Suggest Treatment For Sharp Persistent Pain Under Ribs

Posted on Tue, 14 Jul 2015

Question: My adult son has been experiencing sharp unrelenting pain under his ribs on the left side of his body. it's worse when he takes a deep breath. An x-ray didn't show anything, blood tests ruled out infection and no diagnosis has been put forward. A week later, he is still in pain. What could be causing this pain?

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
He should be further investigated.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Spleen is an important abdominal organ which lies beneath the ribs on left side.Lesions of the Spleen will cause pain beneath the ribs on left side.They are better diagnosed by Ultrasound abdomen.
If the Xray Chest and abdomen are normal, then the investigation of choice will be CT Scan of the Chest including Upper abdomen.
If all the above investigations are normal, then the pain could be due to musculoSkeletal cause. Skeletal muscle relaxant tablet containing Thiocolchicoside will help him.
Hope I answered your query.
If you have any questions or if you come back after above investigations, I will clarify further.
Wish him good health.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E