Pain in ribs what is it

A cold can also cause pleuritis, which is inflammation of the lining of your lungs and the inner aspect of your chest wall called pleura. Our app works by showing you how doctors have diagnosed symptoms like rib cage pain in people like you in the past. Other causes may include a sprain in the muscles of your neck cervical sprain or inflammation in your stomach peptic ulcer disease , parts of your body which are located nearby.

Rib or chest pain is also commonly associated with mood disorders, like anxiety. Lung cancer may also cause rib cage pain, although it is a less common cause. Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can help with pain. If your pain is caused by cough, you can try a cough suppressant. Their function is to protect the organs that lie beneath them.

On the left side, this includes your heart, left lung, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and left kidney. When any of these organs are infected, inflamed, or injured, pain can radiate under and around the left rib cage. Depending on the cause, it might feel sharp and stabbing, or dull and aching. In most cases, left rib cage pain is due to a benign, treatable condition.

Costochondritis refers to inflammation of the cartilage that attaches your ribs to your breastbone. This can happen for several reasons, such as:. It gets worse when you cough, sneeze, or press on your ribs. The pancreas is a gland located near your small intestine in the upper left part of your body.

It secretes enzymes and digestive juices into the small intestine to help break down food. Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of your pancreas. This can be due to:. Pain caused by pancreatitis usually comes on slowly and intensifies after eating. It may come and go or be constant.

Additional symptoms of pancreatitis include:. Your spleen also sits in the upper portion of the left side of your body, near your rib cage.

It helps to remove old or damaged blood cells and produce white ones that fight infection. An enlarged spleen is more likely to rupture than a normal-sized spleen. Broken or bruised ribs.

Check if you have a bruised or broken rib Broken or bruised ribs are usually caused by a fall, a blow to the chest or severe coughing. Symptoms include: strong pain in your chest area, particularly when you breathe in swelling or tenderness around the affected ribs sometimes bruising on the skin feeling or hearing a crack if it's a broken rib Ribs cannot be easily splinted or supported like other bones, so they're usually left to heal naturally. There's often no need for an X-ray.

The most common cause of rib cage pain is costochondritis. Costochondritis occurs when the cartilage connecting your ribs to your sternum is inflamed, causing:. Persistent pain, however, should always be followed up with a doctor. Pregnancy rib pain is common throughout all three trimesters, however particularly during the later stages of pregnancy.

Rarely will rib pain during pregnancy be due to something more serious, but you can talk to one of our doctors today if you want to discuss your symptoms. You should always discuss your symptoms with a doctor when experiencing rib cage pain that you cannot attribute to a recent injury. There are a number of potential underlying causes of rib cage pain.

Other, more serious, causes of rib cage pain, such as lung cancer, are better caught early in order minimise the harm they cause. For the most part, broken, fractured or bruised ribs cannot be treated and will heal over time.

Whilst they heal, it is advised to take pain relief and rest from strenuous activity. You can reduce swelling caused by rib breaks or fractures by applying an ice pack to the area until the swelling subsides. If your rib pain is caused by an underlying illness, your doctor will explore treatment options specific to your diagnosis. If your doctor suspects you have a serious condition, you may be sent for additional tests.

Our doctors are available days a year to talk to you about your symptoms, and where possible prescribe medication to alleviate your symptoms. Every one of our doctors is registered with the General Medical Council and can be found on the NHS National Performers List, so you know you are only ever receiving the best possible care and advice.

They are experienced in treating a wide range of conditions, and can help with almost everything your regular GP could in a physical surgery. You can meet some of our doctors here.