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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain Under The Rib Cage

I have pain under my left rib cage. It becomes more painful when I breathe. Laying on my left side in painful also. Could it be my spleen? Should I go to the ER asap. I feel no pain when I sit still or walk at a normal pace. I am a 59 yo female. I drink alcohol 4-5 times a week. I have drank heavily most of my life.
posted on Sun, 18 Jan 2015
Twitter Tue, 24 Mar 2015 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 24 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for your query.
Left side chest pain is what we are always afraid of as heart issues can give such symptom.
However if the pain has appeared suddenly with shortness of breath and someradiation to the arm, pneumothorax is possible. This condition can appear with no reason. Sometimes sudden cough or sudden lift of heavy object can cause it. It is more possible if you smoke or have chronic lungs disease like asthma or bronchitis.
If nothing like that is present, strained muscle is the most probable reason. Strained muscle usually appears only when the chest is moving, and should be completely gone when lying down and not breathing.
If the pain is sharp and well localized, more intense when breathing, rib nerve issue is the most probable reason.
In both cases, rest and anti-inflammatory medicines like Diclophenac should help.
If the pneumothorax sounds possible, you should have chest x-ray done as soon as possible

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more concern.
Warm Regards.
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Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain Under The Rib Cage

Hi, Thanks for your query. Left side chest pain is what we are always afraid of as heart issues can give such symptom. However if the pain has appeared suddenly with shortness of breath and someradiation to the arm, pneumothorax is possible. This condition can appear with no reason. Sometimes sudden cough or sudden lift of heavy object can cause it. It is more possible if you smoke or have chronic lungs disease like asthma or bronchitis. If nothing like that is present, strained muscle is the most probable reason. Strained muscle usually appears only when the chest is moving, and should be completely gone when lying down and not breathing. If the pain is sharp and well localized, more intense when breathing, rib nerve issue is the most probable reason. In both cases, rest and anti-inflammatory medicines like Diclophenac should help. If the pneumothorax sounds possible, you should have chest x-ray done as soon as possible Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more concern. Warm Regards.