Why is my lower left abdomen throbbing

It’s quite common to get a little stomach ache after eating a big meal or taking a tumble around in a roller-coaster. But there are times where these abdominal pains are highly painful. Our stomach can tell us a lot about our health. Many underlying medical conditions can cause pain to our stomachs. Therefore, certain abdominal pains should not be ignored. 

Sudden Pain 

There are many reasons why your abdomen may suddenly start hurting you. Some of these require immediate medical attention. For instance, sudden, severe abdominal pain in your lower right stomach could be a sign of appendicitis. This pain often starts out around the belly button and is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. If you suspect that you may have appendicitis, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible. 

If you are female and suddenly start experiencing lower abdominal pains in your lower left or right abdomen, you may have a ruptured ovarian cyst. Issues with your ovaries can be caused by a fluctuation in your hormones, pregnancy, sexual intercourse, and constipation. In some cases an ovary may need to be removed. If you suspect you are having issues with a ruptured ovary (or ovaries), you should seek medical attention immediately. 

Stabbing Pain 

Stabbing pain involves an influx of pain all at one instant, as if you were being stabbed. If you are experiencing knife-like, aching pain in your upper abdomen (between your ribcage) you may have an underlying heart issue. Indigestion may be the cause of this pain, but if it is accompanied by shortness of breath, it could be serious. Anyone who has experienced these symptoms persistently should consider visiting a medical professional. 

Stabbing, knife-like pain in your lower stomach can sometimes indicate a kidney stone. To confirm or rule out a kidney stone an ultrasound or CT scan is required. If you are experiencing nausea, chills, fever, and vomiting in addition to this pain, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.  

Persistent Pain

While it is easy to tell what is going on with certain, intense stomach pains, some stomach pains are different. With persistent pain, you may experience discomfort and pain that you are so used to you think it doesn’t require medical attention. However, persistent pain in the lower abdomen accompanied with bloating, diarrhea, or weight loss can indicate an underlying condition. 

Persistent cramps with bloating, diarrhea, or constipation can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome. This condition is connected heavily with the level of stress and anxiety in your day-to-day life. Irritable bowel syndrome can be managed through diet and stress management. However, it is important to first seek out medical help in order to get an exact diagnosis. 

If you are experiencing persistent stomach pain with diarrhea and weight loss, you may have a chronic disease called Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease involves inflammation in your digestive system, especially in your small intestine and colon. There is no current cure for Crohn’s disease. However, the disease can be managed through antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, an adjusted diet, and in some cases surgery. 

When to Seek Help

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Any urgent or non-urgent pain can become serious with time. If you are experiencing any sort of pain that doesn’t feel like a normal, “ate too much” stomach ache, you may want to be seen as soon as possible. If you have stabbing pains, cramping, persistent pain, or sudden pain, you should look into being seen by a medical professional.

BASS Urgent Care is here for you and ready to help. With multiple services that allow us to run various tests and even x-rays, our urgent care services will help you find the answers and relief you seek. Don’t wait around for your condition to worsen before seeing a doctor.

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While left side pain is often a sign of gas, it can also be a sign of a more serious condition such as diverticulitis, appendicitis, or stomach ulcers that would require urgent medical attention. To tell the difference and determine whether to seek emergency care, pay attention to other symptoms you may be experiencing. 

Pain in the lower left abdomen accompanied by symptoms such as belching, bloating, or a hard abdomen is typically indicative of indigestion. However, if you’re experiencing upper or lower left side pain coupled with a high fever, nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain, seek emergency care to rule out any of the serious conditions listed above.

What does pain on the left side indicate? Here are some other common causes of abdominal pain on the left side of your body.

5 Common Causes of Abdominal Pain on the Left Side of Your Body

It can be easier to self-diagnose left side pain when you know what organs are on the left side of your body. The organs located in your left abdomen include your colon, left kidney, spleen, stomach, and pancreas. If you’re not struggling with gas or indigestion, pain on this side is typically a sign that something is off in one of these organs or organ systems.

If your pain in the lower left abdomen continues, look for symptoms of the following conditions:

1. Appendicitis

Do you feel pain about two inches left of your belly button? While appendicitis pain is usually associated with the right side of your body, the initial pain often starts near the belly button and can be misinterpreted as coming from the left. An appendicitis infection can cause serious problems if left untreated. Be on the lookout for pain moving to the right side of the abdomen, fever, nausea, and vomiting, and seek medical treatment immediately.

2. Diverticulitis

If you or a loved one over the age of 40 are experiencing abdominal pain, fever, and/or nausea, ask your doctor about diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is the inflammation of diverticula pouches in the large intestine and is one of the most common causes of left side pain. While diverticulitis is not always a serious condition and can often be treated with rest and antibiotics, surgery may be required for patients with severe infections. 

3. Constipation

Another cause of abdominal pain on the left side of the body is constipation. Constipation is usually caused by a lack of exercise, dehydration, or a diet that is too low in fiber. Most cases of constipation will not require a trip to the emergency room and can be easily mitigated by getting in daily movement and drinking enough water, but in some cases, the sharp pain may warrant a visit. If the pain does not improve after using over-the-counter products or making lifestyle changes, seek medical attention.

Continue reading: How to treat dehydration

4. Kidney Stones

Kidney stones, or nephrolithiasis, are small deposits of calcium or uric acid that build up in the kidneys. They are incredibly painful when passing through the urinary tract. Common symptoms of kidney stones include left side pain or back pain, painful urination, fever, nausea, and vomiting. If you’re experiencing any of these signs of kidney stone pain, head to an emergency room near you. 

5. Stomach ulcers

Also known as gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach, stomach ulcers are sores in your stomach lining often caused by infections or the overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They can cause upper left side pain and may be experienced with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and bloody or black stools or vomit. Stomach ulcers can heal on their own but will often come back if not treated properly. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, don’t wait to seek medical attention.

When should I worry about left side pain?

Generally, intermittent left side pain is a sign of gas or indigestion and should pass on its own. But if you notice severe abdominal pain on the left side of your body in conjunction with any of the following symptoms, it’s time to call the doctor:

• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cold or clammy skin
• Rapid breathing
• Dizzy or lightheadedness
• Muscle weakness
• Bloody stools or vomit
• Abdominal pain that lasts more than a week

Head Into Complete Care For Severe Left Side Pain Treatment

If you or a loved one are experiencing abdominal pain on the left side of the body, seek medical treatment at a Complete Care 24/7 emergency room. We have multiple locations across Texas and Colorado, all fully equipped with top medical staffing and equipment.

Get effective urgent care treatment for left side pain without the typical long wait times of your typical ERs when you visit one of our locations today. 

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• Food Poisoning Symptoms in Kids

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