Left abdominal pain: here are 10 diseases that could be the cause

Stomach pain tops the list of the most common symptoms that cause people to seek medical help. Unfortunately, only describing the symptoms as "stomachache", "abdominal pain", "stomach churn" is sometimes less specific. Your doctor can narrow down the suspicion of what's causing your stomach pain by considering the location of the pain. Then, what does it mean if you complain of left abdominal pain?

What diseases are characterized by left abdominal pain?

Pain on the left side of the stomach can be caused by problems with the organs and structures on the left side of the stomach as well as from problems with other organs that are located far from the stomach.

Upper left abdominal pain

1. Acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a painful inflammation of the pancreas, which is located on the upper left side of your stomach. Complaints usually occur suddenly and cause pain in the upper abdominal area (or epigastrium). Pain often radiates to the back.

Acute pancreatitis can also involve other organs. This condition can also develop into chronic pancreatitis if you have persistent and persistent complaints.

2. Gastritis

Gastritis can occur when there is irritation of the stomach lining. Gastritis can be caused by infection with H. pylori bacteria which in turn can cause injury. Certain painkillers and drinking too much alcohol can also cause gastritis. Symptoms include sore or burning upper left stomach pain (which may improve after eating), nausea and vomiting, and a feeling of a full upper stomach after eating.

Gastritis can occur suddenly (acute gastritis), or it can occur slowly over time (chronic gastritis). In some cases, gastritis can cause ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer. For most people gastritis is not serious and resolves quickly with treatment.

3. Angina

Angina is the term used for chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease. Angina is usually described as a squeezing-like sensation, or pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in your chest. Angina, also called angina pectoris, can be a recurring or sudden problem.

The symptoms of angina that women have can be different from the symptoms of classic angina. For example, women will more often show symptoms such as nausea, shortness of breath, left abdominal pain, or extreme fatigue, with or without chest pain. Or, they may feel discomfort in their neck, jaw, or back, or pain that feels stabbing rather than pressing on the chest is common. This difference can cause delays in seeking treatment.

Angina is relatively common but it can be difficult to distinguish from other chest pain, such as pain or discomfort from indigestion. If you have unexplained chest pain, seek immediate medical attention.

Lower left abdominal pain

1. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive system disorder that attacks the large intestine, characterized by stomach cramps, a feeling of bloating, and passing gas. IBS can also cause bowel movement problems, ranging from constipation to diarrhea.

2. Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a disease that causes inflammation of the walls of the digestive tract. The most commonly reported symptoms and complaints are abdominal pain and diarrhea, bloody stools and mucus. Defecation can relieve left abdominal pain. Other symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, anorexia and fever.

UC can be debilitating and can sometimes lead to life-threatening complications. Although there is no known cure, treatment can greatly reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease, and even bring long-term remissions.

3. Kidney disease

Kidney stones are usually caused by too high levels of calcium or uric acid in the body. Dehydration can also be a cause of kidney stones. Common symptoms of this condition are lower left abdominal pain, fever, nausea, groin pain, and vomiting.

Lower left abdominal pain can also be caused by infection of the kidneys. Inflammation usually starts in the bladder and then spreads to the kidneys. Acute pain can also be felt along with a persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, and hematuria (bloody urine) among other symptoms.

4. Diverticulitis

Diverticula are small, bulging sacs that can form in the lining of your digestive system. This sac is most commonly found in the lower part of the large intestine. Diverticula are a common condition especially after the age of 40, and rarely cause problems.

However, sometimes diverticula can become inflamed and infected, even breaking. This inflammation is called diverticulitis. Diverticulitis can cause severe stomach pain that is constant and lasts for several days. Usually, complaints of abdominal pain are felt on the left, but can occur on the right, especially in people of Asian blood. Apart from left-sided abdominal pain, diverticulitis can also cause swelling in the lower left abdomen, fever, nausea, and a major change in your bowel habits (sporadic bloody diarrhea).

Mild diverticulitis can be treated with rest, diet and diet changes, and antibiotics. Severe or recurring diverticulitis may require surgery.

5. Hernia

A hernia is a condition in which the soft tissue, usually the intestine, sticks out through the weak or torn part of the lower abdominal wall in the groin (inguinal hernia) or punctures the diaphragm (hiatal hernia). The resulting bulge can cause left abdominal pain, especially when you cough, bend over, or lift heavy objects. Sometimes, in men the pain and swelling spreads to the area around the testicles as the intestinal bulge further descends into the testicles.

Hernias are not always dangerous. However, this condition cannot resolve on its own and can lead to fatal complications if left untreated. Your doctor may recommend surgery to repair an inguinal hernia that is painful or is getting bigger.

6. Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are benign, fluid-filled growths that develop on or on the surface of the uterus. Women have one pair of ovaries - each the size of an almond nut - located on each side of the uterus. Many women have ovarian cysts at some point during their life. Most ovarian cysts produce little or no discomfort and are harmless. The majority of ovarian cysts disappear without treatment within a few months.

However, ovarian cysts - especially those that have ruptured - sometimes produce serious symptoms such as left abdominal pain or pelvic pain that is severe and sudden onset, severe stomach, or pain accompanied by fever or vomiting. These signs and symptoms - common symptoms that represent shock such as chills, clammy skin; rapid breathing; and lightheadedness or weakness - indicates an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

7. Ectopic pregnancy

Sudden lower left abdominal pain can be the result of an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when an embryo implants outside the uterus, usually in the tube that connects the uterus and ovaries, aka the fallopian tube. This pregnancy is classified as a high-risk unfit pregnancy, and causes painful symptoms on the side where the pregnancy occurs. Pain occurs in the lower abdomen, lower back, and pelvis. Additionally, nausea, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and breast tenderness may follow. When there is concern about an ectopic pregnancy, medical attention is warranted.