdomen into anatomical regions, which are usually called quadrants, then the desired area will be in the upper left quadrant, immediately below the ribs.

Based on the nature of the pain, the time of formation and the actions or events preceding it, it is possible to determine the approximate area of the lesion and immediately contact the right specialist.

Aching pain

If there is constant pain in the left side, and the source is felt immediately under the ribs, the nature of this pain is pulling and aching. Moreover, it does not go away, but persists constantly - in this case the picture is very similar to developing colitis or duodenitis. If the pain syndrome is accompanied by single vomiting and constant feeling nausea, a gastric ulcer should be suspected.

In addition to organ diseases digestive system, similar pain can occur with serious illnesses cardiovascular system.

Summarizing all the above reasons, we can say that pain on the left side in the hypochondrium is a symptom of such pathologies as:

heart disease;
, duodenitis, ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcer, cholecystitis;
infectious diseases of the spleen or traumatic injury;
neoplasms of organs in this area;
diaphragm injury or hernia food opening diaphragms;
on the left side, pleurisy, other pulmonary pathologies, exciting bottom part left lung.

Stitching pain on exertion

The appearance of an attack of pain during significant physical activity should not cause great concern; most likely, this is the result of insufficient preparation of the body for training. For example, if there is a sharp stabbing sensation in the side while running, fast walking, jumping or performing other exercises, then the reason lies in too sudden a transition from calm state to intense exercise.

The body simply did not have time to adjust to the new rhythm, and increased blood movement can provoke pain in the left hypochondrium. Before starting an intense workout, you need to do a preparatory warm-up for 10-15 minutes. If a person does not suffer from heart pathologies, for example, cardiomyopathy, then there is no need to be afraid of an attack of pain. It is enough to interrupt your classes, relax, take deep breaths several times, and normalize your breathing rhythm.

A simple technique for relieving such pain helps. You need to take a deep breath, and as you exhale, press your hand forcefully on the place where the pain is concentrated, and at the same time lean forward. Two or three such receptions, and everything will pass as if it never happened.

Besides this, important role the depth of breathing plays a role. The habit of breathing shallowly does not allow the diaphragm to fully expand, which negatively affects general health. Quite often sudden attack stabbing pain gets stuck during execution physical exercise started without warming up or immediately after a heavy meal.

If a person has eaten, he must wait at least an hour and a half so that the gastrointestinal tract has time to unload and does not create additional stress, which, together with the doubled speed of blood circulation, causes trouble.

Acute pain in the left hypochondrium after injury

In the event that after an unsuccessful fall, strong blow or an accident, you feel a strong sharp pain when you inhale, then an injury to internal organs may have occurred, and this condition can be very dangerous.

Dagger cutting sharp pain

The appearance of an attack of sharp, unbearable dagger pain on the left under the ribs, and for no apparent reason, is a reason for an emergency call emergency care. If the attack occurs suddenly and is not associated with physical activity, then most likely the lining of some internal organ has ruptured. This condition threatens internal bleeding or diffuse peritonitis. In this case, minutes count, so there is no time to have fun with home methods - you need to immediately call specialists for help.

Dull pain

A condition where pain in the left hypochondrium is constant, not pronounced, should be a cause for serious concern. The pain feels dull and spreads throughout the peritoneum. In the vast majority of cases, this means chronic course diseases of any of the organs of the digestive system located in this area.

The condition is not urgent, but also urgent. It is imperative to be examined by a gastroenterologist so as not to miss a critical condition.

Classification of pain by mechanism of occurrence

Pain syndrome of the left hypochondrium is also distinguished by the mechanism of its formation. For a specialist, this is an indicator that clarifies the pathology and determines a damaged organ or a problem in the system. There are:

Referred pain – this type pain occurs from suffering organs located in other parts, for example, liver pathologies, osteochondrosis, pleurisy.
Visceral pain– pain arising from the inside due to pathological spasms of the intestinal muscles or impaired gastric motility. A similar type of pain occurs due to stretching muscle fibers caused by or colic.
Peritoneal pain– pain syndrome caused by irritation of the peritoneum in diseases such as perforation or stomach. This type of pain intensifies during deep breathing, intense or sudden movements. The pain feels sharp, sharp, cutting.

