Frequent abdominal pain accompanied with other symptoms like fever or nausea, is not to be ignored. Here is brief information on the most common causes of lower left side abdominal pain.
Pain in the lower quadrant of the abdomen can be caused due to numerous reasons. In most of the cases, it is caused due to an injury or a disorder in any of the vital organs situated in the abdomen. However, there can also be other underlying causes.
Causes
The left kidney, left ureter, the sigmoid colon, the bowel, left ovary (in women) are the organs located on the left side of the abdomen. Identifying the nature of the pain, if it is acute or chronic, can help in diagnosing the cause.
Bowel Obstruction
An obstruction in the intestines due to reasons like volvulus, hernia, Crohn's disease or also due to any adhesion or injury can lead to bowel obstruction. Apart from pain in the abdomen, muscle cramping and vomiting are the other symptoms.
Constipation
Constipation is a health condition where a person has a difficulty in having regular bowel movement. It can be chronic or acute, and can occur due to various reasons. Abdominal pain are bloating are the common symptoms of constipation.
Diverticulitis
Inflammation of the diverticulum or the colon leads to diverticulitis. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, and constipation.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy results when the implantation of the fertilized egg occurs outside the uterus. This is one of the major causes of lower abdominal during pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a major and potentially life-threatening complication during pregnancy. In most of the cases, the implantation takes place in the fallopian tube.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by lower abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal discomfort. Factors like stress and poor diet can aggravate the condition. This condition is commonly seen in teenagers, but is not limited to that age group.
Kidney Stone
Kidney stones are formed when the uric acid, calcium or salts in the kidney do not get flushed out from the body. Severe lower abdominal pain and difficulty in urination are the common symptoms. Excess intake of calcium and not drinking adequate amount of water are the prominent causes.
Apart from these, other possible causes of abdominal pain on the lower left side are urinary tract infection (UTI), lactose intolerance, ulcerative colitis, pyelonephritis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis, etc.
What to Look for?
➡ Whether the pain is sudden, brief or persistent? ➡ What is the severity, duration of the pain? ➡ Is stomach pain accompanied with other symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of appetite, etc? ➡ Does the pain worsen with movement? ➡ Is the pain no longer limited to only the abdomen?
Treatment
As aforementioned, knowing the nature and type of pain can help the doctor in treating the condition. X-ray and MRI can help in diagnosing the cause. If along with stomach pain other accompanying symptoms are observed, it is recommended to visit the doctor immediately.
If stomach pain is caused due to minor conditions, it can be treated with pain killers or by taking rest. However, it is recommended not to take any medication without prescription.
Symptoms of constipation can be relieved with laxatives, having a high-fiber diet, hydration, etc. Medication and making changes in lifestyle and diet can help in treating diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
Medication can help in treating mild cases of kidney stone, while severe cases may require surgical treatment. Ectopic pregnancy is an emergency condition and requires surgical treatment.
Abdominal discomfort can be prevented up to some extent by having a balanced and nutritious diet, following a healthy lifestyle and eating habits. Take care!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.