Pain in the left side can often be attributed to overeating or digestive issues, but sometimes people ignore alarming symptoms for years. In fact, the causes of such pain can be very diverse, so it is important not only to pay attention to the pain itself but also to notice accompanying symptoms, as sometimes the body signals a dangerous condition in this way. UNN will provide more details on the most common causes of pain in the left side.
Why the left side hurts
Several important organs are located in the left part of the abdomen at once: part of the stomach, the intestines, the spleen, the pancreas, and the left kidney. That is why it can be difficult to determine the cause of pain without an examination. The pain itself can also vary: acute, pulling, sharp, or cramping. Sometimes it occurs after eating, physical exertion, or stress, and sometimes it is accompanied by fever, nausea, or problems with bowel movements. However, if the discomfort lasts a long time or intensifies, it should not be ignored.
Most common causes of pain in the left side
Intestinal problems
One of the most common causes of pain in the left side is intestinal dysfunction. Bloating, constipation, or inflammatory processes can cause spasms, heaviness, and discomfort.
Pain particularly often appears with diverticulitis—an inflammation of small pouches in the walls of the large intestine. This condition more often occurs in people over 40 and is accompanied by symptoms such as: bloating and abdominal swelling, spasms or tenderness in the intestines, painful bowel movements and/or a change in the usual rhythm of bowel movements, as well as loss of appetite.
In addition, the cause may be chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, particularly ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. In this case, several more symptoms are added to the pain, namely: pain and spasms in the left side of the abdomen, bloating and heaviness, frequent diarrhea (including with blood), nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and weight, fever, chills, and general weakness.
Stomach diseases
If the pain is localized closer to the upper part of the abdomen, the problem may be related to the stomach. Indigestion, nausea, a feeling of heaviness after eating, and burning pain in the abdomen sometimes indicate a stomach ulcer. This condition can occur due to damage to the stomach lining if an infection gets there.
Also, sometimes pain in the left side accompanies gastroenteritis—an infectious inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which is often colloquially called the "stomach flu." Symptoms of this disease include spasms and pain in the left side of the abdomen, diarrhea (sometimes with blood), nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, muscle aches, and fatigue. Also, if the pain does not go away for more than 48 hours or is accompanied by severe dehydration, it is important to seek medical help from a gastroenterologist.
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Kidney stones
Sharp pain in the left side or lower back may indicate kidney stones. Symptoms: acute pain in the left side or lower back, pain radiating to the groin, frequent and painful urination, blood in the urine, nausea and vomiting, as well as an elevated temperature (38.3°C and higher). With such symptoms, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Appendicitis
Despite the fact that appendicitis is usually associated with the right side, initial pain sometimes occurs specifically near the navel or on the left. Symptoms: dull pain in the area of the navel or upper abdomen that turns into sharp pain in the lower right quadrant, loss of appetite, nausea and/or vomiting after the onset of abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, difficulty passing gas, elevated temperature (37.7-38.8°C), as well as diarrhea or constipation.
Female causes of pain in the left side
Menstrual cramps
In many women, pain in the lower abdomen occurs during menstruation. Spasms can radiate to the left side, lower back, or pelvis. Usually, such pain is not dangerous, but if it becomes too severe and interferes with normal life, it is worth consulting a gynecologist.
Endometriosis
One of the most common gynecological causes of pain is endometriosis—a disease in which the tissue of the uterine lining grows outside of it. Common symptoms: painful periods, pain in the lower back on the left side, abdominal spasms, abnormal spotting between periods, pain during intercourse, diarrhea or constipation, painful urination, infertility.
Ovarian cysts
Pulling pain in the left side is sometimes caused by ovarian cysts. Most often they are not dangerous, but if they enlarge or rupture, they can cause severe pain and require urgent treatment. Additional symptoms may include: pulling or sharp pain in the left part of the abdomen, discomfort during intercourse, abdominal bloating, pressure or pain in the pelvic area, problems with urination, changes in the menstrual cycle (unusual spotting, heavy periods), nausea and vomiting, pain during bowel movements.
Male causes of pain in the left side
Hernia
In men, pain in the left side is often associated with a hernia—a condition where internal organs bulge through weakened muscles. Common symptoms of a hernia include: pain or discomfort in the left part of the abdomen, a bulge or lump in the abdominal or groin area, problems with urination, gas, or bowel movements, nausea and vomiting, as well as fever and chills.
Inguinal hernia
An inguinal hernia is one of the most common problems among men, and in most cases, such a pathology requires surgical treatment. General symptoms of an inguinal hernia: pain or discomfort in the lower left part of the abdomen, a bulge or lump in the groin area, problems with urination, gas, or bowel movements, increased pain during coughing, physical exertion, or prolonged standing, as well as nausea and vomiting.
Testicular torsion
Sudden severe pain in the groin or left side may indicate testicular torsion—a dangerous condition in which blood supply is disrupted. This is an emergency situation that requires urgent surgery, because without rapid assistance, there is a risk of irreversible complications. Symptoms of testicular torsion include: sudden, severe pain in the left part of the abdomen or groin, swelling of the scrotum, nausea and vomiting, as well as fever and chills.
When to see a doctor immediately
Medics advise not to delay consultation if pain in the left side is accompanied by fever, vomiting, blood in the stool or urine, sudden weakness, or dizziness.
Also, a dangerous signal is pain that does not go away for several days or gradually intensifies. In addition, self-medication in such cases can only worsen the situation. Sometimes, behind ordinary abdominal pain, conditions requiring urgent intervention may be hidden.
ATTENTION! This material is for informational purposes only. If you are concerned about health problems, consult a doctor.