What organ lies under the left rib cage?

Your spleen is an organ that sits just below your left rib cage. Many conditions — including infections, liver disease and some cancers — can cause an enlarged spleen

enlarged spleen

If an enlarged spleen causes serious complications or the cause can't be identified or treated, surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy) might be an option. In chronic or critical cases, surgery might offer the best hope for recovery. Elective spleen removal requires careful consideration.

https://www.mayoclinic.org › enlarged-spleen › drc-20354331

Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

.

When should I worry about pain under my left rib cage?

If you think your spleen could be damaged due to injury, you may have pain around the left ribs or just below, and you may feel faint or have a faster heart rate. If you experience these symptoms, you should go to your nearest emergency department immediately.

What is pain under left rib cage?

Pain located under the left rib cage is typically associated with infection or inflammation in the stomach or injury to any other organs located on the left side of the body (like the heart, spleen, pancreas, lung or left kidney).

When should I worry about upper left side pain?

When to see a doctor. As you can see, the cause of upper left abdominal pain varies significantly and may be from something as minor as heartburn. However, if the pain is new, persistent, and severe, you should visit your doctor.

What spleen pain feels like?

Spleen pain is usually felt as a pain behind your left ribs. It may be tender when you touch the area. This can be a sign of a damaged, ruptured or enlarged spleen.

Left Side Abdominal Pain Under Ribs – Causes

How do you check your spleen at home?

Palpation for splenic enlargement should begin with the patient supine and with knees flexed. Using the right hand, the examiner should begin well below the left costal margin and feel gently but firmly for the splenic edge by pushing down, then cephalad, then releasing (Figure 150.1).

How do you know if your spleen is inflamed?

An enlarged spleen typically causes no signs or symptoms, but sometimes it causes: Pain or fullness in the left upper belly that can spread to the left shoulder. A feeling of fullness without eating or after eating a small amount because the spleen is pressing on your stomach. Low red blood cells (anemia)

What are the warning signs of pancreatitis?

What does the pain of pancreatitis feel like?

If you have acute pancreatitis, you may experience: Moderate to severe upper abdominal pain that may spread to your back. Pain that comes on suddenly or builds up over a few days. Pain that worsens when eating.

Can gallbladder cause left side pain under ribs?

Pain frequently increases when drawing a breath. Pain may also radiate to the back or occur under the shoulder blades, behind the breastbone, or on the left side. About a third of patients have fever and chills. Nausea and vomiting may occur.

Can bowel problems cause pain under ribs?

Gastrointestinal problems, such as indigestion, can cause RUQ pain. RUQ pain can result from gastrointestinal issues, such as indigestion or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Where do you feel pancreatic pain?

The most common symptom of both acute and chronic pancreatitis is pain in the upper abdominal area, usually under the ribs. This pain: May be mild at first and get worse after eating or drinking. May become constant, severe, and last for several days.

Can a stomach ulcer cause pain under left rib?

Stomach ulcers are sores that occur on the lining of your stomach and they cause a burning pain in your abdomen, which can be felt under the left side and right side of your ribs.

Should I go to the ER for upper left abdominal pain?

If the abdominal pain is severe and unrelenting, your stomach is tender to the touch, or if the pain extends to your back, you should immediately visit the closest emergency department.

What organ is upper left abdomen?

The upper left side of your abdomen is home to several of your major internal organs. Your spleen and a large portion of your stomach reside in the upper left side of your abdomen, as well as portions of your pancreas, left kidney, your large colon, and your liver.

What organs are on your left side?

5 Common Causes of Abdominal Pain on the Left Side of Your Body. It can be easier to self-diagnose left side pain when you know what organs are on the left side of your body. The organs located in your left abdomen include your colon, left kidney, spleen, stomach, and pancreas.

What are the symptoms of your pancreas not working properly?

Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis

Constant pain in your upper belly that radiates to your back. This pain may be disabling. Diarrhea and weight loss because your pancreas isn't releasing enough enzymes to break down food. Upset stomach and vomiting.

Where is my pancreas located female?

It lies across your body where your ribs meet at the bottom of your breastbone, just behind your stomach. It is about 6 inches (15 centimetres) long and shaped like a leaf. The pancreas has 3 parts: the wide end is called the head.

What does poop look like with pancreatitis?

When pancreatic disease messes with the organ's ability to properly manufacture those enzymes, your stool looks paler and becomes less dense. You may also notice your poop is oily or greasy. “The toilet water will have a film that looks like oil,” Dr.

What color is stool with pancreatitis?

Disorders that affect the pancreas

Chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, a blockage in the pancreatic duct, or cystic fibrosis can also turn your stool yellow. These conditions prevent your pancreas from providing enough of the enzymes your intestines need to digest food.

What triggers pancreatitis?

The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is having gallstones. Gallstones cause inflammation of your pancreas as stones pass through and get stuck in a bile or pancreatic duct.

What foods irritate the spleen?

Can an enlarged spleen go back to normal?

What Is the Prognosis for Enlarged Spleen? Depending upon the cause, the enlarged spleen may return to normal size and function when the underlying disease is treated or resolved. Commonly, in infectious mononucleosis, the spleen returns to normal as the infection gets better.

What foods heal the spleen?