How do you know if lower left abdominal pain is serious

Understanding Diverticulitis -- Symptoms

The symptoms of diverticulitis are:

Table of Contents Show

Understanding Diverticulitis -- Symptoms
Call Your Doctor About Diverticulitis If:
Left side stomach pain
Other causes of left-side stomach pain
When to worry about pain on my left side?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is lower left abdominal pain serious?
Why is my lower abdomen hurting on the left?
When should I worry about left side pain?
What organ is located at lower left abdomen?

Severe abdominal pain and cramping that is usually worse on the left side and increases when the area is touched
Nausea
Chills or fever
Bloating
Constipation, thin stools, or diarrhea
Rectal bleeding (rare)

Call Your Doctor About Diverticulitis If:

You have a fever, chills, abdominal swelling, or are vomiting.
You have blood in your stool.
You have severe or persistent pain.
Your abdomen becomes rigid and you experience pain when you move; you could have peritonitis, an infection of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. Get medical help immediately.

If you continue to have severe pain, despite treatment, you may need further evaluation. Call your doctor.

By Medicover Hospitals / 25 March 2022
Home / symptoms / Left side stomach pain

Left side stomach pain

Left side stomach pain is mostly caused by gas, but sometimes it can also be the result of more serious conditions such as diverticulitis, appendicitis, or stomach ulcers, which need immediate medical attention. There are many other symptoms that would help to differentiate between normal gas pain and something serious where you should seek emergency care.
Indigestion is typically characterized by pain in the lower left abdomen, which is accompanied by symptoms such as belching, bloating, or a hard abdomen. If you have upper or lower left side pain, a high fever, nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain, seek emergency care to rule out any of the serious conditions listed above.

Other causes of left-side stomach pain

If not due to gas, here are some causes of left side stomach pain -

Appendicitis - While appendicitis pain is usually felt on the right side of the body, the initial pain often begins near the belly button and can be misinterpreted as coming from the left. If left untreated, an appendicitis infection can lead to serious complications. Keep an eye out for pain moving to the right side of the abdomen, as well as fever, nausea, and vomiting, and seek medical attention right away.

Diverticulosis - It is an inflammation of the diverticula pouches in the large intestine and is one of the most common causes of pain on the left side. It leads to abdominal pain, fever, and nausea. It is not a severe condition it can be treated.

Stones in the kidneys - Kidney stones, also known as nephrolithiasis, are calcium or uric acid deposits that accumulate in the kidneys. When they pass through the urinary tract, they are excruciatingly painful. Common kidney stone symptoms include left side or back pain, painful urination, fever, nausea, and vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms of kidney stone pain, go to the nearest emergency room.

Constipation - Constipation is another cause of abdominal pain on the left side of the body. Constipation is usually caused by a lack of exercise, dehydration, or a low-fiber diet. Most cases of constipation do not necessitate a trip to the emergency room and can be easily alleviated by increasing daily movement and drinking plenty of water.

Ulcers in the stomach - Stomach ulcers, also known as gastritis or stomach inflammation, are sores in the stomach lining that are frequently caused by infections or the overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They can cause upper left side pain and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and bloody or black stools or vomit. Stomach ulcers can heal on their own, but they frequently recur if not treated properly.

When to worry about pain on my left side?

If left side pain is due to gas or indigestion, it will go away on its own. However, if you experience pain on the left side of your body in conjunction with any of the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor:

Fever
Vomiting or nausea
Cold skin
Breathing fast
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Muscle deterioration
Vomit or bloody stools
Pain in the abdomen that lasts more than a week

Stomach pain in the left side is very common and it can be treated. If you feel pain in the left side of the stomach frequently, consult your nearest gastroenterologist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Yes, excess gas or constipation causes left-sided abdominal pain.

Normally, left side stomach pain will go within 2 to 3 days when caused by minor conditions such as excess gas or constipation.

Here are some quick methods for releasing trapped gas, such as burping or passing gas.

Massage the painful area gently.
Yoga asanas
Drink water
Herbs

When the left side pain appears frequently along with other symptoms, it might be something serious. However, it can be treated easily by consulting a doctor.

Citations

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003120.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/abdominal-pain/basics/definition/sym-20050728

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/a/abdominal-pain---unexplained.html

https://familydoctor.org/symptom/abdominal-pain-stomach-pain-long-term/

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/what-causes-abdominal-pain

Is lower left abdominal pain serious?

Pain in the lower left abdomen is commonly no cause for concern, but one shouldn't ignore it. Some signs of pain in the lower left abdomen maybe not be very strong and gentle, such as gas pain or constipation. It can also be more serious, as in the case of an infection, diverticulitis, endometriosis etc.

Why is my lower abdomen hurting on the left?

Left lower quadrant Pain that is specifically in your lower left abdomen is most often related to diverticulosis and diverticulitis of the colon. Diverticula (small outpouchings in the bowel wall) can occur throughout your colon, but they usually develop in the lower left part.

When should I worry about left side pain?

Generally, intermittent left side pain is a sign of gas or indigestion and should pass on its own. But if you notice severe abdominal pain on the left side of your body in conjunction with any of the following symptoms, it's time to call the doctor: Fever. Nausea or vomiting.

What organ is located at lower left abdomen?

The lower left quadrant of the abdomen contains the transverse, descending, and sigmoid sections of the colon; part of the small intestine; the ureter of the left kidney; and the iliac fossa (part of the hip bone and pelvis). The iliac fossa is a gateway to the reproductive organs in both men and women.

lower left abdominal pain