Do you have pain or discomfort in your lower left abdomen? Do you have any ideas about what could be causing this? This content contains all of the information you require.
The lower left part of a human's abdomen houses delicate organs such as the colon and, in women, the ovary. It is possible to have lower left abdominal pain for a variety of reasons. If the pain is mild, there is no need to worry because it will go away within twenty hours. A consistent type of pain, on the other hand, is reason enough to seek immediate medical attention. Continue reading to find out more.
When is the left abdominal pain unusual?
The first unusual reason to seek immediate medical attention is if the pain in the lower abdomen is the result of an injury or accident. Such a condition necessitates immediate medical attention, as do the following scenarios;
- Intense tenderness at the lower left side of the abdomen
- Relapsing fever
- Abdominal swelling
- Consistent vomiting and nausea
- Sudden loss of weight
- Jaundice
What are the causes of left side abdominal pain?
There are several possible causes of left side abdominal pain. The primary causes are as follows:
Diverticulitis – Because it is the most common cause of consistent pain, this is the first thing any medical professional would think of as the cause of left abdominal pain. It all starts with small pouches that form on the colon. Diverticula are these pouches.
Diverticula can develop in the colons of people over the age of 50. Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when the pouches tear and become infected. Other symptoms of diverticulitis, in addition to left side abdominal pain, include:
- Nausea
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Tenderness in the abdomen
- Sometimes, diarrhea or constipation
If the diverticulitis is not severe, antibiotics, a change in diet, or rest will cure it. A surgical procedure is the best option in severe cases.
Gas – The human abdomen contains gases. People burp and expel gases because of this. Following digestion, the digestive tract becomes clogged with gas. Gas can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- excess eating
- intaking more air
- smoking
- indigestion
- chewing gum
- bacteria-induced disruption
- consuming foods that produce gas
Gas is a minor condition that can be treated at home. Nonetheless, if the pain is consistent and is accompanied by; it is best to seek medical attention.
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Loss of weight
- Stool stained with blood
Indigestion – Indigestion occurs when the body is unable to break down food particles, as the name implies. This is not a problem because it indicates that the stomach is more acidic. The acidity irritates the bowel, stomach, and esophagus.
The pain may start on the upper side and rarely spread to the lower region. Indigestion symptoms include:
- Burning sensation
- Pain
- Passing gas or belching
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Feeling full or bloated
If there is no relief after several hours of indigestion, consult a medical professional to learn what to do next.
Hernia – A hernia is another cause of lower left abdominal pain. Hernias occur when an organ in the body exerts pressure on nearby tissue or muscle. It could be a groin or abdomen bulge or lump. The following symptoms have emerged:
- Heightened bulge size
- Pain at its site
- Pain while doing physical activities
- Feeling bloated
- Ache
It is important to note that there are various types of hernias. As a result, it is preferable to see a doctor because a hernia can lead to more serious medical problems.
Kidney stones – Kidney stones are never a problem unless they are discovered inside the ureter or kidney. Urination becomes painful once it enters the ureter, which connects the bladder to the kidney. Individuals may also experience pain in their back, side, or ribs.
Other symptoms include:
- Red, pink, cloudy, brown, or smelly urine
- Regular painful urination
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Nausea
There is currently no knowledge of what causes a kidney stone. However, some people are at a higher risk of developing kidney stones than others, particularly those who have such records in their family tree. Seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms.
Shingles – Because of the causative virus for pox, people who have had chickenpox are more prone to shingles. The virus can go dormant for a while before reactivating after the age of 50.
The condition, like chickenpox, causes a rash on the body. They may appear to be blisters, but they are extremely painful. The rashes may spread to the face and neck. Nonetheless, some people only experience pain and not a rash on their skin. Its symptoms include;
- Tingling
- Numbness or burning sensation
- Blisters or rashes
- Body itching
To reduce the risk of contracting shingles, a vaccine can be used. Additionally, starting treatment at an early stage can reduce the efficacy of shingles or cause further complications.
What are the causes of lower left abdominal pain in women?
Women, by nature, can suffer from pains that are unique to them. They may be severe conditions or even precursors to more severe cases. The following are the various causes of pain in women:
Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps)
Dysmenorrhea can occur either before or during a woman's period. In some cases, the pain is mild, but in others, it is severe enough to interfere with people's daily activities. Nonetheless, cramps are common unless you have the following symptoms:
- Inability to proceed with daily activities
- A longer period of feeling sick
- Cramps are still severe after being over 25 years old
Endometriosis
If the tissue in the uterus elongates beyond it, it can cause abdominal pain. Endometriosis is the medical term for this condition. Its symptoms could include:
- Worsened feeling of menstrual cramps
- Pain during urination or bowel movement
- Pain during sex
- Intense flow during a period
Its cause has yet to be determined. Regular checkups are beneficial.
Ovarian cyst
When there is a fluid-filled sac on the ovary, it forms an ovarian cyst. Most of the time, there are no noticeable symptoms, and the cyst may eventually disappear. A larger cyst can be more bothersome because it makes urination difficult.
Another thing to avoid is allowing the cyst to rupture. It can cause internal bleeding or excruciating pain. When it is necessary to see a doctor;
- One experiences a sharp pain in the abdomen
- Vomiting
- Experience pain and fever
- Experience clammy skin
- Lightheadedness and breathing are vital
Ovarian torsion
Ovarian torsion is caused by an ovarian cyst. It is not a common occurrence, but it can occur if the woman is pregnant. The cyst can cause an ovarian twist, which can be painful. It can have an impact on reproduction, so it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The best solution is to have a surgical procedure performed to remove or position the ovary in the proper position.
Other conditions that women can experience are;
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Pelvic inflammation disease (PID)
What are the causes of lower left abdominal pain in men?
Men are more likely than women to experience left abdominal pain. On rare occasions, the conditions may cause pain in the right part of the body. Some of these causes are as follows:
Testicular torsion
It is a condition similar to ovarian torsion. The testicles can rotate in the same way that the ovary can. There is less blood flow in the testicles, which can cause swelling and severe pain. Its cause is unknown, and there is no age limit. Its symptoms include;
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling and pain at the scrotum
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Fever
- Pain during urination
The condition necessitates immediate medical attention. Having a surgical procedure is usually the best option.
Inguinal hernia
This type of hernia occurs when a section of the small intestine pushes against another section of the abdomen. It is more common in men, but it can occur in women as well. Its symptoms include;
- Swelling at the groin may increase with time
- More pain when during physical or strenuous activities
- Heaviness, weakness, aching, or burning feeling along the groin
The type of hernia can lead to more serious complications. It is critical to seek help if a person experiences any of the following symptoms:
- Redness or tenderness at the site of the bulge
- Pain that could get worse
- Difficulty to pass out gas
- Unusual movement of bowels
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Fever
Conclusion
There is a popular saying that "health is wealth." Some have even improved the saying and added that "good health is a fortune." Any of the sayings are correct in as much as one takes care of the health.
Report any strange or unusual lower left abdominal pain to the doctor. Let the doctor know if the pain is consistent too. Remember, a stitch in time always saves nine. Stay healthy!
