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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Having Sharp Stabbing Pains In Left Side, Tried Antacids. Feel Stabbing In Lower Left Rib Cage. What Is It ?

I started having sharp stabbing pains in my left side yesterday and it has gotten worse this morning. I have tried antacids and I have chosen to not eat dinner last night or breakfast this morning to ensure it wasn t food or indigestion. About every 3 minutes feels like a knife being jabbed in lower left rib cage. I do have a history of irritable bowel syndrome .
Wed, 20 Mar 2013
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

As you have noticed, this pain most likely is not caused by digestive tract problem.
Chest pain should be always checked with heart issues. Especially if your pain radiates to the left arm or jaw, any shortness of breath appears. I suggest you to visit your doctor and have heart ECG and heart enzymes checked.
If no heart problems, such pain can also appear due to rib nerves irritation (due to local inflammation or spine disc herniation). Muscular pain is also available.
Stomach disease is also possible, however the pain usually appears after a meal and acid reflux is present. In such case upper GI endoscopy should be done.
To get rid of nerve or muscular pain, Diclophenac 50 mg twice a day with Omeprasole 20 mg once a day (should be prescribed by your doctor) will be helpful. Physical therapy can also give relief.

Hope this will help.
Regards.
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Having Sharp Stabbing Pains In Left Side, Tried Antacids. Feel Stabbing In Lower Left Rib Cage. What Is It ?

Hello! Thank you for the query. As you have noticed, this pain most likely is not caused by digestive tract problem. Chest pain should be always checked with heart issues. Especially if your pain radiates to the left arm or jaw, any shortness of breath appears. I suggest you to visit your doctor and have heart ECG and heart enzymes checked. If no heart problems, such pain can also appear due to rib nerves irritation (due to local inflammation or spine disc herniation). Muscular pain is also available. Stomach disease is also possible, however the pain usually appears after a meal and acid reflux is present. In such case upper GI endoscopy should be done. To get rid of nerve or muscular pain, Diclophenac 50 mg twice a day with Omeprasole 20 mg once a day (should be prescribed by your doctor) will be helpful. Physical therapy can also give relief. Hope this will help. Regards.