What causes pain in the lower left abdomen?

The abdomen is commonly referred to as the belly. In general, pain in the lower left abdomen may be caused by factors such as cold exposure, muscle soreness after intense exercise, indigestion, appendicitis, or colitis. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include general management and medication. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Cold Exposure

Exposure of the abdomen to cold may cause intestinal contraction and spasms, or disrupt normal intestinal motility, leading to pain in the lower left abdomen. It is important to keep the abdomen warm in daily life; applying heat with a hot water bottle or heating pad may help alleviate symptoms.

2. Muscle Pain After Intense Exercise

Prolonged or high-intensity abdominal exercises, such as sprinting, may lead to abdominal muscle fatigue, strain, or spasms, resulting in lower abdominal pain. Adequate rest should be taken, and further strenuous activity should be avoided.

3. Indigestion

Overeating or consuming excessive greasy or hard-to-digest foods can lead to indigestion and subsequently cause the aforementioned symptoms, possibly accompanied by bloating, belching, and nausea. Medications such as domperidone tablets, Jianwei Xiaoshi tablets (digestive aid), or compound digestive enzyme capsules may be used under medical supervision.

4. Appendicitis

Appendicitis is primarily caused by blockage of the appendix lumen and bacterial infection. Although typical pain occurs in the lower right abdomen, some patients may have an ectopic appendix or experience pain that shifts to the lower left abdomen. Symptoms may include nausea and vomiting. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, metronidazole tablets, or ornidazole dispersible tablets.

5. Colitis

Colitis may result from genetic factors, autoimmune responses, dietary habits, and others. It can cause congestion and erosion of the colonic mucosa, stimulating local nerve endings and causing pain in the lower left abdomen. Symptoms may include diarrhea and bloody stools. Treatment under medical guidance may involve medications such as ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, azathioprine tablets, or acetate prednisolone tablets.

To prevent pain in the lower left abdomen, it is advisable to maintain warmth in the abdominal area, eat a balanced diet, avoid overeating and greasy or hard-to-digest foods, engage in moderate physical activity, and avoid excessive exertion to promote intestinal health.