Is the left side of your stomach hurting? Maybe you feel a dull ache under your ribs or a sharp pain closer to your hip. You’re probably wondering what’s causing it and whether you should be worried.
Left side abdominal pain can happen for many reasons, from trapped gas and constipation to conditions that need medical treatment. Where you feel the pain and what other symptoms you have can offer clues about the cause.
Yes. Pain in your upper left abdomen can come from your stomach, pancreas or spleen. Pain in your lower left abdomen is more likely to involve your colon or pelvic organs.
But location alone can’t tell you what’s wrong. Your doctor will also want to know whether the pain is sharp, dull or crampy, how long you’ve had it and whether you have other symptoms.
Gastritis: Gastritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the stomach lining and can result in abdominal discomfort in the center or left side of the upper abdomen under the ribs. Gastritis can be caused by bacterial infections, chronic use of anti-inflammatory medications, or excessive alcohol intake.
Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis often causes pain in the lower left abdomen. The pain may be constant and can come with fever, nausea, constipation or diarrhea.
IBS: IBS, irritable bowel syndrome, is a common digestive condition that causes belly pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or both.
Ulcerative Colitis: Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon. It can cause left lower abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and bowel urgency.
Kidney Infection/Kidney Stone: A kidney infection or stone can cause pain in your left side or back, just below your ribs. Kidney stones may cause sharp pain that spreads toward your groin. A kidney infection can cause fever, chills and painful urination.
Enlarged Spleen: The spleen is an organ located in the left upper portion of the abdomen. Pain in this area could indicate that your spleen may be enlarged due to an infection or other conditions. People who experience pain in the left side of their abdomen due to a spleen problem may also experience fatigue, easy bleeding, frequent infections, or anemia.
Pancreatitis: The pancreas is an organ located just behind the stomach that helps with food digestion and blood sugar regulation. Pancreatitis often causes pain in the upper middle or left side of your abdomen. The pain may spread to your back and come with nausea, vomiting or fever.
Hernia: A hernia occurs when a spot in the abdominal muscle opens up, and intestines or other abdominal tissues stick through the hole. Depending on the hernia’s location, some people can experience pain in the left side of the abdomen and a lump or bulge of the skin.
Gas and Constipation: Trapped gas can cause cramps, bloating and sharp pains that come and go. Constipation can also cause discomfort on the left side of your abdomen, especially when stool builds up in your colon.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Pelvic inflammatory disease causes inflammation in the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries in response to an infection. Women with pelvic inflammatory disease often complain of lower abdominal pain, sometimes on the left side, as well as vaginal discharge, irregular periods, and painful intercourse.
Mild abdominal pain sometimes goes away on its own. But if your pain keeps coming back, gets worse or lasts more than a few days, make an appointment with your doctor.
Seek emergency medical care if you have sudden, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting or significant bleeding. Severe pain with fever or repeated vomiting also needs prompt medical attention.
The gastroenterologists at Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio can help identify digestive problems that may be causing your symptoms.
Don’t continue to live with left side abdominal pain – schedule an appointment today!
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