Pain in the left hypochondrium in front

In the case where the pain is localized in the left hypochondrium in the front, the suspicion is of pathology of the spleen or the anterior wall of the stomach. With such a picture of symptoms, doctors need to exclude myositis or colitis of the upper sections small intestine.

If pain in the front affects not only the left side, but is also localized closer to the center, concomitant pathology of the gallbladder or duodenum is assumed.

Pain on the left and behind

If there is pain in the left hypochondrium at the back, it means you are suffering left kidney. Usually the pain is quite pronounced and constant. In addition to kidney pathology, a similar type of pain occurs with osteochondrosis of the lumbar or thoracic region. Kidney diseases are determined by ultrasound diagnostics and clinical analysis urine. And problems of the spine are shown by x-rays, although an experienced specialist can identify them by palpation.

Girdle pain on the left side

The nature of the pain is localized in the left hypochondrium with transition to abdominal wall through the back, can only indicate an inflammatory process in the pancreas. The main symptom of pancreatitis is a burning pain in the left side under the ribs, covering the body in a circle. The attack subsides a little if the patient takes a forced position, sitting with the torso slightly tilted forward.

Intercostal neuralgia

Neuralgic pathologies differ wide range symptoms. Pinched nerve endings and roots cause both localized and referred pain of the following nature:

Shooting, burning, dull, sharp or piercing pain in the area of the ribs or under them on the left side.
Increased pain occurs when changing body position, coughing, sneezing, or even taking a deep breath.
During an attack, the patient feels stabbing pain in the area chest on the left side. The pain syndrome is accompanied by hyperhidrosis, hyperemia or pallor of the skin, and muscle spasms.
The pain intensifies significantly when trying to press on the chest area, between the shoulder blades or along the spine.

Pain with intercostal neuralgia is felt not only in the left side under the ribs, but also in the lumbar region and under the left shoulder blade. Attacks of pain occur at any time of the day, last for a long period and are not relieved by any painkillers.

Spleen diseases

The spleen is a small but very important internal secretion organ. This is a very sensitive blood filter, the largest unit lymphatic system and maximal conglomeration of endothelial tissue. Despite the fact that it can be quite difficult to recognize the enlargement of this organ upon palpation, especially in people with excess body weight, its special location is close to the surface, which allows you to quickly recognize the disturbances by a pain signal.

The causes of spleen diseases are:

infectious lesions,
hemolytic anemia,
immune complex disorders,
injuries,
infiltration,
tumors.

Problems with this organ always have a clear effect severe symptoms, among which, in addition to pain in the left hypochondrium, are noted:

headaches and muscle pain,
increase in body temperature,
increase in liver volume,
signs of general intoxication and sore throat.

The most painful response is on the spleen traumatic injuries. If, when receiving a blow or falling, its shell ruptures, then pain on the left side is accompanied by blueness of the skin, localized in the umbilical region, pain radiating to the back and under the shoulder blades.

Diseases of the stomach and pancreas

The dietary habits imposed by the modern food industry have caused an incredible surge in various diseases digestive system. Of these, the stomach and pancreas took the brunt of the attack.

Gastritis

The epithelial lining of the stomach is an acutely sensitive organ. She does not tolerate the influence of other people's irritants well and reacts sharply to them. And since today’s food products, for the most part, are oversaturated with chemicals, preservatives and dyes, gastritis (inflammation of the gastric mucosa) in modern world is a more common disease than syphilis in the 16th century.

The main manifestations of gastritis are:

pain in the epigastrium and left hypochondrium,
nausea and frequent vomiting,
heartburn, feeling of heaviness and pressure from the inside,

The development of gastritis is accompanied general weakness, increased irritability, impaired sensitivity in the limbs and clear signs dyspepsia, among which constipation will be replaced by diarrhea.

Gastric ulcer

The formation of an ulcer on the wall of the stomach is expressed in symptoms similar to those of gastritis. The pain appears mainly after eating and is accompanied by severe heartburn, nausea, often vomiting. The patient is constantly plagued by sour belching, loss of appetite and, as a result, pathological weight loss.

Pathologies of the pancreas

The most common disease of the pancreas is pancreatitis. This is an inflammatory process in the tissues of this organ, accompanied by severe pain in the left hypochondrium, spreading to the entire left side, epigastric region and lower back.

Pancreatitis takes over quickly chronic form when the pain becomes moderate, closer to aching and dull, and pathological process internally takes on an irreversible character.

