What causes intermittent pain in the lower left abdomen?

Mar 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, intermittent left lower abdominal pain may be caused by improper diet, excessive intestinal gas, cystitis, sigmoiditis, intestinal obstruction, or other reasons. The solution depends on identifying and addressing the specific cause. It is important to seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment. During treatment, appropriate therapeutic measures should be taken according to the specific underlying cause, and changes in the condition should be closely monitored, with timely adjustments to the treatment plan.

  In general, intermittent left lower abdominal pain may be caused by improper diet, excessive intestinal gas, cystitis, sigmoiditis, intestinal obstruction, and other related factors. The solution needs to be selected according to the specific cause. Prompt medical attention is required, and treatment should be administered following medical advice. Details are as follows:

  1. Improper diet: Irregular eating habits, excessive consumption of spicy and greasy foods, and other unhealthy dietary behaviors may lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction, causing intermittent left lower abdominal pain. It is necessary to adjust dietary structure, consume more easily digestible foods, and avoid spicy, greasy, and irritating foods.

  2. Excessive intestinal gas: Overconsumption of gas-producing foods or indigestion may lead to excessive gas accumulation in the intestines, causing intermittent left lower abdominal pain. Intake of gas-producing foods should be reduced, and moderate physical activity is recommended to promote intestinal motility and facilitate gas expulsion.

  3. Cystitis: Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, possibly caused by bacterial infection. The inflammation may irritate pelvic tissues, causing left lower abdominal pain, often accompanied by frequent urination. Antibiotic medications such as erythromycin tablets, cefixime capsules, and minocycline hydrochloride capsules should be taken under a doctor's guidance to eliminate bacteria and alleviate symptoms.

  4. Sigmoiditis: The sigmoid colon is located in the left lower abdomen; when inflamed, it may cause dull or intermittent pain in the left lower abdomen, and may also be accompanied by vomiting. The inflammation may be related to infection, immune dysfunction, improper diet, and other factors. Medications such as mesalazine enteric-coated tablets, sucralfate suspension gel, and hydrocortisone tablets should be used under medical guidance to protect the intestinal mucosa.

  5. Intestinal obstruction: Intestinal obstruction may be caused by overeating, food blockage, intestinal adhesions, or other factors, preventing the smooth passage of intestinal contents, resulting in intermittent left lower abdominal pain, possibly accompanied by abdominal distension. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as domperidone tablets, cisapride tablets, and lactobacillus tablets may be used to promote intestinal motility.

  During treatment, appropriate therapeutic measures should be taken based on the specific cause, and changes in the condition should be closely observed, with timely adjustments to the treatment plan. At the same time, maintaining good lifestyle and dietary habits can also help prevent and treat intermittent left lower abdominal pain.

  References:

  1. Ge Junbo, Xu Yongjian, Wang Chen. Internal Medicine [M]. 9th Edition. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2018: 382-388.

  2. Chen Xiaoping, Wang Jianping, Zhao Jizong. Surgery [M]. 9th Edition. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2018: 450-455.