What Causes Sharp Pain Below The Ribcage And In The Back?

Posted on Wed, 29 Jun 2016

Question: I have been having gastro problems, bladder problems and now the sharp pain on my left side(at the bottom of my rib cage and back) I have had ulcers and bouts of e-pilorie ? I am to see an obgyn about the bladder situation next week but now I am wandering could upper constipation be the problem?

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
? Suspecting a gastric or intestinal condition,not constipation to be cause

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. The pain and location described by you is related to your digestive tract, but pain relating to constipation is localised more towards the lower abdomen and not in the region you are experiencing it.

The pain on the left side around the rib region is most probably either due to abdominal ulcers, gastritis, or even a chronic intestinal condition (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome).

I doubt constipation is the problem ma'am, but if it does make you feel better why don't you try:

+Drink plenty of water (at least 3 litres a day)
+Have a diet XXXXXXX in fibre
+Make sure you exercise for at least 30-45 minutes daily
+Increase physical activity
+Try a laxative to aid with digestion

I would also recommend an upper GI endoscopy and an ultrasound of your abdomen and pelvis to find the source of the problem ma'am. I hope this helps, please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

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