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Abdominal pain on the left side
The United States National Library of Medicine notes that the abdomen, which runs from the chest to the groin, is home to many important organs. For this reason, abdominal pain on the left side should not be neglected or overlooked since it is in this area where organs such as the pancreas, stomach, left kidney, or the left part of the liver are located. In this order of ideas, there are four variables to consider that we will see below:- Duration: Abdominal pain on the left side will be considered significant when you have it regularly or when you experience it right after meals.
- Pain features: is it like a hot plate or a very sharp, dry pain? If so, it is not a mild discomfort that comes and goes, as it would be in the case of gas.
- Other symptoms: in addition to pain, nausea, fever…
- Drug interaction: if you take an analgesic to relieve abdominal pain on the left side, the discomfort may disappear, although it returns within a few hours or the next day.
General causes of abdominal pain on the left side
The American College of Gastroenterology explains that the causes of abdominal pain on the left side can be many, from the simple presence of the gas to diseases that require medical intervention. Here are some of the most common.1. Pancreatitis
It is one of the most common causes of pain on the left side of the abdomen. It can be classified as acute or chronic, depending on how long it lasts. Regarding this last condition, a Spanish multicenter study (2014) estimated its prevalence at 49.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and an incidence of 5.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year.other symptoms
Pancreatitis manifests itself, given the intensity of the pain, and with symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations, among others.Possible causes
There are various causes of pancreatitis; These include gallstones, alcohol abuse, genetic disorders, drug reactions, infections, trauma, or pancreatic cancer.Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. First, the aim is to restore the hydro electrolytic and metabolic balance, giving parenteral or enteral nutritional support.2. Bowel obstruction
When there is an intestinal obstruction, the liquids, and food that cannot be evacuated stay in one place, causing great discomfort, including everything from organ inflammation to vomiting. In this case, the abdominal pain on the left side is very intense and spreads to the rest of the stomach.other symptoms
Whoever suffers from intestinal obstruction may have a fever, weakness, and the inability to expel gases through the anus or to evacuate.Possible causes
Intestinal obstruction syndrome can be caused by various pathologies, such as Crohn’s disease or diverticulitis, surgeries, hernias, colon cancer, or certain medications.Treatment
Medications are prescribed for pain or nausea; it is also recommended to avoid solid foods to give rest to the intestine. Sometimes a tube may be inserted to relieve pressure. Depending on the severity, surgery may be required.3. Diverticulosis or diverticulitis
Diverticulosis is a pathology characterized by small sacs or lumps called diverticula in the colon. Diverticula can be located anywhere in the large intestine. However, they are more frequent in the sigmoid and descending colon. One of the most frequent complications of this pathology is diverticulitis, which can cause pain.Symptoms
Inflammation and infection are the causes of the discomfort being so intense. In diverticulitis, inflamed or pus-filled lumps occur along the digestive tract. In these cases, one suffers from abdominal pain on the left side, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea (in interspersed episodes), and even rectal bleeding.Causes
Among the factors associated with diverticular disease, alterations in the colonic wall, motility problems, lack of fiber, smoking, consumption of aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle are mentioned.Treatment
Depending on the stage of the disease, antibiotics, bowel rest, peritoneal lavage, and surgery are recommended.4. Kidney stones
During their training, there is usually no discomfort. However, when they reach a relevant size, they can cause a stinging sensation when trying to leave the body. Abdominal pain on the left side may be the result of kidney stones.other symptoms
It should be noted that this discomfort is sometimes located as abdominal pain on the left side or is reflected in the lower back on that same side, at the height of the kidney. There may also be discomfort when urinating, as well as nausea.Causes
Stones form due to the accumulation of calcium, oxalate, and uric acid crystals because their concentration in the urine is greater than the body can eliminate.Treatment
The first step is to consume plenty of fluids to help eliminate the stone. On the other hand, analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and diuretics are used. Procedures like shock wave therapy or ureteroscopic removal may also be done to break up or remove large stones.5. Indigestion
It is a discomfort that appears after eating in most cases. Many foods can increase the production of stomach acid, which irritates the digestive tract in various servings.other symptoms
People often have heartburn, bloating, gas, and nausea. Although it is usually located in the upper part, at the stomach level, the pain of indigestion can also be felt on the left side of the abdomen.Treatment
Fortunately, indigestion usually goes away on its own within a few hours. However, a doctor should be consulted if the symptoms recur or worsen.6. Shingles
Herpes zoster (shingles ) is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This is capable of causing chickenpox when it first affects people. However, shingles will develop if a second infection occurs at any time in life.Symptoms
The main symptom of shingles is a painful rash that appears anywhere on the body, including the left side of the abdomen. The rash resembles a band of blisters and follows the same path as a nerve.Treatment
