What Causes Sharp Pain Under Rib Cage?

Posted on Thu, 21 Aug 2014

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

Thu, 21 Aug 2014 Answered on

Sat, 6 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : i am experiencing sharp stabbing pain on my left side up under my rib cage. it comes and goes quickly coup;e an hour

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Differential- mainly 4

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal
There are couple of possibilities.
I will tell them one by one with associated investigations needed.
I am listing the causes as per most important and most possible differential diagnosis.

1. heart condition: though unlikely, it has to be ruled out since the effects of missed diagnosis are obviously drastic. Suggest an ekg

2. chest condition: there is something called as pleura: it covers the lungs. Its infection causes sharp shooting pain. If there is an infection, a chest x ray may help us.

3. musculoskeletal event: any trauma may result into similar pain (occasionally). Our chest x ray should help us diagnose it too.

4. gasrtitis: usually causes a dull pain. But possible, considering the short duration of pain. No investigation needed here. A simple antacid may help.

Best of luck
Feel free to ask a follow up related query
Dr Mittal

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