What Can Be Done For Upper Left Quadrant Pain When Diagnosed With IBS?

Posted on Tue, 25 Apr 2023

Question: Had a CT scan with contrast because of upper left quadrant pain. Scan didn't show anything. Dr says I have IBS c. Would a ct show something? this pain is almost like a baby kicking me in the ribs but im not pregnant.

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
CT was not a good choice.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

CT scan is basically X ray rotated through 360 degree angle so I don't think it is very effective in visualizing intestines or spleen (tail of pancreas and spleen) are they are on upper left side. CT better visualizes organs with more calcium contents.
To visualized such organs usually MRI is done because strong magnetic field splits water and hence activity of every organ could be known through MRI. Under-performing organ would take less water from blood.

CT was not a good choice. Not futile but not a good choice.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar
Gastroenterologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (2 hours later)

OK thanks. is it possible the pain is coming from my ribs? I have pain when I press down and grab like in the attached picture. my pain comes and goes sometimes its intense and hurts to lay on that side, other days I don't feel it at all. I'm really worried about it being pain from my heart as ive read that pain below the left breast can be heart related.

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Pain due to cardiac cause is never related to pressing ribs or chest externally and is not relieved by either change in position.
As per the pictures this could be muscular pain.

Please consult a physiotherapist for general examination and see if pain responds to anti inflammatory like Tylenol. It is not cardiac.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar
Gastroenterologist

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

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (13 hours later)

could it be costochondritis and if so can this cause stabbing pain under the left breast/chest? can it last months off and on with some days no pain and other days lots? thanks!

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Yes, it could be costochondritic pain also. You should go for a complete physical examination by a sports medicine MD.

Another easy way is take over the counter Tylenol for 3 days and see if pain responds to it. Pain relievers are very effective in costochondritic pain.

Hope I have answered your query.

Thank you.

Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar
Gastroenterologist

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana