If you have been researching the internet about “left side stomach pain,” then you are in the right place. Left stomach side pain means that you feel pain in the lower-left side of the abdomen.
There are several possible causes of this type of pain, which can be painful for men and women. This article explains why people get stomach pains, the causes, treatment, and when to see a doctor.
Why Do People Get Stomach Pain?
Let’s be clear; there are numerous reasons why you could be getting stomach pain. Some are very common, and most of us have had them at one point in our lives. However, some injuries are more unusual and can be a cause of concern.
For example, a painful or swollen belly is often a sign of a condition called diverticulitis. The pain can be sharp, dull, or a combination of both. A bellyache may be a disease symptom such as an infection or a gastrointestinal (GI) problem, including a GI bleed.
What Causes Left Stomach Side Pain?
There are several conditions of the digestive tract that may cause pain on the left lower stomach side, including:
- Chronic constipation
- Diverticulitis (colonic inflammation due to an abnormal pocket)
- Food intolerances such as lactose intolerance, which make dairy products difficult to digest
- Gastrointestinal infection caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses
- Excess gas
- Celiac disease (intestinal damage caused by gluten from wheat and other grains)
- Diseases related to the intestines, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS); intestinal discomfort without causing damage or disease
- Abdominal hernia (occurs when weak areas of the abdominal muscles cause the intestine to protrude)
Women can experience left stomach side pain for the following reasons;
- Endometriosis: An abdominal problem that causes pain, especially during and before a period
- Period cramps
- Ovarian cysts
- Ectopic Pregnancy: Pain that occurs when the fetus grows inside the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy may occur within the first ten weeks of pregnancy.
It is essential to consult a physician immediately if you experience left stomach pain, as it may signify a serious problem.
A gastrointestinal disorder such as peptic ulcer disease or gastritis is usually responsible for left stomach left side abdominal pain. An infection in the abdomen or appendicitis could also contribute to left-sided stomach pain.
Treatment for Left Stomach Side Pain
There are many types of treatment for pain, which will depend on the conditions or diseases causing it. As a remedy for lower abdominal pain caused by diverticulitis, you may need antibiotics and rest. In other cases, such as a hernia or an intestinal blockage, surgery will be necessary.
Your doctor may prescribe dietary adjustments and laxatives in severe cases of constipation and gas. Chronic lower abdominal pain, such as Crohn’s or IBS, can be managed better with a more careful diet.
Dietary exclusion is sometimes necessary to treat food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance.
When to See a Doctor
If abdominal pain goes away and does not return, treatment may not be necessary. You should, however, consult your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain.
The following symptoms are chronic:
- Having blood in your vomit
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Intense or escalating pain
- Fever and pain
- Chest pain, cough, or difficulty breathing
- Abdominal tenderness
- Pain accompanied by diarrhea
- A prolonged episode of constipation
- Stool containing blood
- Vomiting or nausea with pain
Keep an eye out for any of these severe symptoms, especially if they persist for more than two to three days. Visit the doctor right away if you notice any of them.
You must take left stomach side pain seriously, as the symptoms may indicate other health issues.
If you feel pain in the left side of your abdomen, contact us.
Left sided abdominal pain can reflect stomach or intestinal disorders.
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Diagnosing abdominal pain is tricky due to the plethora of organs and structures in the abdomen. The causes of left sided abdominal pain, specifically felt after eating, can usually be pinpointed to the structures on that side of the belly. St. John Providence Health System of Michigan provides an anatomy lesson showing the stomach, small intestine and colon fill the left side of the abdominal cavity. Varying from minor illnesses to life-threatening diseases, some abdominal pains should not be ignored and warrant a visit to the doctor.
Ulcers and Heartburn
Ulcers are open wounds that typically form on the lining of the stomach and small intestine, according to St. John Providence Health System. Left-sided abdominal pain after eating, with or without heartburn, may signify an ulcer or gastroesophageal reflux disease known as GERD. GERD occurs when stomach acid or contents reflux into the esophagus causing a burning pain known as heartburn, typically more severe after eating. St. John Providence Health System suggests that both ulcers and GERD may be easily treated with dietary modifications or medications, and usually antibiotics are needed to treat ulcers.
Diarrhea, Constipation and Gas
Problems involving the stomach, colon and small intestine can generate left-sided abdominal pain after a meal. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse demonstrates how ingested gas in the stomach, or gas created from foods in the intestines, can cause left-sided abdominal pain and fullness. Swallowing air while eating or drinking or ill-fitting dentures is usually the cause of pain after eating, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Belching, passing gas, eating slower and decreasing dietary fats can prevent a buildup of gases and provide relief, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Constipation or diarrhea affects the colon and small intestines, which may reflect in left-sided abdominal pain after a disagreeable meal or dehydration.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is an inflammatory disease that creates tiny pouches in the intestines that can fill with food and waste, causing pain and irregular bowel habits, according to St. John Providence Health System. Typical symptoms of diverticulitis depend upon the location of the disease within the colon. If the pouches occur on the descending colon, in the left side of the abdomen, the pain will be left sided and can worsen after a meal. Stomach pains may be crampy and associated with a fever, nausea and constipation, according to St. John Providence Health System. Increasing dietary fiber and avoiding certain foods, such as berries and nuts, may relieve the symptoms.
Colorectal Cancer
Continuous and severe left-sided abdominal pain after eating should not be ignored as it may be a sign of colorectal cancer, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Cancer is an atypical grouping of cells that grow and mutate into tumors. Not uncommon in those over 50 years of age, colorectal cancer is the second most common American cancer per the American Academy of Family Physicians. Annual screening with digital rectal examinations, colonoscopy and a full family medical history will assist in early detection of this cancer.