What does pain in lower left abdomen indicate?
What does pain in lower left abdomen indicate?
Crampy pain may be due to gas, indigestion, inflammation or infection, or it may result from menstrual cramps, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease in women. Severe pain that comes in waves may be caused by kidney stones. Trauma to the body wall, hernias, and shingles can also cause left lower quadrant pain.
What organ is on the lower left side of your abdomen?
The lower left quadrant of the abdomen contains the transverse, descending, and sigmoid sections of the colon; part of the small intestine; the ureter of the left kidney; and the iliac fossa (part of the hip bone and pelvis). The iliac fossa is a gateway to the reproductive organs in both men and women.
Should I go to the ER for lower left abdominal pain?
If your stomach pain is severe, chronic, or accompanied by additional symptoms, visit your nearest ER as soon as possible to receive a diagnosis and treatment. Some signs and symptoms that may mean your stomach pain is serious enough to go to the ER include: New onset of pain. Chronic abdominal pain.
When should I worry about left side pain?
See your doctor or get medical help right away if you’re experiencing: sudden, severe abdominal pain. pain with fever or vomiting. signs of shock, such as cold and clammy skin, rapid breathing, lightheadedness, or weakness.
Should I be worried about left abdominal pain?
Other symptoms such as bloating, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, or regular belching may also indicate excess gas or constipation. Left-sided abdominal pain can, however, be a sign of a condition that requires medical attention, like kidney stones, endometriosis, or diverticulitis.
How do I relieve pain in my left side of my stomach?
Be guided by your doctor, but there are some things you can do to help ease the pain, including:
- Place a hot water bottle or heated wheat bag on your abdomen.
- Soak in a warm bath.
- Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water.
- Reduce your intake of coffee, tea and alcohol as these can make the pain worse.
Can appendicitis start on the left side?
A: In most cases, pain from acute appendicitis is felt on the right. However, some people experience it on the left. This occurs when the inflammation affecting the appendix spreads to the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity.
What is diverticulitis pain like?
The most common symptom of diverticulitis is a sharp cramp-like pain, usually on the left side of your lower abdomen. Other symptoms can include fever and chills, nausea, vomiting, and constipation or diarrhea.
When should I worry about side pain?
Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have side, back or abdominal pain after trauma or injury, shortness of breath, blood in your vomit or stools, dizziness or fainting, sudden abdominal swelling, or chest pain, which may radiate to your shoulder blades, jaw, or left arm.
Can constipation cause left side pain?
Constipation Another cause of abdominal pain on the left side of the body is constipation. Constipation is usually caused by dehydration or a diet that is low in fiber. Not all constipation requires a trip to the emergency room, but in some cases, the sharp pain may warrant a visit.
What foods trigger diverticulitis?
Common foods such as those low in fiber or high in sugar that may increase the risk of developing diverticulosis or trigger diverticulosis symptoms include:
- Red meats.
- Processed meats.
- Fried foods.
- Full fat dairy products.
What are some causes of pain on the left side of the stomach?
Left Side Abdominal Pain: Common Causes Gas pain. Gas pain is a very common reason for pain or discomfort in your left or right abdomen. Indigestion. Left side abdominal pain and cramping after a meal could be caused by indigestion. Dr. Shingles. Shingles can cause burning stabbing abdominal pain on the left side of your body (or the right-hand side) before the shingles rash appears.
How to get rid of lower abdominal pain?
Antibiotics. A lot of times Lower abdominal pain is caused by infections and inflammations that can be treated with a dose of antibiotics.
What does it mean if the lower left side of your stomach hurts?
1. Diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is the most common cause of pain in the lower part of abdomen. When experiencing diverticulitis, most of the pain will occur in the lower region of the abdomen and almost always on the left side. This generally occurs after age 60.
What would cause pain in the lower left quadrant of my abdomen?
One of the most common causes of left lower abdominal pain is diverticulitis. “Diverticula are small pouches that arise from weak spots in the colon that can become inflamed,” explains Dr. Ravella. While abdominal pain is certainly one common symptom, it’s not the only one.