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What Causes Constant Pressure Below Left Rib?

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Posted on Thu, 9 Oct 2014
Question: dull/pressure constant below left rib (.5 inches down) and 1 inch to the left of the xiphoid process. I cannot feel anything there but lightly rubbing helps. what could this be?

History over last 2 months- ultrasound said spleen 14.5 cm and fatty liver. after this ct with contrast die said spleen and all other organs normal. Chest X-ray normal. wBC 10.4 with absolute monocytes 1.1. All other wbc absolutes normal. All other blood work normal except for alt 73.

lower down if I push under my ribs and take a deep breath I can feel something hit my fingers. I assume my spleen though the ct said normal size. could whatever this is cause the dull ache higher up? Neither scans saw anything so I assume no tumors?

What could cause this and if it is not the spleen what else might hit my fingers. It is more of an annoyance since the pressure is pretty constant just below the rib. Thank you!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Pressure feeling under below costal arch.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for asking Health Care Magic
As you have done chest X ray ultrasound and CT with contrast all possible pathologies like diaphragmatic hernia problems with liver and spleen etc can be ruled out.
You feel a pulsation or pressure feeling when you push under and take breath, that means it is most likely epigastric pulsation.Below that if you push more deeper and feel you will get abdominal aortic pulsation.Those are usual normal findings.The discomfort you feel is most likely due to exsisting gastritis.
You dont need to worry about this as you have done all the possible tests to rule out any abnormalities.You should check your blood pressure level.If it is high also you may get that feeling.If every thing is clear then if you were my patient i will advise you anxiolytics.
Alt is slightly increased.If you consuming alcohol avoid it.That will get back the ALT if that was the cause.Also can get non alcoholic fatty liver in non alcoholics which is mostly related to unbalanced diet and diet with absence of vitamins.You can correct that by getting regular exercise and proper diet.Avoid excessive consuption of fatty foods and junks.
Hope this may help you.Let me know if anything unclear.I am happy to help you.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Nishad BN (1 hour later)
thank you Doctor. The discomfort is just below the left rib near the xiphoid and sees closer to the diaphragm. with the other location I hook my fingers under my ribs and take s deep breath. something firm hits my fingers. two different locations. both up near diaphragm and left rib. Had colonoscopy in XXXXXXX with diverticulosis, 3 benign polyps. forgot this info. I was tested for XXXXXXX auto immune, and full liver panel with gastro doc. said all looks fine. Does this info change anything? Sorry if my information was off on the location.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Most likely epigastric pulsation

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for your follow up query.
The area you mentioned with that sensation is most likely epigastric pulsation.The problems you mentioned like diverticulosis is unlikely to cause such a feeling on that area.You have ruled out all problems relating to that area.So you dont need to worry.Hope this may help you.Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Nishad BN

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 5482 Questions

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What Causes Constant Pressure Below Left Rib?

Brief Answer: Pressure feeling under below costal arch. Detailed Answer: Hi Thank you for asking Health Care Magic As you have done chest X ray ultrasound and CT with contrast all possible pathologies like diaphragmatic hernia problems with liver and spleen etc can be ruled out. You feel a pulsation or pressure feeling when you push under and take breath, that means it is most likely epigastric pulsation.Below that if you push more deeper and feel you will get abdominal aortic pulsation.Those are usual normal findings.The discomfort you feel is most likely due to exsisting gastritis. You dont need to worry about this as you have done all the possible tests to rule out any abnormalities.You should check your blood pressure level.If it is high also you may get that feeling.If every thing is clear then if you were my patient i will advise you anxiolytics. Alt is slightly increased.If you consuming alcohol avoid it.That will get back the ALT if that was the cause.Also can get non alcoholic fatty liver in non alcoholics which is mostly related to unbalanced diet and diet with absence of vitamins.You can correct that by getting regular exercise and proper diet.Avoid excessive consuption of fatty foods and junks. Hope this may help you.Let me know if anything unclear.I am happy to help you. Thanks.