What causes pain in the lower left abdomen?
Aug 29, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, left lower abdominal pain may be caused by factors such as menstruation, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, or intestinal obstruction. During the menstrual cycle, the smooth muscles of the uterus contract rhythmically to facilitate the shedding and expulsion of the endometrial lining; these physiological contractions can sometimes cause abdominal discomfort or pain. Applying heat, engaging in mild exercise, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers may help alleviate the symptoms.
Generally, left lower abdominal pain may be caused by menstruation, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colitis, intestinal obstruction, or other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. During Menstruation
The smooth muscle of the uterus periodically contracts during the menstrual cycle to facilitate endometrial shedding and expulsion. These physiological contractions can sometimes lead to discomfort or pain in the left lower abdomen. Pain can be relieved through heat application, mild exercise, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
2. Indigestion
Indigestion may result from diseases, lifestyle factors, or other causes. When excessive amounts of food or hard-to-digest foods are consumed, gastrointestinal motility and digestive secretions increase during digestion, potentially causing abdominal discomfort or pain. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Medications such as domperidone tablets, mosapride citrate tablets, or ranitidine hydrochloride capsules may be used under a doctor's guidance for treatment.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder in which the patient's intestine exhibits an exaggerated response to stimuli, leading to abnormal contractions of intestinal muscles and resulting in abdominal pain—including in the left lower abdomen—along with symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation. Medications such as pinaverium bromide tablets, loperamide hydrochloride capsules, or trimebutine maleate tablets may be taken as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms.
4. Colitis
Colitis is generally associated with infection, genetic factors, and others. Inflammation and swelling of the intestinal mucosa stimulate nerve endings in the intestinal wall, causing left lower abdominal pain. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, or bloody stools. It is recommended to manage the condition with medications such as mesalazine enteric-coated tablets, sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets, or Guben Yichang tablets under medical supervision.
5. Intestinal Obstruction
Intestinal obstruction may be related to intestinal inflammation, bowel torsion, or other factors. It can prevent normal passage of intestinal contents, thereby causing left lower abdominal pain. Additional symptoms often include nausea and hyperactive bowel sounds. Treatment may include medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, cisapride capsules, or pantoprazole sodium enteric-coated capsules, taken as prescribed by a doctor.
In daily life, it is important to develop healthy habits, maintain a light diet, and engage in appropriate physical activity.
