Left-side abdominal pain is a common problem but can be difficult to diagnose as there are several important organs in this area, including the spleen, stomach and left kidney. A range of digestive issues could also be to blame.
What digestive conditions could be causing the pain?
Constipation, IBS and Gastroenteritis
Left side of stomach pain can be a sign that there’s something wrong with your digestive system.
Aching or cramping can be linked to
, (IBS) or , where the lining of your stomach or small intestine is irritated or becomes inflamed.Short-term digestive issues like constipation or gastroenteritis can be treated from home, but it’s important to monitor your symptoms and visit a doctor if the pain doesn’t settle.
IBS, constipation and gastroenteritis can also cause
.Diverticulitis
If the pouches in the wall of your small and large intestine get infected, this can cause a condition known as
, which causes constant abdominal pain on left side in a lower area, as well as high fever, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting or blood in your stools.Intermittent, crampy pain towards the left of your tummy can also be a symptom of diverticulosis.
You may also notice that your pain seems to flare up while you’re eating, or just after you’ve finished a meal.
The condition is fairly common in western countries - affecting approximately 50% of people over the age of 50 - and may be linked to a lack of dietary fibre.
It’s usually harmless and some people don't experience any symptoms, but some people with diverticulosis feel a constant, dull ache towards the lower left side of the stomach.
If you think that you might have a chronic condition like diverticulosis, see a doctor. Treatment can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms, but a diet that’s rich in high-fibre foods like wholemeal bread, beans and brown rice may help.
Could the pain be a sign of kidney conditions?
Kidney infection
Left side stomach pain can be a sign that your left kidney is infected.
Kidney infections normally develop when a bacterial infection travels from your bladder to your kidneys and this can cause dull, aching pain towards the left of your abdomen.
Other symptoms include pain in your lower back or groin, nausea, and a fever. You may also notice some blood in your pee.
If you have lasting abdominal pain and a fever, see a doctor. Most kidney infections can be treated with antibiotics, but can cause permanent damage to your kidneys if left untreated.
Kidney stones
Kidney stones develop when waste products like calcium form crystals in your kidney. Small stones can sometimes pass in your pee, but larger stones will need to be removed so that they don’t cause permanent damage to your kidney.
Kidney stones can also cause left-sided abdominal pain, but the type or ‘character’ of the pain tends to be different. People with kidney stones often experience a severe, stabbing pain in the back or tummy, and it is not unusual for this pain to come and go in spasms.
If you have a kidney stone, you may also find that you feel sweaty and sick, or notice that there’s some blood in your pee.
If you think you might have kidney stones, see a doctor. While you wait for medical help, drink plenty of hydrating fluids and take a painkiller if necessary to manage the pain.
Could I have a swollen or damaged spleen?
Occasionally, pain in left side of abdomen can be a sign that something is wrong with your spleen.
The spleen is a small, fist-sized organ located just underneath your stomach. It helps to filter your blood and create new blood cells.
Your spleen may hurt if it’s damaged or ruptured in an accident, or it can become swollen and painful as a result of a condition like leukemia or
.Other signs that your spleen has become swollen or damaged include:
- pain or tenderness behind your ribs
- dizziness and rapid heart rate
- feeling full very quickly after eating (because your spleen is pressing against your stomach)
- frequent infections
- fatigue
If you think that your spleen may be damaged or swollen, you should go to your nearest hospital immediately. They may organise scans and tests to find the cause, and may be able to prescribe medication to treat the underlying cause.
Read more about
.When to see a doctor
If you think the pain on the left side of your abdomen could be caused by any of the conditions above, you should see a doctor.
Left-sided abdominal pain is usually a sign of excess gas or constipation. Other health conditions that can cause pain in this area include gastrointestinal illnesses, like diverticulitis, abdominal hernias and indigestion. Women in particular can have left-side pain during menstruation, with endometriosis or ovarian cysts.
The type of abdominal pain experiences can range from mild to severe, and it can be reported as a stabbing pain that comes and goes. Other symptoms that can occur with pain include bloating, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, or regular belching.
In rare cases, pain on the left side of the abdomen can also be a sign of a heart attack, but there are usually other, more specific symptoms that will accompany it, like chest pain that radiates to the stomach, nausea, shortness of breath, and tingling in the arms.
What causes left-side abdominal pain?
Many times, pain on the left side of the belly can be a result of:
1. Excess gas
Excess gas is one of the most common causes for abdominal pain. It frequently occurs with constipation, because when hardened stools remain in the intestines for longer periods, intestinal bacteria starts to ferment and more gas is released. Learn more about what causes excess gas.
Increase in flatulence can also be caused by swallowing more air, from talking while eating, chewing gum, or drinking pop.
Other related symptoms: Bloating, feeling full or heavy, lack of appetite, and belching. Read more about symptoms of excess gas.
What to do: Drink fennel tea three times a day, as fennel helps to reduce intestinal gas, or manually massage the abdomen to help with gas release. Lying on your back and hugging your legs also helps to release intestinal gas more easily. Check out other home remedies for excess gas that you can try to relieve pain.
