i am in pain....

[neeta407]

i have pain under my left rib...comes and goes....what is causing it?  I sometimes feel like someone is punching me in my rib...how do I stop it?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Sharp stabbing pain under left ribs could be due to acidity with gastric reflux or hiatal hernia. Take a late night snack. Raise head end of bed. Take Omeprazole empty stomach in morning and an antacid gel at bedtime. Refrain from smoking, alcohol, fuzzy drinks and spicy food. Walking around also helps clear gas. I would strongly recommend you to see a gastroenterologist (a specialist who looks after the diseases of our digestive system) if these tips help you. Other than that it could also be costochondritis (responds to local analgesics and heat compress), pleuritis (inflammation of covering of lung) or pericarditis (inflammation of covering of heart). Since you do not mention any other symptoms, it is less likely to be any of these.
Since I cannot examine you and know other related conditions you may be having, nor is a detailed history possible on net, I have listed the various possibilities that should be looked into. Please consult your PCP for primary examination followed by proper referral. Take care!

[mstanfordrn42]

Ok, you can't stop this.  Sorry!!  You shouldn't ignore the symptoms of severe pain however.  Your body is trying to tell you something and you need to listen!!  See you PCP asap.  I am thinking maybe ulcers, pancreatitis, refered gallbladder pain, intestinal issues, heart problems etc.  Or it could just be a problem with the muscles in between your ribcage.  See your PCP and let me know how your doing.  Hope you feel better soon.

[berrihealth]

when you press on your stomach lightly, it is ONLY the area under the left rib?  what about surrounding areas?   it could be a wide array of reasons....