Gastrointestinal tumors

Malignant tumors are particularly insidious because long time it is impossible to recognize their formation. Even laboratory tests, except for specific markers, cannot always show the real picture.

Therefore, any deviations from normal condition, be it general malaise, loss of appetite, anemia unknown etiology, diarrhea or should be the reason for thorough examination. If pain syndrome appears against the background of general discomfort, then a visit to the oncologist can no longer be postponed. Moreover, today cancer is not a death sentence. Modern techniques allow you to cure this disease if you contact early stages tumor development.

Pathological conditions of the diaphragm

A pathology such as a hiatal hernia can cause characteristic left-sided pain. The diaphragm separates the abdominal organs from the organs respiratory system. The connection between the esophagus and the stomach is carried out through a special hole in the diaphragm, equipped with a sphincter, which does not allow food to penetrate back into the esophagus. The weakening of the muscles of this opening leads to the fact that not only part of the stomach contents is thrown back into the esophagus, but also the upper parts of the stomach penetrate through this opening into the chest cavity. In this case, the person not only has pain on his left side, but also has constant heartburn, nausea, etc.

Factors contributing to the development diaphragmatic hernia, are:

obesity,
pregnancy,
exhausting physical activity,
age-related changes.

In the event that in open diaphragmatic hole The tissues of the upper section of the stomach are pinched, the pain takes on a sharp, acute character with localization in the left hypochondrium.

Pathologies of the cardiac system

Belly on the left side in the hypochondrium with problems of cardiac activity is characterized by an aching character and is always accompanied by severe shortness of breath even without any load. In addition, with cardiac pathologies there is tachycardia, burning and heaviness in the chest, and sometimes nausea. If blood flow is disrupted coronary artery, the cause of pain in the left hypochondrium is ischemic disease hearts.

In addition to ischemia, a similar symptom accompanies diseases such as:

cardiomyopathy,
hypertension,
angina pectoris.

This disrupts the functioning of the heart muscle, valve apparatus and blood vessels. As a result, the structure of the tissues of the heart muscle changes dramatically, which manifests itself fatigue and pain on the left side when moving and at rest.

Pain in the left hypochondrium can cause the most various disorders and diseases. That is why such pain cannot be ignored - you should immediately consult a doctor. So, for example, pain in the left hypochondrium can be caused by disturbances in the functioning of the heart, stomach, spleen and pancreas. In this case, the pain can be different in nature - from cutting to dull, from acute to spasmodic. Any of the listed types of pain is a serious reason to visit a doctor, since it is important to identify any disease of the listed organs in a timely manner and begin treatment as early as possible.

Causes of pain in the left hypochondrium

There are, as always, many reasons. Based on the nature of the pain, its duration, frequency and other manifestations, one or another diagnosis can be assumed. However, remember that it should always be done by a doctor!

Unpleasant sensations under the left rib due to heart disease

Pain in the left hypochondrium may indicate interruptions in the functioning of the heart, on which, as we know, all the vital functions of our body depend. In this case, pain can occur for several reasons, each of which indicates certain disease. If you experience discomfort in the area of the left hypochondrium, and this sensation is combined with the so-called “broken pulse” and increased fatigue, then we may be talking about cardiomyopathy. Pain under the ribs in the left side, which spreads to left hand, neck, as well as on the area of the shoulder blades, and is also combined with nausea, increased sweating, increased temperature, as well as darkening in the eyes, may indicate myocardial infarction or, in any case, pre-infarction state. The symptoms are similar - in this case the pain is dull, burning, and it is accompanied by the urge to vomit, difficulty breathing, rapid pulse and a feeling of heaviness in the chest. In any of the above cases, you should see a cardiologist as soon as possible.

Dull, aching or nagging pain: gastrointestinal diseases or unhealthy lifestyle

Pain in the left side may also indicate problems with gastrointestinal tract. This symptom manifests itself as gastritis or stomach ulcers, as well as polyps and even cancer. However, the cause of pain in this area can be much more trivial - injury, alcohol abuse and overeating, as well as a tendency to constipation. Gastritis is usually accompanied by a burning dull pain during meals, if the patient has diarrhea, as well as pain on an empty stomach if the acidity is low. If the pain is aching, the stomach does not accept food, and nausea occurs, then the problem is most likely the development of a stomach ulcer. Treatment in this case will consist of normalizing nutrition, balanced diet, as well as taking no-shpa and antacid medications.

