Pain below the left rib cage may be a rib fracture or pneumothorax. Multiple rib fractures require surgical fixation, and treatment for pneumothorax includes rest and pumping therapy. Fractures may occur when the ribs are subjected to violence. The broken end of a rib fracture can irritate the surrounding intercostal nerves, resulting in pain, which is exacerbated by deep breathing, coughing, or a change in position. The broken end of the fracture may also puncture the pleura, blood vessels, and lung tissues, among other things. The principles of treatment for rib fractures are effective pain control, pulmonary physiotherapy and early mobilization. Multiple rib fractures can be treated with surgical internal fixation, and oral celecoxib can be given for significant pain. Patients with pneumothorax may present with chest pain, dyspnea, and decreased breath sounds. Simple closed compression ranging from less than 30% requires no special treatment, while greater than 30% is treated with aspiration; the main point of treatment for open pneumothorax is to turn it into a closed pneumothorax, followed by aspiration or drainage; and tension pneumothorax requires urgent medical attention and immediate expulsion of the gas from the chest cavity. There may be other causes of pain below the left rib cage, so it is recommended to seek medical attention to identify the cause and follow the doctor’s instructions.