A brief overview of the symptoms associated with pain on the left side of the stomach
Left-sided pain varies depending on the cause. It might be persistent or intermittent, mild or severe, possibly a 10 on the pain scale. Descriptive words for left-sided abdominal pain include:
- Dull
- Sharp
- Achy
- Crampy
- Burning
- Twisting
- Pulsing
Your feelings are valid, and it is essential to discuss any pain with your doctor.
What exactly is the left-sided stomach pain?
Pain on the left side of your abdomen refers to discomfort in the area from the bottom of your ribs to your pelvis on the left. This pain occurs on the left side of your body when you look down.
Healthcare providers can often identify the cause of your pain by its location. They split your abdomen into four quadrants, and pain in specific areas may indicate which organ is involved.
What causes pain on the left side of the abdomen?
There are many potential causes for pain on your left side. Your doctor might focus on the pain’s location to help determine the underlying reason for your discomfort.
Upper left quadrant
Pain on the upper left side may suggest issues with your pancreas, spleen, stomach, or kidney. Conditions affecting these organs include pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, an enlarged spleen, indigestion, stomach inflammation, stomach ulcer, stomach cancer, kidney infection, kidney stones, constipation, and colon inflammation.
Lower left quadrant
Pain localized in your lower left abdomen is most commonly associated with diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Diverticula, which are small pouches that form in your bowel wall, can appear anywhere in your colon, but they tend to form mainly in the lower left section.
In females, pain on the left side could signal: menstrual cramps, ovulation pain, adenomyosis, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (FHCS), ectopic pregnancy, or ovarian cancer.
How to diagnose the cause of the pain on the left side of the abdomen?
Several conditions may cause pain and other symptoms associated with diverticulitis. Your healthcare provider will conduct an exam and run tests to identify the cause of your symptoms.
During the physical exam, your healthcare provider will carefully palpate different areas of your abdomen to identify any pain or tenderness. The examination may also involve a pelvic exam to check for issues related to the female reproductive organs.
Laboratory tests can help exclude other conditions and confirm a diagnosis.
- Blood tests that detect signs of infection and monitor immune system activity.
- Urine test.
- Stool test.
- Pregnancy test.
- Liver enzyme test to exclude liver disease.
A computed tomography (CT) scan can reveal inflamed diverticula, abscesses, fistulas, or other complications.
What are the treatment options for pain on the left side of the abdomen?
Treating left-sided pain might involve resting your stomach. For mild stomachaches, consider trying:
- Bowel rest: Avoid eating or follow the BRAT diet.
- Keep yourself well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Heat therapy: Enjoy a relaxing soak in the tub.
- Home remedies: Apply licorice for gas pain relief or ginger to ease indigestion.
Other conditions can be more serious, and your provider might suggest treatment. The specific treatment depends on the cause and may include:
- Over-the-counter medicines, such as Pepto Bismol®
- Pain medication
- H2 blockers
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
- Antibiotics
- IV fluids
- Tube feeding
- Surgery
- Cancer treatment
- Managing constipation
Is it possible to prevent pain on your left side?
Although preventing all causes of left abdominal pain is impossible, you can reduce your risk of developing conditions that could cause it. To help avoid pain on your left side:
- Consume nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Make sure to drink enough water.
- Reduce your alcohol intake or consider quitting drinking.
- Quit smoking
- Boost your fiber consumption to avoid constipation.
- Schedule routine check-ups with your healthcare provider.
Experiencing Persistent or Sharp Abdominal Pain?
Living with the abdominal pain on the left side
Pain in the left side of your abdomen can have various causes. Sometimes it is mild and easy to handle, such as indigestion. However, there are times when it could be more serious, requiring your healthcare provider to determine the cause. Regardless of whether the pain is mild or severe, consulting your provider is advisable. They can accurately diagnose the issue and begin treatment promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you be concerned about pain on the left side of your abdomen?
Some causes of pain on your left side are not serious, but others can be, and it might be difficult to distinguish between them. If your pain is intense, persistent, or worsening, consult your healthcare provider. They can identify the cause and begin appropriate treatment.
When is it appropriate for a doctor or healthcare provider to treat pain on the left side?
Many common conditions can cause pain on the left side. If your pain is intense or persists, consult your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room. You should also contact your provider if you experience recurring pain, gradually worsening mild pain, vomiting blood, shortness of breath, blood in your urine or stool, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), fever or chills, severe pain, or if you are not passing gas or stool.
Which organs are on the left side of the abdomen?
The organs on the left side of your body include the stomach, pancreas, spleen, left kidney, small intestine, and large intestine (colon).
Can gas lead to pain in the left side of the abdomen?
Gas issues are a frequent cause of left-sided stomach pain and can affect people of all ages. Typically, these problems are seen as harmless and tend to resolve on their own over time, whether or not you use over-the-counter antacids.
Is left-sided stomach pain a cause for concern?
Left-sided pain is common and usually not a sign of a serious issue. However, if someone is worried about their overall health, it’s best to see a doctor for diagnosis and potential treatment.