Pain on the upper left side: check your pancreas

The cause of pain in the ribs on the left can be problems with the pancreas, in particular pancreatitis. The pancreas reacts sensitively to alcohol and fatty foods, sweets. With pancreatitis, the pain is girdling in nature and localized in the upper abdomen. If such symptoms occur, diagnosis should be made immediately and treatment should begin, as the problem may develop into serious complications, including in diabetes mellitus and even cancer. In order to relieve pain, you should take Panzinorm or Festal.

Stitches in the side when inhaling from behind, in the back area: pay attention to the work of the spleen

Pain in the left hypochondrium may indicate problems with the spleen, which acts as a kind of filter in the body, purifying the blood of toxic substances and bacteria and creating new blood cells. That is why it is very important to recognize disturbances in the functioning of the spleen in time and take action. That is why this phenomenon cannot be ignored, especially if it has a sharp character and a tendency to move to the back area. Problems with the spleen are indicated by pain when inhaling; this may mean a rupture or injury to the spleen. Under no circumstances should you engage in self-diagnosis in such a situation - consult a doctor immediately. You can apply ice to the affected area to reduce symptoms.

Heaviness, nausea, discomfort after eating: check the functioning of the diaphragm

Another organ whose malfunction can cause pain is the diaphragm. A pinched diaphragm or diaphragmatic hernia can trigger this phenomenon. In this case, pain accompanied by nausea, as well as shortness of breath and vomiting immediately after eating will help determine the cause.

Acute pain: kidney problems

Impaired kidney function can cause pain in the left hypochondrium in diseases such as nephritis of the left kidney. In this case they will be very strong and impossible to tolerate. Such pain may also indicate the presence of kidney stones. It is unlikely to be possible to ignore them, since they are too strong and will not go away without treatment. The disease can affect both women and men.

If it hurts when you inhale: get examined for neuralgia

Most common reason the appearance of discomfort and pain in the left hypochondrium - it is characterized by pain during sudden movements, during inhalation and exhalation.

It is very important to pay attention to exactly where the pain is localized, because by its location you can partially determine the cause of the pain. A specialist will help you relieve the pain temporarily with the help of painkillers, but it will not be possible to cure it completely, since it is necessary to treat the cause of the pain itself, and not the symptoms.

Pain in the left hypochondrium is a fairly common complaint among patients. A similar symptom occurs when various reasons and has its own manifestations, intensity and duration of action. To diagnose the disease that provokes the appearance of a symptom, a doctor does not need one examination. A doctor needs to conduct a full examination, as pain occurs when the stomach, spleen, pancreas, kidneys or other organs are affected in the left side.

Etiology

To understand why the left side hurts and what caused this syndrome, the doctor and the patient need to conduct an examination. By examining the condition of the internal organs, it is possible to determine what may be hurting in the left hypochondrium.

An unpleasant attack occurs due to disruption of the functioning of the left kidney, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, heart, diaphragm, spleen.

The following main causes of pain in the left hypochondrium lead to the formation of the sign:

peptic ulcer and gastritis;
pancreatitis;
pathology of the spleen;
diseases of the left kidney;
disorders of the small and large intestines.

A little less often, doctors diagnose an increase in the symptom under the influence of such factors:

hernias and neoplasms of the diaphragm;
pneumonia of the left lung;
heart pathologies;
osteochondrosis;
postoperative and post-traumatic complications.

Each of the mentioned etiological factors poses a serious threat to the patient's health. If such a sign is detected, the patient should urgently seek the help of a doctor and undergo diagnostics and treatment.

Also an unpleasant indicator typical for pregnant women. The symptom may appear in the 2nd–3rd trimester, that is, during the period when the fetus enlarges and the uterus puts pressure on the internal organs. At this moment, a stabbing sensation begins in the left side and periodic pain occurs.

IN medical practice quite often such cases occur when the patient is bothered by severe pain in the left side of the abdomen. This sign is formed under the influence of various physical activities. In particular, this symptom often manifests itself in those people who are just starting to exercise and do not yet have the necessary physical training. Schoolchildren often complain of pain under the left ribs after passing exams and tests.

It happens that the symptom manifests itself when bending and sharp turns of the body. This effect is provoked by touching the internal organs and part of the rib, which provokes a protective effect in the form of a painful attack.

