What Causes Pain In Left Side Of Rib Cage?

Posted on Sat, 28 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 28 Jun 2014 Answered on

Fri, 18 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I have Epstein Barr virus (sp?). Yesterday, I felt a dull ache under my left side rib cage. Today when I was working in the garden, I accidentally pushed the kneeling stool into my diaphragm. Since then it hurts with deep breaths and certain movements. What do you think I should do?

Answered by Dr. Hardik Thakker (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Chest xray and abdominal ultrasound

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Greetings from health care magic!!! I am Dr Thakker and shall be answering your question.

I will try my best to answer your question and help you out.

Given your history of Ebstein barr virus infection and injury in the garden I would think of 2 complications:

Rib fracture

Splenic rupture.

I would advice you to have an ray of the chest and ultrasound of the abdomen to rule this out. I would suggest you to take a pain reliever like Aceclofenac in the mean time for symptomatic relief.

I hope this helps you out. If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to write back to me.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Thakker.

Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

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