Your spleen is an organ that sits under your rib cage in the upper-left portion of your abdomen. It is a part of the lymphatic system and works to defend your body against infection. Certain diseases can cause your spleen to swell to a much larger-than-normal size, which can cause you to feel pain under your left rib. Although an enlarged spleen can be painful, it isn’t always a sign of a problem.
Pain under Your Left Rib?
If you are experiencing pain under your left rib, along with any of these symptoms, visit FastMed immediately. If left untreated, an enlarged spleen could lead to serious complications—and may even rupture. In most cases, an enlarged spleen can be taken care of by treating the underlying cause.
When you come to FastMed, a medical professional will work to determine if the pain under your left rib is caused by an enlarged spleen or something else, then prescribe your treatment options.
What sits under your left rib cage?
Your spleen is an organ that sits under your rib cage in the upper-left portion of your abdomen. It is part of the lymphatic system and works to defend your body against infection. Certain diseases can cause the spleen to swell to a much larger-than-normal size, which can cause pain under your left rib. An enlarged spleen can be painful, but it isn’t always a sign of a problem.
What can cause an enlarged spleen?
| Type of cause | Examples on this page |
|---|---|
| Viral infections | Mononucleosis |
| Parasitic infections | Toxoplasmosis |
| Bacterial infections | Endocarditis |
| Liver disease | Cirrhosis and other liver disease |
| Other | Blood diseases, problems with the lymph system, cancer, trauma or injury |
Symptoms of an enlarged spleen
Symptoms are rare. When they occur, you may notice that you cannot eat a large meal, or feel discomfort or pain under your left rib. Other symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Frequent infections
- Easy bleeding
- Jaundice
- Anemia
When to see a doctor
- You have pain under your left rib along with any of the symptoms above
- Left untreated, an enlarged spleen can lead to serious complications and may even rupture, so do not wait
About FastMed
FastMed is a North Carolina-based integrated healthcare company based in Durham, NC. It operates more than 50 locations in 34 counties providing urgent care and occupational health as well as primary care at select locations. FastMed accepts most insurance plans and is one of a few private urgent care centers also accredited by The Joint Commission. Learn more at fastmed.com.