Classification

Pain under the left rib has a different mechanism of action and strength. When diagnosing a disease, the doctor must determine what type of syndrome it is. Clinicians have identified three main types of pain:

visceral - manifests itself in violation of the motor function of the gastrointestinal tract, it manifests itself in a dull or aching cramping character;
peritoneal – has a permanent and local character, intensifies with movement and inhalation;
reflected - manifests itself with lower lobe pneumonia, pleurisy, etc.

According to the nature of the attack painful sensation under the left hypochondrium happens:

acute - manifests itself suddenly with perforation of the stomach walls, damage to the spleen or renal pelvis;
blunt – formed during long period and is an indicator of chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
aching – constant pain in the left hypochondrium, indicating inflammatory processes due to duodenitis and colitis. Accompanied by other symptoms of ulcers, angina pectoris, heart disease and pre-infarction;
nagging – provoked by damage to the spleen, nagging pain is a feature of the course of infectious and autoimmune processes;
stabbing – manifests itself in pathology of the left kidney, urolithiasis and pyelonephritis;
pulsating - a progressive syndrome with pancreatitis, which is characterized by other equally painful symptoms.

Acute pain in the left hypochondrium may be located in a certain place. Based on localization, clinicians distinguish the following types of symptoms:

pain in the left hypochondrium with irradiation to the anterior abdomen, this indicates the development of pathology of the spleen or damage to the gastric mucosa. The attacks shift closer to the center and are combined with other ailments of the gall and duodenum;
pain in the back indicates damage to the left kidney. Constant and severe pain in the left hypochondrium from the back it is still formed with thoracic or lumbar osteochondrosis;
a girdling attack of pain with an unpleasant sensation on the left, characteristic of pancreatitis. With pathology, aching pain is formed in the left hypochondrium, which passes through the abdomen and lower back. The syndrome subsides when the body is tilted forward.

Symptoms

Since pain in the left hypochondrium has pathological causes occurrence, the symptom is accompanied by other signs. When gastritis develops, the patient feels an attack of aching pain, along with the following manifestations:

flatulence;
gag reflex and heartburn;
belching;
upset stomach;
weakness;
irritability;
pallor of the skin.

Sharp pain in the left hypochondrium on an “empty” stomach occurs with gastritis. At the same time, the patient also feels other signs of the disease:

burning behind the sternum;
belching with different smells and tastes;
flatulence;
vomit;
sudden weight loss.

When a stomach ulcer becomes complicated, namely when a perforation forms, the patient is overcome by a sharp, dagger-like pain that appears suddenly. The patient may also experience weakness and fainting.

During the formation of a tumor in the stomach, a person does not feel strong and characteristic pain attacks. The pathology in the first stages is not characterized by intense symptoms. For clinical picture The following signs of cancer are typical:

loss of appetite;
noticeable weight loss;
disgust from certain foods;
fast saturation.

At later stages, more obvious and characteristic manifestations appear. Main indicator of development cancer- pain in the left hypochondrium.

Based on knowledge of which organs are located on the left and what hurts in the left hypochondrium, the doctor can assume that the patient has problems with the spleen. Pain in the left hypochondrium may occur due to the enlargement of this organ.

A splenic rupture can be recognized by its bluish appearance. skin near the navel, which appears from a congestion large quantity blood. At the moment of rupture, the patient is overcome sharp pain in the area of the left hypochondrium.

When a diaphragmatic hernia and other diseases in this part form, special symptoms are added to the patient’s clinical picture. The development of the disease is characterized by dull ache in the left hypochondrium, flatulence, muscle weakness.

Painful attacks also occur with cardiac pathologies. During the formation of coronary disease or cardiomyopathy, the patient experiences additional symptoms:

increased heart rate;
fatigue;
dyspnea;
burning in the chest.

When the lungs are affected, the symptoms of the disease expand slightly. The following indicators are added to the clinical picture:

shallow breathing;
high temperature;
pale or slightly blue skin;
dyspnea.

The syndrome with neuralgia appears piercing, aching, dull, burning pain. The pathology also manifests itself in redness or pallor of the skin, increased sweating, muscle cramps. All symptoms intensify when inhaling, coughing, sudden movements and changes in the body.

