What Causes Left Sided Rib Pain While Recovering From Pancreatitis?

Posted on Mon, 27 Mar 2017

Question: Was in hospital 4 days with pancreatitis. Have been home a week - staying hydrated and taking care by what I eat. Still discomfort in front left side toward bottom of rib cage. When I awoke this morning I also had pain (about a 6-7) in left side of rib cage in back. Hurts to take a deep breath. I have no idea what this is about? could it still be the pancreatitis or is something else going on with that? Should I go to ER?

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It could be due to Pancreatitis only.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
It takes few weeks for Pancreas to come back to normalcy.
The pain that radiates to back is typical Pancreatic pain.
Another important finding that is seen in Pancreatitis is Pleural effusion. X ray chest/Ultrasound will confirm the diagnosis.
Serum Amylase and Lipase levels tell the severity of the disease.
Abscesses and Necrosis can occur in Pancreatitis leading to severe pain.
Please go to ER and proceed further.If possible, get a CT scan which gives clear picture.
Hope I answered your query.If you have any questions, I will clarify further.
Wish you good health
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D