Left Side Stomach Pain: Causes, Symptoms & When to Worry

Overview

The abdomen contains numerous critical organs, and left-sided stomach pain can be caused by numerous structures such as the digestive tract, urinary system, and reproductive system. The signs of pain in left side of stomach depend on the etiology. Some are short-lived and mild, but others need to be treated immediately.

Knowing What Causes Pain in Left Side Stomach can assist in determining whether it is something you can treat at home or if you should visit a doctor.

What Organs Are in the Left Abdomen?

The left abdomen houses several organs that can be responsible for pain in this region:

• Spleen – Has the responsibility of filtering the blood and combating infection.

• Stomach – Digests and breaks down food.

• Pancreas – Secretes digestive enzymes and insulin.

• Left Kidney – Removes waste from the blood and regulates the body's fluid level.

• Left Ureter – Transports urine from the kidney to the bladder.

• Small and Large Intestines – Breaks down and eliminates waste and absorbs nutrients.

• Left Ovary and Fallopian Tube (in women) – Part of the reproductive system.

All these organs may be responsible for left-side stomach pain, based on the condition that affects them.

Most Common Left Side Stomach Pain Causes

Here are some of the most common Left Side Stomach Pain Causes:

1. Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is the inflammation of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon. It is a common cause of left lower abdominal pain diagnosis and is sometimes preceded by:

• Severe crampy pain

• Fever

• Nausea or vomiting

• Changes in bowel habits

2. Gastritis

Inflammation of the stomach lining can result in left-sided stomach pain, commonly due to:

• Heavy drinking

• Stress

• Bacterial infection (H. pylori)

• Extended NSAID use

3. Indigestion and Gas

Excess gas production can result in stabbing or crampy pain on the left side of the stomach. Precipitating factors are:

• Gas-producing foods

• Taking in the air while eating

• Acid reflux

4. Kidney Stones

If a kidney stone passes along the urinary tract, it can cause sharp left abdominal pain symptoms. Other signs and symptoms are:

• Presence of blood in urine

• Frequent urge to urinate

• Severe stabbing pain with radiation to back

5. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis usually induces upper left-side abdominal pain. Signs and symptoms are:

• Acute pain following ingestion of food

• Nausea and vomiting

• Weight loss without a clear reason

Common Left Side Stomach Pain Causes in Women

Women can have left-side stomach pain due to conditions of the female reproductive system. Some are insignificant while others require immediate medical intervention.

1. Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries. Most of them are benign and do not manifest, but others become large and symptomatic.

Symptoms:

• Mild or severe left abdominal pain

• Bloating or fullness

• Irregular periods

• Painful intercourse

• Frequent urination when the cyst is compressing the bladder

Why It Occurs:

Cysts occur during the menstrual cycle if the ovary cannot expel an egg or if a follicle forms instead of bursting. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is also the reason behind multiple small cysts in the ovaries.

Treatment:

• Small, non-symptomatic cysts: Usually resolve spontaneously.

• Large or symptomatic cysts: Might need birth control pills to balance out hormones or surgery if they break or become an issue.

2. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is an agonising disease in which uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus. Such tissue can spread to the ovaries, tubes, or intestines and cause perpetual pain and not being able to get pregnant.

Symptoms:

• Severe pain and cramps, particularly menstrual

• Painful intercourse

• Heavy or abnormally heavy menses

• Constipation and bloating

• Infertility in certain instances

Why It Occurs:

The precise mechanism of endometriosis is not yet known, although retrograde menstruation (when menstrual blood moves in the opposite direction into the abdomen) is a likely cause.

Treatment:

• Pain management: OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen.

• Hormonal treatment: Birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, or GnRH agonists retard tissue growth.

• Surgery: Laparoscopic excision of endometrial tissue in extreme cases.

3. Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus usually in a fallopian tube and usually involves an emergency situation that requires immediate treatment.

Symptoms:

• Sudden sharp pain on one side of the abdomen or pelvis

• Spotting or bleeding from the vagina

• Shoulder pain (in case of internal bleeding)

• Dizziness, fainting, or weakness

Why It Happens:

Faulty or blocked fallopian tubes can lead to the egg not reaching the uterus. Past ectopic pregnancies, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or endometriosis are also risk factors.

Treatment:

• Medication: Methotrexate is given to stop the growth of the cells in initial cases.

• Surgery: Laparoscopy is generally required to remove the ectopic pregnancy and prevent rupture.

