What Causes A Fluttering Sensation Below The Rib Cage?

Posted on Tue, 27 Jan 2015

Question: I feel a fluttering sensation just below my rib cage, right in the center which causes a tickle in my throat and makes me want to cough. I've had it for a couple of days now. Any ideas what this might be?

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Pulsations/fluttering sensation in epigastrium

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.

Pulsations/fluttering sensation in epigastrium (just below rib cage in the center) may be there in thin abdomen where in aortic pulsations are visible (physiological), particularly in excitement.
Other possibilities might be Aneurysm of abdominal aorta (expansible palpation)
Pulsatile liver (transmitted hepatic pulsation-Lt lobe of liver in tricuspid incompetence) or RT ventricular hypertrophy/enlargement
You need to undergo abdominal ultrasonography +/- 2D-echocardiography since EKG is normal.

I would like to know do you have any history of acid reflux or GERD.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (17 minutes later)

Thank you for your ideas. I have no history of acid reflux nor GERD.

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please let me know the investigation reports, any previous and Thyroid tests.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.

Fluttering sensation in epigastrium & cough indicates vagal stimulation.
Please let me know the investigation reports including previous reports and any thyroid function tests (T3,T4,TSH) done.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari