What are the possible causes of left abdominal pain?
Sep 22, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, left abdominal pain may be caused by improper diet, lack of exercise, high levels of mental stress, irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers, or other reasons. It is important to maintain healthy lifestyle and eating habits, avoid overeating and excessive fatigue, and learn to regulate emotions to stay cheerful, which helps maintain overall health.
Under normal circumstances, left abdominal pain may be caused by improper diet, lack of physical activity, high mental stress, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastric ulcers, and other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Improper Diet
Long-term consumption of spicy or greasy foods, or excessive alcohol intake, may increase gastrointestinal burden and lead to discomfort or pain in the left abdomen. Adjusting the diet by increasing intake of vegetables and fruits while reducing spicy and greasy foods can help alleviate symptoms.
2. Lack of Exercise
Sedentary behavior or insufficient physical activity can weaken intestinal motility, leading to constipation or indigestion, which may irritate the left abdomen and cause pain. Regular moderate exercise such as walking, jogging, or yoga should be maintained to promote intestinal movement and improve digestive function.
3. High Mental Stress
Chronic mental tension or significant emotional fluctuations may affect digestive system function through neurological mechanisms, resulting in severe left abdominal pain. Stress reduction techniques such as physical exercise, meditation, or psychological counseling can help relieve these symptoms.
4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is primarily associated with genetic factors, psychological anxiety, and poor dietary habits. It may trigger intestinal spasms or abnormal activity of the sigmoid colon, causing contractions of intestinal muscles and resulting in left abdominal pain, often accompanied by bloating, constipation, and other symptoms. Treatment may include medications such as pinaverium bromide tablets, lactulose oral solution, or compound *Lactobacillus acidophilus* tablets, taken as prescribed by a doctor.
5. Gastric Ulcer
Infection with *Helicobacter pylori* is a major cause of gastric ulcers. When stomach acid or food irritates an ulcerated area in the left upper abdomen, it can cause severe pain, often accompanied by heartburn, vomiting, and other symptoms. Medications such as racemic anisodamine tablets, Xinwei Zhitong capsules, or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules may be used under medical supervision for treatment.
Maintaining healthy lifestyle and eating habits, avoiding overeating and excessive fatigue, as well as learning to regulate emotions and maintain a positive mood, are beneficial for preserving overall health.