Common Causes of Left Side Abdominal Pain in Men

Pain in left side of stomach in men can be caused by conditions in the urinary, reproductive, or intestinal tracts. Some of the common Left Side Belly Pain Reasons in men are listed below:

1. Inguinal Hernia

An inguinal hernia is formed when part of the intestine protrudes through a weak area of the abdominal wall and forms a bulging mass on the groin area.

Symptoms:

• Pain or discomfort in the lower left abdomen or the groin

• Visible bulge which worsens with coughing or lifting heavy objects

• A dragging or heavy feeling in the groin

• Pain that gets better when lying down

Why It Happens:

Weak abdominal muscles, usually due to heavy lifting, chronic cough, obesity, or straining with bowel movements, put a person at risk for a hernia.

Treatment:

• Supportive treatment: A supportive belt can be helpful for mild cases.

• Surgery: Hernia repair is indicated to avoid complications such as strangulation (when blood supply to the herniated tissue is cut off).

2. Testicular Torsion

Testicular torsion is an emergency condition in which the spermatic cord twists, shutting off the blood supply to the testicle.

Symptoms:

• Sudden severe pain in the scrotum and lower abdomen

• Swelling of the involved testicle

• Nausea and vomiting

• Pain that does not get better with rest

Why It Happens

Testicular torsion tends to result from a congenital condition in which the testicle is mobile or has a loose movement within the scrotum. It can be precipitated by trauma, sudden growth during puberty, or strenuous exercise.

Treatment:

• Emergency surgery: Surgery to untwist the cord and reestablish blood supply must be done urgently. Delays beyond 6 hours can result in testicle loss.

3. Prostatitis

Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate gland, which often results from infection by bacteria or some other factor.

Symptoms:

• Abdominal or groinal pain

• Difficulty in urination or frequent urination

• Painful ejaculation, pain during sexual intercourse

• Flu-like symptoms (muscle aches, fever, and chills)

Why It Happens:

Chronic prostatitis can result from stress, nerve damage, or autoimmune illness. Bacterial prostatitis results from the entry of urinary tract bacteria into the prostate.

Treatment:

• Antibiotics: If infected by bacteria.

• Pain relief: Anti-inflammatory medication and warm baths can be beneficial.

Consult a Doctor When These Symptoms Appear

Seek immediate medical attention if stomach pain on the left side is also accompanied by any of these:

• Pain that worsens or that cannot be eased

• Fever (over 101°F)

• Sudden weight loss

• Blood in stool or urine

• Recurring vomiting

• Shortness of breath or pain in the chest

• Pain spreading to the shoulder or back

Left lower abdominal pain diagnosis must be thoroughly tested, i.e., with laboratory tests, imaging (ultrasound, CT scan), and in some cases, endoscopy, depending on the symptom.

Conclusion

Knowing what causes pain in left side stomach will enable you to navigate milder symptoms and more complex illnesses. If your pain is agonising or relentless, do not delay. Early diagnosis and treatment will avoid complications and bring better health results.

If you see any chronic left-side stomach pain causes visit your nearest super-specialty hospital as soon as possible! Early treatment can ease you and avoid complications.

FAQs

1. When do I need to worry about Pain in Left Side of Stomach?

If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like fever, vomiting, or blood in your stool, you should seek medical attention immediately.

2. What is the best stomach pain left side treatment?

Treatment is determined by the cause. Mild cases may improve with rest, fluid, and diet changes, whereas severe cases are treated with medicine, lifestyle modification, or surgery.

3. Can gas cause pain in left side of stomach??

Yes, gas entrapment can cause stabbing, and crampy pain in the left lower abdomen. It is typically relieved by belching, passing gas, or using anti-gas medications.

4. How do doctors diagnose left lower abdominal pain?

Doctors can identify what is causing your pain using physical exams, laboratory tests, ultrasound, or computed tomography scans.

5. Is left-side abdominal pain always serious?

Not always. Mild discomfort can be caused by indigestion or gas. However, persistent or intense pain should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out serious conditions.

Citations

Hwang, J. A. (2013). Differential diagnosis of left-sided abdominal pain: Primary epiploic appendagitisvscolonic diverticulitis. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 19(40), 6842. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v19.i40.6842

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020, January 31). Symptoms & causes of pancreatitis . National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/pancreatitis/symptoms-causes

Pain in lower left abdomen: 12 possible causes. (2018, November 21). Www.medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320069