What could be the reason for a dull pain in the lower left abdomen?
Sep 06, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Dull pain in the lower left abdomen may be caused by ovulation, strenuous exercise, acute enteritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or other reasons. If you experience any discomfort, seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Maintain a light and easily digestible diet, avoid spicy or irritating foods, drink adequate water, and ensure proper rest and warmth.
Under normal circumstances, mild pain in the lower left abdomen may be caused by ovulation, intense physical exercise, acute enteritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or other reasons. If any discomfort occurs, it is important to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. The specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Ovulation
During ovulation, women may experience mild abdominal pain due to the rupture of ovarian follicles releasing an egg, which can trigger a slight inflammatory response and stimulate surrounding tissues and nerve endings. This typically does not require special treatment. Applying a warm compress may help improve blood circulation and relieve pain.
2. Intense Physical Exercise
Intense exercise can cause microscopic damage to muscle fibers and lead to lactic acid buildup, resulting in muscle fatigue and pain, possibly causing dull pain in the left abdomen. Adequate rest, gentle stretching, and alternating cold and heat therapy can help promote blood circulation and alleviate muscle fatigue.
3. Acute Enteritis
Acute enteritis is usually caused by consuming contaminated food or infections from viruses or bacteria, leading to acute inflammation of the intestines. Inflammation may cause a dull ache in the lower left abdomen, often accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea. Treatment under a doctor's supervision may include medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, Bifidobacterium quadruple viable tablets, or compound berberine tablets.
4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease is commonly caused by bacterial infection ascending through the reproductive tract, spread of inflammation from nearby organs, or sexually transmitted infections, resulting in inflammation of the reproductive organs and surrounding tissues in the pelvis. This inflammation may stimulate pelvic nerves, causing dull pain in the lower left abdomen. Symptoms may also include increased vaginal discharge and fever. Patients may take medications such as Qianjin Zhidai Pills, Gynecological Qianjin Tablets, or metronidazole tablets as directed by a physician.
5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is generally caused by a combination of abnormal intestinal motility, dysregulation of the nervous system, and imbalances in gut microbiota. These factors may lead to abnormal intestinal contractions, gas accumulation, and intestinal spasms, resulting in pain in the lower left abdomen. Other symptoms may include diarrhea or constipation. Under medical advice, patients may use medications such as pinaverium bromide tablets, Bifidobacterium quadruple viable tablets, or loperamide hydrochloride capsules for treatment.
In daily life, maintaining a light and easily digestible diet, avoiding spicy or irritating foods, drinking adequate water, and ensuring sufficient rest and warmth can help prevent and alleviate mild pain in the lower left abdomen.
