What causes left lower abdominal pain?

Left lower abdominal pain may be caused by factors such as dietary irritation, indigestion, urethritis, colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Dietary irritation: Long-term consumption of spicy foods or cold beverages can stimulate sudden contractions of intestinal smooth muscles, possibly leading to spasmodic pain. This often manifests as sudden left lower abdominal pain, typically intermittent cramping, and may be accompanied by increased bowel sounds or diarrhea. It is advisable to reduce intake of irritating foods to alleviate discomfort.

2. Indigestion: This may result from irregular eating habits or overeating, which can weaken gastrointestinal digestive function. As a result, food may not be digested and absorbed in time, leading to left lower abdominal pain, possibly accompanied by bloating and belching. Eating smaller, more frequent meals is recommended to reduce the digestive burden on the gastrointestinal tract.

3. Urethritis: Poor urinary hygiene or habitual urine retention may lead to urinary tract infections and subsequently urethritis. If not treated promptly, inflammation may stimulate nerve endings in the bladder and urethra, causing left lower abdominal pain, along with symptoms such as frequent urination and urgency. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as trometamol fosfomycin powder, ofloxacin tablets, or cefalexin dry suspension.

4. Colitis: Conditions such as bacterial infection or low immunity may trigger colitis. Inflammation can irritate the colon mucosa, causing intestinal muscle contractions and resulting in left lower abdominal pain, often accompanied by diarrhea and mucus in the stool. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as methylprednisolone tablets, mesalazine enteric-coated tablets, or balsalazide sodium granules.

5. Irritable bowel syndrome: This may be related to gut microbiota imbalance or excessive mental stress. Patients often have sensitive intestines that react strongly to stimuli, leading to diarrhea as well as other symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as mebeverine hydrochloride tablets, alverine citrate capsules, or pinaverium bromide tablets.

In daily life, applying heat to the painful area or massaging acupoints such as Tianshu (ST25), Zusanli (ST36), and Guanyuan (CV4) may help relieve pain. Additionally, it is recommended to consume light, easily digestible foods such as pumpkin, yam, and spinach to reduce intestinal burden. If left lower abdominal pain persists or worsens, prompt medical consultation is advised.