HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Fluttering Sensation Under Rib Cage?

default
Posted on Tue, 21 Jul 2015
Question: Only at night after I am in bed I get a fluttering feeling just below my ribs in the colon area. what is it and is it something to worry about?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Heera Lal Poonia (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
get electrolyte checked.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, welcome to HCM and thanks for choosing us.

I share your concerns about fluttering sensation you have. There are muscle fasciculations or spasms of diaphragm. Or it could be a intestinal movement too. Or heart flutter.

Reasons behind this could be long time in activity, electrolyte imbalances or some sort of indigestion. If it is a short duration problem, you can wait as it may disappear on it's own in some time. Do some physical activities like walking, if you were not doing.

However if it is prolonged for longer periods and troubles you much, you need to visit a physician and get blood work up done to identify the possible electrolyte imbalances. Low calcium or sodium or potassium can cause fluttering.

I would advise you to get an ECG done as we need to rule out heart related illness because sometimes heart related flutter can be mistaken to be from abdomen.

I hope my reply will help you. Please write to us for more information and follow up queries. I wish you good health. Thanks
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Heera Lal Poonia

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 506 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Fluttering Sensation Under Rib Cage?

Brief Answer: get electrolyte checked. Detailed Answer: Dear XXXX, welcome to HCM and thanks for choosing us. I share your concerns about fluttering sensation you have. There are muscle fasciculations or spasms of diaphragm. Or it could be a intestinal movement too. Or heart flutter. Reasons behind this could be long time in activity, electrolyte imbalances or some sort of indigestion. If it is a short duration problem, you can wait as it may disappear on it's own in some time. Do some physical activities like walking, if you were not doing. However if it is prolonged for longer periods and troubles you much, you need to visit a physician and get blood work up done to identify the possible electrolyte imbalances. Low calcium or sodium or potassium can cause fluttering. I would advise you to get an ECG done as we need to rule out heart related illness because sometimes heart related flutter can be mistaken to be from abdomen. I hope my reply will help you. Please write to us for more information and follow up queries. I wish you good health. Thanks