With a known history of Gallstones, pain lasting more than 24 hours that radiates to the back can be concerning, although typical gallstone pain is usually on the right side—not the left.
Left-sided rib pain could still be referred pain, but conditions like Pancreatitis or gastric causes should be considered, especially since the pain is persistent.
Even without other symptoms, you should get evaluated urgently by a Gastroenterologist or visit emergency care if pain worsens, as blood tests and imaging may be needed to rule out complications.
Hello, I understand your concern. Since you already have gallstones, any new abdominal or rib pain should be taken seriously.
Your symptoms might be due to Muscular pain or strain, Gastritis or acidity, or Less commonly, pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis usually presents with: Severe, persistent upper abdominal pain (often central or left-sided), Nausea and vomiting, Pain that worsens after eating. Since you currently have moderate pain and no other symptoms, it is less typical, but still something to keep in mind.
Take rest and avoid heavy meals. Stick to a light, low-fat diet. Stay well hydrated. Take these medicines- - Tab. Paracetamol 650mg whenever pain appears. - Tab. Rabeprazole + DSR before breakfast daily × 7 days. - Review after 7 days.
Seek urgent medical care if: Pain becomes severe or persistent. You develop vomiting, fever, or abdominal swelling. Pain spreads or becomes unbearable.
Since this is your first episode and has lasted more than 24 hours, it is advisable to get a clinical evaluation. Get these tests done- CBC, Sr. Lipase, USG whole Abdomen. Review with reports.
This may be a non-serious cause like muscle or gastric pain, but due to your history of gallstones, it is better to get checked once to rule out complications.
Don’t ignore persistent pain as early evaluation is always safer.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine
Hello.
Pain from gallstones usually occurs in the right upper abdomen or under the right rib and may radiate to the back or right shoulder. Pain mainly under the left rib cage is less typical for gallbladder pain.
However, gallstones can sometimes trigger irritation of nearby organs such as the pancreas, so persistent upper abdominal pain should not be ignored.
Since your pain has lasted more than 24 hours, even if it is moderate and without other symptoms, it would be advisable to seek medical evaluation soon to rule out complications such as inflammation of the gallbladder or pancreas.
A doctor may recommend a physical examination and possibly blood tests or imaging if needed.
If the pain becomes severe, or if you develop symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, or worsening back pain, you should seek urgent medical care.
I trust this helps. Thank you. Take care.
Hello dear See pancreatitis can be associated with cirrhosis or bile obstruction I suggest you to please get following tests done and share result with gastroenterologist or hepatogist for better clarity Serum tsh Serum ferritin Lft Rft Serum amylase Serum bilirubin Serum creatinine USG gall bladder Pancreatic USG Serum RBS Please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician You may be recommended for below treatment Cholecystectomy Choloangipancreatomy Low fat diet Pancreatic replacment therapy Analgesic Regards
Hello Thanks for sharing these details. Since you have a known diagnosis of gallstones and are now experiencing moderate pain under your left rib cage radiating to your back, but without other symptoms (like fever, vomiting, or jaundice), it’s less likely to be a severe complication like pancreatitis at this moment.
Gallstones usually cause pain on the right side, but sometimes discomfort can be felt elsewhere due to referred pain. Pancreatitis pain is typically severe, constant, and often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or fever. Since you don’t have these symptoms and this is your first episode, it’s less likely to be pancreatitis right now.
### What you should do: - Monitor for new symptoms: If you develop severe pain, fever, vomiting, yellowing of the eyes/skin, or the pain becomes unbearable, seek medical attention immediately, as these could be signs of complications. - Diet: Stick to a low-fat, high-fiber diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and avoid fatty or fried foods, as these can trigger gallstone pain. - Pain relief: You can use simple pain relievers like paracetamol if needed, but avoid self-medicating without consulting a doctor.
### When to worry: - If the pain gets worse, lasts more than a couple of days, or you develop any new symptoms (especially fever, vomiting, or jaundice), see a doctor urgently.
For now, keep a close watch on your symptoms and rest. If you’re unsure or the pain persists, it’s always safest to check in with your doctor for a review.
Thank you
Since you already have Gallstones, pain in the rib area that radiates to the back can sometimes be related to the gallbladder or nearby organs. Gallstone pain (biliary colic) is usually felt in the right upper abdomen, but it can occasionally radiate to the back or chest and cause discomfort around the ribs. However, pain on the left side is less typical for gallstones and could also be related to muscle strain, stomach irritation, or rarely inflammation of the pancreas known as Pancreatitis. Pancreatitis usually causes severe persistent upper abdominal pain, often with nausea, vomiting, or fever, and the pain tends to worsen after eating. Since your pain has lasted more than 24 hours, even though it is moderate and without other symptoms, it would still be wise to monitor it closely and seek medical evaluation if the pain becomes severe, spreads to the center of the abdomen, is associated with nausea, vomiting, fever, or yellowing of the eyes/skin, or if it continues beyond another day. A doctor may recommend simple tests such as blood tests and possibly an ultrasound or CT scan to rule out complications and confirm whether the pain is related to gallstones or another cause.
Pain associated with gallstones typically centers around the right upper abdomen, but gallstone complications can indeed lead to pancreatitis, which is something to be cautious about. Pancreatitis pain often starts in the upper abdomen and can radiate to the back. It can be triggered by a gallstone blocking the bile duct, affecting the pancreas. While left rib cage pain isn’t characteristically linked to gallstones or pancreatitis, given your symptoms, it’s essential to consider differential diagnoses but remain vigilant for any additional signs like fever, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin (jaundice) which could indicate more serious complications. If you’re only experiencing pain without these other symptoms, it might be less urgent, but tracking any escalation is crucial. Hydration and sticking to a bland diet may help manage discomfort, as well as over-the-counter pain relief like acetaminophen, but avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which might irritate your potential pancreatic issue. Testing for pancreatic enzymes through your doctor can confirm pancreatitis. If the pain worsens or is persistent, or if any other concerning symptoms arise, getting medical advice promptly is crucial as it may need more immediate intervention. If things escalate quickly, a visit to the emergency room is wise as gallstone complications can lead to infections or other severe issues. Always prioritize safety when symptoms suggest a potential risk for a condition such as pancreatitis, even if only a single symptom is currently present.
