7 Reasons Why You Have Pain Under Left Rib Cage

Pain under your left rib cage doesn't always mean a heart problem. Here are seven common causes, from costochondritis to kidney stones.

Overview

A sharp zap of pain under your left rib cage might make you think something is wrong with your heart. It is quite natural to worry, but the pain is usually in the upper abdomen and can have several explanations. Here are the most common causes.

Costochondritis

It is an inflammatory condition affecting the cartilage that connects the ribs to your breastbone. This condition causes sudden sharp pain on the left side that worsens with coughing, sneezing, or exercise.

Pericarditis

Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium layer, a fluid-filled sac that surrounds the heart. Inflammation produces dull, aching, or piercing pain, typically worse when lying down, and is often accompanied by high fever.

Problems with the Gut

Gastrointestinal disorders like IBS and IBD can trigger pain under the left rib cage and produce chronic abdominal discomfort that radiates to the chest.

Gastritis

Inflammation of the stomach lining in the upper abdomen induces pain under the left rib cage. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and early satiety.

Broken or Bruised Ribs

A broken or bruised rib worsens with inhalation or movement and is typically caused by powerful chest trauma.

Kidney Stones

They are solid, crystallized clusters of minerals that form an actual stone. Depending on size, they cause stabbing lower left abdominal pain that may radiate to the left rib cage.

Intercostal Neuralgia

One of the less common causes is intercostal neuralgia, a condition where nerve pain occurs along the ribs, chest, or abdomen. It can result from chest surgery or shingles infection.