Diagnostics

If there are frequent pain attacks, the patient should consult a specialist. With such a symptom, the patient may need to consult a surgeon, gastroenterologist, infectious disease specialist, traumatologist and gynecologist for women.

To diagnose the disease, the patient needs to undergo the following examination methods, which are prescribed after the initial examination and establishment of a presumptive diagnosis:

blood, urine, stool analysis;
Ultrasound of internal organs;
X-ray;
tomography;

It is also important for the doctor to conduct differential diagnosis, since pain of this nature is a feature of the pre-infarction state and myocardial infarction.

Based on the diagnostic results, therapy is prescribed. Doctors often try to get rid of the source of symptoms in a conservative way.

Treatment

In the treatment of each disease, the doctor chooses drug treatment. If the patient has serious pathologies or complications, then surgical intervention is prescribed.

If a patient has frequent stabbing pain in the left hypochondrium or an attack of any other nature, then treatment should be carried out in a hospital setting. Based on the causes of the symptom, medication treatment is prescribed, if necessary, surgery, physiotherapy, massages and therapeutic exercises.

Also, in eliminating the symptom and treating the pathology, it is important for the patient to adhere to proper nutrition. In diet therapy there are basic rules that must be followed for a quick recovery:

eat at least 5 times a day;
all ingredients for dishes must be fresh;
food should be boiled, stewed or steamed, and not fried;
there should be enough in the diet fresh vegetables and fruits;
in case of stomach upsets, it is important to eat grated and crushed foods, so as not to irritate the mucous membrane;
observe temperature regime dishes.

Prevention

At the first pain attack, a person needs to think about his health. It is important to get tested and adhere to proper nutrition. IN preventive measures can be carried out spa treatment, massages and gymnastics. Strong physical activity is contraindicated for the patient, as it also provokes pain.

If pain appears under the left hypochondrium, you should consult a specialist to find out the real reason this state and choose the most effective way eliminating it. The pain cannot be ignored. Any unpleasant sensations, especially on the left side of the body, where many important organs are located, must be analyzed.

Organs of the left hypochondrium

What does pain in the left hypochondrium on the side mean? Nerve endings are located in this area large vessels, lymph nodes, muscles, certain organs, subcutaneous tissue- all of them can be a source of sharp, stabbing and pulling pain in the left hypochondrium.

Let us list the organs of the left hypochondrium:

left lung;
left diaphragm area;
pancreas;
left ovary in a woman;
flexure of the colon;
fundus of the stomach;
left kidney;
heart and mediastinum.

To accurately diagnose the cause of pain in the left hypochondrium, it is necessary to evaluate the clinical picture of the malaise, conduct laboratory and instrumental methods research on the basis of which to draw appropriate conclusions.

Pain in the left hypochondrium: causes

Let's look at the main causes of pain in the left hypochondrium.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system

Diseases of the cardiovascular system include:

Cardiomyopathy. The disease is characterized by pain in the left hypochondrium in front and under the breast, chronic fatigue, arrhythmia with increasing physical activity.
Myocardial infarction. In this case, pain in the left hypochondrium radiates to the scapula, shoulder, neck and left arm. The condition is accompanied by nausea and pain in the left hypochondrium, low-grade fever, fever, increased heat transfer body, darkening of the eyes.
Ischemic disease. It is characterized by acute stabbing pain in the left hypochondrium, during which it is difficult to breathe, tachycardia, and nausea.

Stomach diseases

All pathologies of the stomach are often accompanied by shooting pains in the left hypochondrium, so-called lumbago. These include polyps and. Of course, with different diseases, the nature of the pain may vary: for example, with gastritis, pain in the left hypochondrium occurs during eating and has a burning character; with an ulcer, the pain is aching, with concomitant dyspeptic disorders and loss of appetite.

Pain in the left hypochondrium when walking or running can be either a symptom of gastritis or a physiological condition caused by poor warm-up or excessive physical exertion.

Pancreatic diseases

Diseases of the pancreas include:

Pancreatitis. This pathology is characterized by constant mild pain in the left hypochondrium. Pain may intensify at night and after eating.
Cancerous tumor. Pancreatic cancer is characterized by a sharp, stabbing pain in the left hypochondrium. The intensity of pain depends on the stage of the cancer process.

Spleen diseases

The spleen is responsible for filtering the blood, purifying it from harmful substances- toxins, breakdown products of medications, etc. If the spleen is damaged, severe twitching pain occurs in the left hypochondrium. If an organ ruptures, the pain becomes unbearable.

