What are the causes of pain in the left side of the abdomen?
Pain in the left region of your abdomen could mean many things. Find out about the possible causes of this feeling.
What are the causes of pain in the left side of the abdomen?
Pain in the left region of your abdomen could mean many things. Find out about the possible causes of this feeling.
Abdominal pain: A cause for concern?
Experiencing pain in the left side of the abdomen could be the result of gas. However, it could also be due to other, more serious medical conditions.
If the pain you feel is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, you should seek help from a medical professional as soon as possible. There is no one cause for pain in the left region of the abdomen, so it’s important to speak with a doctor about your symptoms.
Abdominal pain: A cause for concern?
Experiencing pain in the left side of the abdomen could be the result of gas. However, it could also be due to other, more serious medical conditions.
If the pain you feel is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, you should seek help from a medical professional as soon as possible. There is no one cause for pain in the left region of the abdomen, so it’s important to speak with a doctor about your symptoms.
What can cause pain in the left region of the abdomen?
Here are a few medical conditions that may cause you to feel pain in the left side of your abdomen.
01. Appendicitis
The pain from appendicitis sometimes occurs a few centimetres to the left of your belly button. This condition happens when the appendix, which is a small finger-like structure in the colon, becomes inflamed. Without immediate treatment, appendicitis can cause serious complications, such as the appendix rupturing.
02. Diverticulitis
One of the most common causes of pain in the left region of the abdomen is diverticulitis. This condition causes small sac-like structures to form in the large intestine. Sometimes, these structures may become inflamed and cause pain, however, in most cases, this condition isn’t a cause for immediate concern.
03. Stomach ulcers
Pain in the upper left side of the abdomen may be the result of stomach ulcers, which are sores that form in the lining of your stomach. These sores may be caused by infections or medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and they usually go away on their own but may come back if not treated.
04. Gastroenteritis
Also known as the “stomach flu”, gastroenteritis is caused by an infection in the intestines, stomach, or both. Gastroenteritis isn’t usually a serious condition, but it is highly contagious. Common symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea, and if these symptoms don’t clear up after 48 hours, you should see a doctor.
How can I treat pain in the left region of the abdomen?
Treatment for this condition depends on what’s causing it, so it’s highly recommended that you speak to a gastrointestinal specialist first. However, there are a few things you could do to help with the pain.
Place a warm water bottle on the affected area
Eat light foods, such as bananas or crackers
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
These treatments are mostly helpful for pain caused by digestive issues.
When should I see a doctor?
Usually, pain in the left side of the abdomen goes away on its own. But if you start experiencing severe abdominal pain accompanied by the following symptoms, you should see a gastrointestinal specialist immediately.
These symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in vomit and stools
- Rapid breathing
- Lightheadedness
- Clammy skin
- Weakness in muscles
If you’re experiencing more than one of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Visit a gastrointestinal clinic for support and treatment
At the Sydney Gut Clinic, our team of highly trained gastroenterologists will give you the support you need to find relief from your symptoms. From abdominal pain to conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), we provide treatment for all kinds of gastrointestinal ailments.
If you’re experiencing any of the gastrointestinal symptoms we’ve mentioned, schedule an appointment today.
FAQs
You should only take medication for abdominal pain after speaking with your doctor. The medication you’ll be taking will depend on the condition that’s causing you abdominal pain.
There are several conditions that may cause this:
- Hernias
- Diverticulitis
- Kidney stones
- Diaphragm injuries
If the pain gets worse and you experience other symptoms, such as high fever and vomiting, visit a gastrointestinal specialist as soon as possible.
In most cases, it will. However, if the pain persists for days or weeks, you should seek medical help.