What causes pain in the lower left abdomen?

Generally, pain in the lower left abdomen may be caused by conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hernia, colitis, ureteral stones, or intestinal obstruction. When these symptoms occur, timely medical evaluation and treatment are recommended. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a common gastrointestinal functional disorder characterized by symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. Pain in the lower left abdomen may result from abnormal intestinal motility or gas accumulation. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as mebeverine hydrochloride tablets, pinaverium bromide tablets, or smectite powder to alleviate symptoms.

2. Hernia: A hernia occurs when internal abdominal organs protrude through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Lower left abdominal pain may be caused by inguinal hernia or other types of hernias. Medications such as fennel seed pills, shen-gui li-zhong pills, or jisheng橘nucleus pills may be used according to a doctor’s recommendations for symptom relief.

3. Colitis: Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon, which may be caused by autoimmune diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Lower left abdominal pain is one of the common symptoms in patients with colitis. Treatment may include medications such as mesalazine enteric-coated tablets, sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets, or enteritis-relieving granules, as advised by a physician.

4. Ureteral Stones: Ureteral stones are mineral deposits that form in the ureter, typically due to crystallization of substances in the urine. As the stone moves, it may block the ureter, causing severe abdominal pain that often starts in the flank and radiates down to the lower left abdomen. It is recommended to follow medical guidance and use medications such as lithotripsy granules, urolithiasis-relieving pills, or xiao-shi tablets to manage the condition.

5. Intestinal Obstruction: Intestinal obstruction refers to a mechanical blockage within the intestinal lumen, which may be caused by intestinal tumors, fecal impaction, intussusception, or other factors. Lower left abdominal pain may be one symptom, especially when the obstruction occurs in the left side of the colon. Medical intervention is required, and treatments may include surgical procedures such as adhesion lysis or bowel resection with anastomosis.

In daily life, maintaining a light diet, ensuring adequate sleep, and engaging in moderate physical activity can support recovery and overall health.