Customer question:
I feel a pain in the lower left part of my stomach... what could it be? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Several medical conditions can cause lower left abdominal pain. Lower left abdominal pain is often caused by gas, but it can also be a sign of a more severe condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease or an intestinal hernia. Treatment will depend primarily on the cause of the pain.
Seek emergency medical care if some of these symptoms appear in addition to pain:
- fever or high body temperature
- severe sensitivity in the affected area
- abdominal swelling
- bloody stool
- nausea and vomiting
- unexplained weight loss
- skin that looks yellow (jaundice)
In many cases, pain in the lower left side of the abdomen is caused by diverticulitis. Diverticula are small pouches that form due to pressure on weak points in the colon; when the pouch ruptures, swelling, and infection can lead to diverticulitis.
Most people respond well to rest, dietary changes, and antibiotics for mild diverticulitis. Some people need surgery if the condition is severe or continues to recur.
Symptoms of diverticulitis include:
- fever
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal tenderness
The lower left quadrant of the abdomen is often the target of complications, leaving its many structures prone to inflammation, obstruction, or injury.
Listed below are some more common causes of lower left abdominal pain:
- digestive disorders
- abdominal weakness
- celiac disease
- hernia
- food poisoning
- viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
- peptic ulcer disease
- chronic acid reflux (GERD)
- urinary tract infection (UTI)
- menstrual cramps
- ovulation pain
- spleen problems
- kidney infection
- kidney stones
- duodenal ulcer
- large bowel obstruction
The location of the pain is an important indicator, but it is not the only factor. In addition, it can indicate which bodies are involved. For example, pain in the upper right quadrant may indicate problems with the liver or gallbladder.
During the examination, your doctor will also want to know more about your pain, how often you feel it, and how intense it is.
Interesting reading: Abdominal pain and diarrhea
