Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain Under The Left Rib-cage

Posted on Tue, 6 Dec 2016

Question: Random severe pain starting in either under left ribcage or left side of middle back..had for a month then none..now recurring..went to e.r.and it's definitely not heart issue..sometimes starts and is mild, sometimes so severe that I literally have ended up on floor, yelling in pain..goes away at times especially fairly quick but when it's severe it usually lasts for several hours..seems like no rhyme or reason for cause

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
To rule out kidney stones and spine disease

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query

I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.

Based on your symptoms I would like to rule kidney stones and spinal disc disease.
Would you clarify a few things for me, please?

*what tests or procedures were done in the ER?
*do you have any other medical issues or take any medications?
*how would you describe the quality of your pain? Piercing, compressing, aching, cramping?
Any triggers or relievers?
*does the pain radiate any where else in the body?
*any discomfort or discoloration to the urine? Any change in bowel habits?
*did you lift anything heavy or strain your back?
*any other symptoms like tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, fever, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, sweating, blood in urine ?
*does it hurt to touch the affected area or when you lift your left arm above your head and bend to the opposite side? If so where exactly?

I recommend :
-a physician consult
-an ultrasound abdomen. A CT scan of the abdomen may be required depending on the ultrasound results
-x-rays of the spine (cervical, thoracic and lumbar)
-blood work (complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, liver and kidney function tests)
-urine analysis
-drink plenty of water (about 4 litres) a day if not medically contraindicated.
-take rest, avoid strenuous work. Stay off your feet as much as possible
-avoid too many tomatoes, spicy food and caffeine. Minimize sugary and carbonated drinks.

Based on these a treatment will be made. You shouldn't have to suffer in pain like this. Please seek medical attention to figure out what exactly is wrong.

Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Wish you good health
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar