Left-side abdominal pain is an ache or discomfort that’s felt towards the left-hand side of your tummy. Show
It’s a common problem, but can be difficult to diagnose as there are several important organs in this area, including the spleen, stomach and left kidney, and a range of digestive issues could also be to blame. What digestive conditions could be causing the pain?Constipation, IBS and GastroenteritisPain on the left-hand side of your tummy can be a sign that there’s something wrong with your digestive system. Aching or cramping can be linked to , (IBS) or , where the lining of your stomach or small intestine is irritated or becomes inflamed. Short-term digestive issues like constipation or gastroenteritis can be treated from home, but it’s important to monitor your symptoms and visit a doctor if the pain doesn’t settle. IBS, constipation and gastroenteritis can also cause . DiverticulitisIf the pouches in the wall of your small and large intestine get infected, this can cause a condition known as , which causes constant pain towards the lower left side of your abdomen, as well as high fever, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting or blood in your stools. Intermittent, crampy pain towards the left of your tummy can also be a symptom of diverticulosis. You may also notice that your pain seems to flare up while you’re eating, or just after you’ve finished a meal. The condition is fairly common in western countries - affecting approximately 50% of people over the age of 50 - and may be linked to a lack of dietary fibre. It’s usually harmless and some people don't experience any symptoms, but some people with diverticulosis feel a constant, dull ache towards the lower left side of their tummy. If you think that you might have a chronic condition like diverticulosis, see a doctor. Treatment can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms, but a diet that’s rich in high-fibre foods like wholemeal bread, beans and brown rice may help. Could the pain be a sign of kidney conditions?Kidney infectionPain on the left side of your tummy can be a sign that your left kidney is infected. Kidney infections normally develop when a bacterial infection travels from your bladder to your kidneys and this can cause dull, aching pain towards the left of your abdomen. Other symptoms include pain in your lower back or groin, nausea, and a fever. You may also notice some blood in your pee. If you have persistent abdominal pain and a fever, see a doctor. Most kidney infections can be treated with antibiotics, but can cause permanent damage to your kidneys if left untreated. Kidney stonesKidney stones develop when waste products like calcium form crystals in your kidney. Small stones can sometimes pass in your pee, but larger stones will need to be removed so that they don’t cause permanent damage to your kidney. Kidney stones can also cause left-sided abdominal pain, but the type or ‘character’ of the pain tends to be different. People with kidney stones often experience a severe, stabbing pain in the back or tummy, and it is not unusual for this pain to come and go in spasms. If you have a kidney stone, you may also find that you feel sweaty and sick, or notice that there’s some blood in your pee. If you think you might have kidney stones, see a doctor. While you wait for medical help, drink plenty of hydrating fluids and take a painkiller if necessary to manage the pain. Could I have a swollen or damaged spleen?Occasionally, left-sided abdominal pain can be a sign that something is wrong with your spleen. The spleen is a small, fist-sized organ located just underneath your stomach. It helps to filter your blood and create new blood cells. Your spleen may hurt if it’s damaged or ruptured in an accident, or it can become swollen and painful as a result of a condition like leukemia or . Other signs that your spleen has become swollen or damaged include:
If you think that your spleen may be damaged or swollen, you should go to your nearest hospital immediately. They may organise scans and tests to find the cause, and may be able to prescribe medication to treat the underlying cause. Read more about . When to see a doctorIf you think the pain on the left side of your abdomen could be caused by any of the conditions above, you should see a doctor. You should also contact a doctor if you have left-side abdominal pain and you:
What organs can cause pain on left side?On the left side, this includes your heart, left lung, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and left kidney. When any of these organs are infected, inflamed, or injured, pain can radiate under and around your left rib cage.
What hurts on left side of abdomen?A gastrointestinal disorder such as peptic ulcer disease or gastritis is usually responsible for left stomach left side abdominal pain. An infection in the abdomen or appendicitis could also contribute to left-sided stomach pain.
When should I worry about left side 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.
What organ is in lower left 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.
|
Organs on left side of body abdomen
Copyright © 2024 en.frojeostern Inc.
