Suggest Treatment For Discomfort Near The Rib Cage

Posted on Sat, 20 Jun 2015

Question: I am experiencing some discomfort on my left side where my rib cage meets my diaphragm. About two inches from center. I feel it when sitting in a chair. When I lean forward the discomfort goes away.

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can be most likely Costochondritis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking HCM.

I have gone through your query. Your problem can be most likely costochondritis.
Do you feel pain while palpation or pressing the area?
Such pain will be characteristic for this. Another problem which cause pain in that area is esophagitis but this will be associated with pain while swallowing foods and drinks.

As the pain is on left side better to have an ECG to rule out cardiac problems to be on safe side.

Costochondritis can be managed by applying gels of anti inflammatory agents like ketoprofen or nimusulide for local application. Taking oral ketoprofen also can be tried if pain is more. If all these not helping then local injection of corticosteroids or anesthetics will be helpful.

Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Nishad BN (14 minutes later)

I've had that before only higher in my rib cage and it was very painful. This doesn't appear to be the same thing. It's like something inside is larger than its supposed to be. And when I push on that area something moves. I'm fairly sure the discomfort is not from anything with the heart. The discomfort is greater after eating.

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.

Thank you for your follow up.

If you feel the pain while pressing superficially then it can be most likely costochondritis and it can be managed by anti inflammatory gels like ketoprofen.

But if the discomfort is there when eating then it can be due to esophagitis. In such case taking proton pump inhibitors like rabeprazole and motility enhancers like domperidone will be helpful. This two are prescription drugs. As over the counter you can get proton pump inhibitors like esomeprazole in brands like nexium. This should be taken for 4 weeks.

Avoid spicy foods , carbonated drinks and hot foods. Alcohol and smoking should be avoided as well.

If this is not helping then a consultation with a physician is well appreciated. A chest X ray and esophagoscopy might be required in such case.

Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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