What disease causes intermittent pain in the lower left abdomen?

Mar 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My colleague is experiencing intermittent pain in the lower left abdomen. We are unsure which diseases could cause such symptoms. May I ask what conditions might cause intermittent pain in the lower left abdomen?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Lei

Episodic pain in the lower left abdomen can be caused by conditions such as acute enteritis, intestinal obstruction, kidney stones, constipation, or cystitis.

1. Acute Enteritis: This may be caused by consuming contaminated food, exposure to cold, or viral or bacterial infection. It can lead to excessive intestinal motility or intestinal spasms, resulting in intermittent sharp pain in the lower left abdomen.

2. Intestinal Obstruction: If the pain in the lower left abdomen lasts a long time, is severe and persistent, and is accompanied by increased bowel movements or blood in the stool, there may be a risk of intestinal obstruction.

3. Kidney Stones: Stones in the kidneys can cause fluid buildup that cannot be discharged, leading to stretching and pulling of the kidney, which may result in intermittent sharp pain in the lower left abdomen.

4. Constipation: Weakened gastrointestinal motility can lead to obstruction of stool passage, causing dry, hardened stool to block the intestines and press on or irritate the intestinal wall, resulting in intermittent pain in the lower left abdomen.

5. Cystitis: Local inflammation caused by a bladder infection may irritate pelvic tissues, leading to swelling, adhesion, and other pathological changes that cause pain in the lower left abdomen.

When experiencing any discomfort or symptoms, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention and follow the doctor's advice for diagnosis and treatment.