Pain under the left chest can be a sign of some gastrointestinal diseases such as indigestion, gastric reflux, and colorectal cancer.
The location of the stomach, pancreas and spleen are all located under the left ribs, so pain under the left chest may come from a gastrointestinal problem.
Undigested
Indigestion is discomfort in the left upper abdomen just below the chest, the right upper abdomen, or both sides. Causes can be due to overeating, anxiety, stomach infection… Symptoms include abdominal pain after eating very little, pain between the sternum and navel, feeling nauseous, burning or bloating.
Patients should eat many small meals and control stress to control mild indigestion. Indigestion usually goes away after a week or two. If symptoms last longer, the patient should see a doctor for examination.
Gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when stomach contents reflux into the esophagus, which can cause a burning sensation in the chest, ie the area under the left chest, especially when lying down. Prolonged illness leads to difficulty swallowing, sore throat or cough.
Patients can control the symptoms of the disease by avoiding spicy and fatty foods and limiting eating too much, especially near bedtime. Patients should see a doctor if lifestyle changes are not effective.
Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome can cause severe or dull abdominal pain, bloating, pain that can spread to the area under the left chest, accompanied by bloating, diarrhea or constipation. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), irritable bowel syndrome can be controlled by changing lifestyle and diet.
Abdominal pain under the left chest can be caused by some digestive diseases. Image: Mr. Chi
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis occurs when cells in the pancreas become irritated, leading to inflammation. The main causes include gallstones, drinking too much alcohol, and infections. People with pancreatitis often have symptoms such as pain, tightness in the upper abdomen, prolonged discomfort or severe pain after eating. In some cases, fever, nausea, vomiting or weight loss may occur.
To control the symptoms of pancreatitis, doctors often prescribe pain relievers, intravenous fluids, surgery or endoscopy depending on the cause of the inflammation.
Spleen enlarged
The spleen is located just below the left rib cage. If this organ is abnormally large, it can cause pain in the left upper abdomen, gradually spreading to the left shoulder or back. People with an enlarged spleen often feel full quickly after eating. An enlarged spleen can be caused by an underlying medical condition such as infection, liver disease, cancer or a blood disorder.
If experiencing symptoms similar to those mentioned above, the patient should see a doctor for examination and appropriate treatment, to determine the cause of the enlarged spleen.