Also, pain in the left hypochondrium can be caused by the following factors:

overeating and tendency to constipation;
alcoholism;
internal organ injuries;
diaphragm hernia.

All of the above reasons can threaten human health. If pain occurs in the left hypochondrium, it is necessary to be examined and receive appropriate medical advice.

Types of pain

The nature of the pain helps in diagnosing a specific disease.

Dull and nagging pain

Dull nagging pain in the left hypochondrium occurs due to chronic pathologies digestive tract such as gastritis, . Their diagnosis is complicated by the similarity of the clinical picture with other diseases, so a number of diagnostic tests are required.

Sharp pain

Sharp point pain in the left hypochondrium, which has a “dagger” character, requires emergency care. Causes of acute stabbing pain: rupture of the spleen, rupture of the left kidney, perforation of the stomach wall and perforation of a loop of the small intestine.

It's a dull pain

Aching pain is observed with sluggish inflammatory diseases: duodenitis and colitis. If it is accompanied by dyspeptic disorders, most likely we're talking about O . Pressing sensations with pain in the left hypochondrium are usually a symptom of serious heart pathologies such as angina pectoris, coronary artery disease, pre-infarction condition and heart attack.

Throbbing pain

Most often, throbbing pain in the left hypochondrium indicates pancreatitis. The condition is accompanied by vomiting mixed with bile, bloating, increased body temperature, swelling of the extremities and excessive sweating. The patient takes different positions to relieve discomfort.

Differences in pain by mechanism of occurrence

The mechanism of formation of pain is important for a specialist who determines pathology and problems in the organ system.

The following mechanisms of pain formation are distinguished:

Referred pain comes from damaged organs localized in another part, for example: osteochondrosis, liver disease, pleurisy.
Visceral pain occurs from the inside, usually due to intestinal spasms or problems with gastric motility, usually accompanied by flatulence and intestinal colic.
Peritoneal pain associated with irritation of the abdominal organs, for example, with a stomach ulcer. Pain in the left hypochondrium intensifies with breathing and sudden movements.
Pain in the left hypochondrium anteriorly requires the exclusion of infarction and intestinal colitis, most often indicating diseases of the spleen and stomach.
The cause of pain in the left hypochondrium behind is the pathology of the left kidney, the pain is constant and intense. If kidney disease is excluded, suspicion falls on osteochondrosis of the spine in the thoracic and lumbar region.
Girdle pain in the left hypochondrium usually indicates the presence of inflammation in the pancreas.

Treatment

Treatment for pain in the left hypochondrium depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms present.

During development acute condition first of all therapeutic measures are aimed at eliminating pain and then eliminating the cause of the pathology in a hospital setting. If a person knows that he has chronic disease, then he should be able to independently eliminate acute attacks pain before contacting a doctor. To do this, he must always have available medicines recommended by a doctor, especially when it comes to heart disease, stomach ulcers and intestinal problems.

Symptomatic treatment of pain in the left hypochondrium should only be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. Any methods of self-medication can distort the symptoms of the disease, aggravate its further course, and cause a number of complications, including life-threatening ones. Therefore, you cannot rely on the advice of friends, treatment instructions offered by the media. It is important to find out what pain in the left hypochondrium means by taking a necessary tests and undergoing a full examination.

Any pain that occurs in the left hypochondrium is a serious reason to visit a doctor. Treatment usually begins with a visit to a general practitioner, who, based on identified symptoms, refers the patient to a specialist - a gastroenterologist, nephrologist or cardiologist.

During initial examination The doctor excludes reasons such as:

splenic rupture;
appendicitis;
kidney rupture;
volvulus;
heart attack and pre-infarction condition.

Depending on the cause and severity of the disease, treatment may include:

medicines;
physical therapy;
massage;
physical therapy;
surgical intervention.

With modern oncological tension, such signs of ailments as constant dull aching pain in the left hypochondrium, aggravated by physical activity, aversion to certain food products, persistent anemia and low-grade fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite, stool disorders should alert a person, especially at an advanced age. Oncological diseases dangerous due to asymptomatic progression initial stage. Therefore, if you experience any persistent pain in the hypochondrium, you should consult a doctor to find out the cause of this condition and carry out timely treatment.