A 52-year-old man with a history of coronary disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and amphetamine abuse presents to the emergency department with left upper quadrant (LUQ) abdominal pain that began ... Pain in the upper left side of your abdomen, often referred to as upper left quadrant pain, is usually indicative of something wrong with the organs and/or tissue structures located on that area of the torso. Left upper quadrant pain—that sharp, dull, or nagging discomfort beneath your left ribs—sends thousands to the doctor each year.

Understanding the Context

Pain in this area can arise from digestive issues like gastritis, organ problems involving the spleen or pancreas, or even serious conditions affecting the heart or lungs. Left upper quadrant (LUQ) pain stems from conditions that affect organs like your spleen, kidney, or stomach. It's best to see a doctor if your LUQ pain worsens or lasts more than 48... The left upper quadrant contains the spleen and the stomach, with pain possibly pointing to gastritis or splenic disorders.

Key Insights

The right lower quadrant is home to the appendix and portions of the large intestine, making pain here a concern for appendicitis or gastrointestinal problems. Here's a list of some of the potential causes of left side pain under the ribs (or pain in the LUQ — left upper quadrant — in medical lingo) and when to seek care from a doctor. Learn about potential causes of pain in your upper left abdomen and when to seek medical help. This leaflet looks at pains which can develop in the upper part of the tummy (abdomen) on your left hand side. It deals with possible causes, how a diagnosis might be made and what the treatment might be.

Final Thoughts

This article lists and explains 10 possible causes of upper left abdominal pain under the ribs and explains when a person with this symptom should contact a healthcare professional. Upper left abdominal pain under ribs: 10 causes - Medical News Today Learn the causes of upper left abdominal pain, including digestive, spleen, pancreas, kidney, heart, lung, and muscle issues, plus symptoms and when to seek care.