2. Diverticulitis
This is one of the most common intestinal problems that can cause pain on the left side of the abdomen. Diverticulitis happens when small pockets of the intestines, known as diverticula, become inflamed, causing constant pain.
Other related symptoms: Fever over 38ºC (or 100.4ºF), loss of appetite, nausea, bloating, and periods of constipation and diarrhea.
What to do: If you suspect you have diverticulitis, you should go to the hospital as soon as possible to confirm a diagnosis. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and analgesics. In addition, you will also need to rest and eat a liquid diet, which will allow for healing of the affected intestine. Solids are then slowly re-added to the diet.
Read more about the diverticulitis diet that you can maintain to prevent and treat flare-ups.
3. Indigestion
With indigestion, pain is usually felt a few minutes after eating, and even though it is more common in the upper abdomen (near the stomach), it can also occur in the lower abdomen.
Other related symptoms: Burning sensation in the throat, bloating, nausea, belching, and fatigue.
What to do: Green tea or teas made from boldo, fennel, or peppermint aid digestion and help to relieve pain. You should also opt for lighter meals that include easily digestible foods, such as bread, crackers, or fruit.
4. Abdominal hernia
Abdominal hernias occur when small areas in the abdominal muscles become weak, causing the intestine to bulge out. This bulge can be uncomfortable or painful, especially when laughing or coughing. Hernias are common in the groin area, and usually cause a persistent pain.
Other related symptoms: A small bulge in the abdomen, redness in the affected area, nausea, and vomiting.
What to do: If you suspect you have an abdominal hernia, consult your family doctor or a gastroenterologist. He or she can confirm a diagnosis and carry out the appropriate treatment, which is usually a surgical procedure that reinforces the abdominal muscles.
5. Kidney Stones
Although kidney stones usually cause pain in the lower back, it is also possible to get abdominal pain, as the back pain may radiate to the front (near the bellybutton)
Kidney stones are more common in men, but can also happen in women and children, due to low fluid intake. Read more about what causes kidney stones and how they are typically treated
Other related symptoms: Very intense pain in the lower back, pain when urinating, fever over 38ºC (or 100.4ºC), nausea, red-colored urine, and difficulty lying down.
What to do: Treatment for kidney stones is usually completed in the hospital setting. Intravenous analgesics are administered to relieve pain, however, surgical procedures may be necessary to remove or break-up the stones. If a small stone is identified in a routine exam, and it is not causing symptoms, the doctor may advise the patient to wait for the body to eliminate the stone through urine.
Left-sided abdominal pain in women
Women may have abdominal pain due to with unique conditions that men don't experience. Common causes of abdominal pain in women, specifically, include:
1. Period cramps
Period cramps are common in women. They usually occur 2 to 3 days before a period and can last for another 3 to 5 days after it has started. While some women may not feel any discomfort with their period, others can feel a strong pain which radiates to the left or the right side of the abdomen.
Other related symptoms: Bloating, mood swings, constant headaches, increased stress, and acne.
What to do: Exercising regularly is a great way to relieve PMS symptoms, as well as drinking passion fruit juice or doing aromatherapy with lavender essential oil. To help with chronic cramps, your doctor or gynecologist may recommend anti-inflammatories, or a birth control pill. You can also check out natural remedies for period cramps to relieve pain at home.
2. Ovarian cysts
Even though ovarian cysts rarely cause any symptoms, there are some women who may feel a slight discomfort or a light pain in the affected area.
Other related symptoms: Bloating, irregular periods, nausea, vomiting, increased breast sensitivity, discomfort during sex and difficulty getting pregnant.
What to do: Sometimes cysts disappear spontaneously, however, it is common for an oral contraceptive pill to be prescribed. Birth control can help to regulate hormone levels and relieve symptoms. The doctor may also prescribe a surgical procedure to remove the cyst. Learn more about ovarian cysts and treatment options.
3. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a relatively common problem that can cause intense abdominal pain, especially before and during a period. As it can be confused with PMS, some women only find out they have endometriosis when they are trying to get pregnant, since endometriosis can cause infertility.
Other related symptoms: Strong pain during sex, when passing stool, or urinating, as well as irregular bleeding and fatigue. Learn more about endometriosis symptoms that many women report.
What to do: You should see your gynecologist, who will likely order pelvic ultrasound to confirm a diagnosis. When necessary, surgical intervention may be necessary.
4. Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a common cause for left-sided abdominal pain in pregnant women. It can also happen on the right side. Pain is felt due to the growth of the fetus inside the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus, and it can happen in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies are more common in women over 35, women who become pregnant with an IUD or following in-vitro fertilization.
Other related symptoms: Vaginal bleeding, a feeling of heaviness in the vagina, pain during sex, and bloating.
What to do: If you suspect you have had an ectopic pregnancy, proceed to the hospital immediately to complete an ultrasound. If confirmed, the pregnancy will need to be terminated, as the fetus will not thrive outside of the uterus.
When to see a doctor
Most cases of left-sided abdominal pain will improve within 2 to 3 days, especially when the pain is caused by mild conditions like excess gas or constipation.