Left-side abdominal pain is an ache or discomfort that’s felt towards the left-hand side of your tummy. Show
It’s 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, and a range of digestive issues could also be to blame. What digestive conditions could be causing the pain?Constipation, IBS and GastroenteritisPain on the left-hand side of your tummy 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 . DiverticulitisIf the pouches in the wall of your small and large intestine get infected, this can cause a condition known as , which causes constant pain towards the lower left side of your abdomen, as well as high fever, diarrhoea, 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 their tummy. 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 infectionPain on the left side of your tummy 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 persistent 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 stonesKidney 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, left-sided abdominal pain 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:
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 doctorIf 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. You should also contact a doctor if you have left-side abdominal pain and you:
What organ is on the top left of your stomach?The upper left side of your abdomen is home to several of your major internal organs. Your spleen and a large portion of your stomach reside in the upper left side of your abdomen, as well as portions of your pancreas, left kidney, your large colon, and your liver.
When should I worry about upper left abdominal pain?When to see a doctor. As you can see, the cause of upper left abdominal pain varies significantly and may be from something as minor as heartburn. However, if the pain is new, persistent, and severe, you should visit your doctor.
When should I worry about left side pain?Generally, intermittent left side pain is a sign of gas or indigestion and should pass on its own. But if you notice severe abdominal pain on the left side of your body in conjunction with any of the following symptoms, it's time to call the doctor: Fever. Nausea or vomiting.
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Why does the top left of my stomach hurt
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