Analgesics and antivirals are administered. Timely vaccination helps prevent the onset of this disease and the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia; however, according to studies, its effectiveness decreases with the person’s age, and it is contraindicated when there is immunosuppression.Abdominal pain on the left side in women: causes
There are many gynecological causes capable of causing abdominal pain. We explain the most important ones that appear on the left side.1. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
How does it manifest? Pain may appear in that part of the abdomen when a woman has one or more cysts on the left ovary. Discomfort may appear in that area without exercising or receiving a blow.other symptoms
Menstrual irregularity, nausea, and persistent discomfort, both in the abdomen in general and on the left side, can indicate the presence of cysts, according to information from the Office on Women’s Health.Possible causes
The cause of PCOS is considered to be associated with various factors, including genetics; in this regard, obesity, high levels of male hormones (androgens), and insulin are mentioned.Treatment
Therapeutic management requires an individualized approach to correct hyperandrogenism, menstrual disorders, and associated metabolic disorders. This includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment, weight reduction, and bariatric surgery.2. Endometriosis
The uterus has several layers of tissues, the endometrium being the innermost. This is a fabric that is in constant change. There is a pathology in which the endometrium grows outside the uterus and affects other structures, known as endometriosis. According to a study carried out by the Spanish Ministry of Health to find out the impact of this condition on the National Health System, it was concluded that endometriosis has a high impact on women’s lives. It can affect fertility, and the care process is of great clinical complexity.Symptoms
Endometriosis causes severe abdominal pain in various areas. In addition, the pathology can be accompanied by dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, menstrual irregularities, and painful bowel movements.Treatment
This disease requires immediate medical control, especially if you want to get pregnant. Treatment includes the use of hormones and surgical excision of the tissue.3. Ovarian torsion
It is a true gynecological emergency in which the ovary rotates on itself, affecting its irrigation. The pain is located where the affected ovary is, so it is possible to find it on the left side of the abdomen.Causes
The causes can be diverse. Risk factors associated with the possibility of developing ovarian torsion include very long ovarian ligament, pregnancy, and menopause.Treatment
Fortunately, ovarian torsion is a rare condition. In fact, according to studies, it represents only up to 7.4% of all acute surgical abdomens in women. Despite its low frequency, it is necessary to consult a specialist when severe abdominal or pelvic pain occurs, especially if there are ovarian cysts.4. Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants in any pelvic structure before reaching the uterus. These pregnancies can be located in various regions, but finding them in the fallopian tubes is more common.other symptoms
As the fertilization product grows, it may injure nearby structures, causing severe pain. Some of the following clinical manifestations can also accompany it:- signs of pregnancy
- vaginal bleeding
- watery flow
- discomfort when urinating or defecating
To do?
It is important to seek gynecological care if you suspect you are pregnant. The specialist can quickly determine the location of the embryo with an echo and rule out an ectopic pregnancy. In all cases, the recommendation is to terminate the pregnancy through medication or a surgical procedure.4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Causes
It is an infection of the female reproductive organs. It is usually caused by sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. These bacteria can ascend to the pelvic organs and affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, causing the condition.Symptoms
The main symptom of PID is pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis. The disease can also be accompanied by vaginal bleeding after sex, abnormal discharge, burning when urinating, or fever.Treatment
Fortunately, antibiotic treatment is usually effective and resolves the condition permanently. According to a study, the drugs used depend greatly on the severity. The most commonly used include doxycycline, clindamycin, cefoxitin, and cefotetan.5. Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term used to refer to painful periods. The pain is colicky and usually located in the lower abdomen, although it is also perceived on the left side. Fortunately, menstrual cramps are not a severe pathology and do not require specialized medical attention. Some women may have intense pain that limits daily activities; however, they subside when taking over-the-counter analgesics.Abdominal pain on the left side in men
Like what happens in women, men can also have some conditions more frequently. Not all are related to the reproductive system.1. Groin hernia
Inguinal hernias are the protrusion of the viscera through or below the inguinal canal. They are very common in men, especially in the younger ones.Symptoms
The main symptom is the presence of an abnormal lump in the pelvic area. Men may also have abdominal pain on the left or right side when straining, getting up, coughing, or exercising.Treatment
Treatment of inguinal hernias is surgical in most cases. Fortunately, surgery eliminates the symptoms and returns the abdominal content to its place.2. Testicular torsion
Like ovarian torsion, testicular torsion is a medical emergency. The same occurs when the testicle rotates on its axis, which decreases the blood supply to the organ.Symptoms
The pain produced by testicular torsion is located in the pelvis. However, it can radiate to the abdomen, on the affected side. This symptom becomes so intense that it limits daily activities. In addition, it is possible to find other clinical manifestations, such as the following:- nausea and vomiting
- inflammation of the affected testicle
- pain when urinating
- fever