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What Causes Sudden Onset Of Stabbing Pain Under Left Ribs?
Question: I am having sudden onset of stabbing pain under my left ribs. Acute, make me start to sweat, and has been happening on and off for a week. Began only when I lied down and the pain would wake me from a deep sleep, and sitting up would bring relief, now it is both. I have been to the GP, blood tests clear, urine clear, liver function clear, kidneys clear, inflammatory markers clear, no fever or nausea, no trauma to the area
Brief Answer:
Probably Bornholm's disease
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM and thanks for your query.
Pain under the left ribcage does not have to be a pain originating at that site or even in the abdomen. A pain originating at one site but felt at another site is called a referred pain. Since the investigations routinely done are negative, other investigations like abdominal ultrasound, chest X ray and radiology of the spine may be required.
One disease that is required to consider is Bornholm's disease which is also called the Devil's grip. It is caused by an infection with a virus. This causes pain in the chest or tummy (abdomen), with flu-like symptoms. In most cases it is not a serious illness, and the pain gets better as the infection clears.
Probably Bornholm's disease
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM and thanks for your query.
Pain under the left ribcage does not have to be a pain originating at that site or even in the abdomen. A pain originating at one site but felt at another site is called a referred pain. Since the investigations routinely done are negative, other investigations like abdominal ultrasound, chest X ray and radiology of the spine may be required.
One disease that is required to consider is Bornholm's disease which is also called the Devil's grip. It is caused by an infection with a virus. This causes pain in the chest or tummy (abdomen), with flu-like symptoms. In most cases it is not a serious illness, and the pain gets better as the infection clears.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
do you recommend any medications or care to stop it from happening?I have looked up Bornholm disease and see that it is from the coxsackie virus... my granddaughter, who I care for, has recently had a bout of hand, foot and mouth which is also the coxsackie virus ...
Thank you so much for easing my concerns and I see it will go soon YEA!
Thank you for your help
Thank you so much for easing my concerns and I see it will go soon YEA!
Thank you for your help
Brief Answer:
Simple NSAID and local applications would relieve
Detailed Answer:
Simple analgesic anti inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen and local applications would suffice.
I am glad that you are relieved of your anxiety and concerns.
Wish you a quick recovery and good health.
I shall be happy to answer any queries you might have in the future.
Have a good day
Dr Noble Zachariah
Simple NSAID and local applications would relieve
Detailed Answer:
Simple analgesic anti inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen and local applications would suffice.
I am glad that you are relieved of your anxiety and concerns.
Wish you a quick recovery and good health.
I shall be happy to answer any queries you might have in the future.
Have a good day
Dr Noble Zachariah
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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