Pain on the left side under the ribs – what could it mean?

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Pain on the left side under the ribs, due to its location, is usually associated with ailments of the digestive system organs in this part of the abdominal cavity, i.e. stomach, spleen, pancreas or colon. The nagging pain on the left side under the ribs does not make a clear diagnosis for us, because it is not specific to one disease, therefore, in order to determine its cause, we should go to an internist who will refer us to appropriate tests. Then appropriate treatment can be initiated.

Usually, such ailments are associated with disorders in the digestive system. They usually concern:

1. the stomach – most often then we are dealing with Helicobacter Pylori infection, erosions of the gastric mucosa appear, it often also indicates the use of an incorrect diet that disrupts the bacterial flora and acidity of the stomach. You can test for Helicobacter pylori bacteria without leaving your home by purchasing a mail-order test package.
2. spleen – in the case of splenomegaly, i.e. enlargement of the spleen, then it is manifested by pain on the left side under the ribs,
3. pancreas – stabbing pain on the left side under the ribs also annoys when a cyst appears on the tail of the pancreas causing pressure on the surrounding organs. You can buy a blood test for pancreatic diseases at medonetmarket.pl.
4. Colon – Chronic inflammation can lead to splenic flexion in the colon, which causes pain.

To consult ailments from the digestive system and find their cause, it is worth making an appointment with a gastroenterologist.

Pain on the left side under the ribs – how to diagnose

Pain on the left side under the ribs may be diagnosed in many ways simultaneously, i.e. multidirectionally. It is crucial that the doctor conducts a thorough interview with the patient, which will allow for initial orientation diagnostics. It is customary at the beginning to carry out a palpation (i.e. an examination by touch, possibly pressure), which allows to determine the intensity of pain on the left under the ribsand helps you tell if any of your organs appear swollen.

When diagnosing digestive system disorders, it is best to do so under the supervision of a specialist. You can take advantage of remote consultations by signing up for an e-visit with a gastroenterologist via the online platform.

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Specialist researchwhich are used in the next steps diagnostics have:

1. Ultrasound examination – this examination allows the doctor to carefully check the size of the organs, but also allows the detection of pathological changes that may cause pain on the left side under the ribs.
2. Endoscopic examinations – gastroscopy and colonoscopy are distinguished among them. Gastroscopy is a study to look at and evaluate the condition of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Gastroscopy examines the condition of the gastric mucosa and performs a trauma test to determine the presence or absence of Helicobacter pylori. Examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract is performed by colonoscopy. Colonoscopy gives the doctor the opportunity to assess the condition of the large intestine for the presence of diverticula, ulcers, polyps and any internal bleeding that may cause pain on the left side under the ribs. During this examination, in the case of disturbing changes, samples are taken for histopathological examination.

The basic imaging examination in the case of pain under the ribs is an abdominal ultrasound, which can be arranged privately and then consulted with a doctor. If necessary, he will refer the patient to endoscopic examinations.

Pain on the left side under the ribs – treatment

Pain treatment on the left side under the ribs will be strictly determined by the type of ailments identified. Sometimes it turns out that a change of diet or only pharmacological treatment will be enough. This will be the case with Helicobacter pylori infections, when the patient is to use antibiotics and protective drugs.

1. Find out more about Helicobacter pylori infection

In the case of diagnosis surgical treatment may be indicated, although it all depends diagnosis.

Check if you should consult a doctor? Go through the initial medical interview yourself.