What causes left abdominal pain?
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
There are various causes of left-sided abdominal pain:
1. Gastrointestinal issues may be involved; when abdominal pain is accompanied by diarrhea, the intestine itself is often affected.
2. When abdominal pain is associated with back or flank pain, urinary system disorders should be considered. For example, urinary tract stones or left ureteral stones can also cause left-sided abdominal pain.
3. In women experiencing lower left abdominal pain, pelvic inflammatory disease or left adnexal inflammation should be considered.
It is common to see people experiencing severe pain in the left abdomen, sometimes rolling on the ground to relieve the discomfort. What causes left-sided abdominal pain?
What Causes Left Abdominal Pain?
There are many possible causes of left abdominal pain:
1. Gastrointestinal issues may be involved. When abdominal pain is accompanied by diarrhea, the intestine itself is often affected.
2. If abdominal pain is associated with back pain, urinary system disorders should be considered. For example, urinary tract stones or left ureteral stones can also cause left abdominal pain.
3. In women, lower left abdominal pain may also be related to pelvic inflammatory disease or left adnexal inflammation.
4. Persistent left back pain that worsens intermittently cannot rule out the possibility of pancreatitis.
Dull or mild left abdominal pain usually requires evaluation by gastroenterology, general surgery, or urology. It could be caused by intestinal tumors or urinary tract infections. Patients should actively undergo ultrasound examinations. If imaging confirms left upper abdominal pain due to colon cancer, surgical treatment may be necessary, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. If the pain is caused by pancreatitis, symptomatic supportive treatment is the main approach, including anti-inflammatory therapy, acid suppression, pancreatic enzyme inhibition, fluid replacement, parenteral nutrition, and maintaining electrolyte balance.
Patients are advised to maintain a balanced diet, stay positive, and avoid raw, cold, coarse grains, or fried foods. Since left abdominal pain has various potential causes, if symptoms persist, prompt medical evaluation is recommended for accurate diagnosis and treatment. We hope this information helps you. Wishing you good health and happiness!
