Left Side Abdominal Pain

Left side abdominal pain is a very commonly suffered occurrence but it is found to be more widespread in younger adults and women. The name is very self explanatory but still let us establish a clear definition. Left side abdominal pain can be categorized as pain in the left part of the stomach. Using an imaginary vertical line down the middle of your chest through your belly button all the way to the pinnacle of your pubic bone, you would experience this pain to the left of the line. This pain can further be described as upper or lower left side abdominal pain.

 

There are a number of causes for this type of pain, these include;

 

  • Diverticulitis
  • Kidney stones
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Kidney infections
  • Constipation
  • Pain from damage to skin or muscle in the area

 

There are many more causes of left side abdominal pain but they can’t all be listed here. One thing that is certain though is that pain in that region could indicate that something is wrong with one of the organs or structures that are found inside the body on that side of the abdomen. Sometimes the pain is caused by organs that are from that area of a person’s body as well. The pain can also be caused by right side or central abdominal pain as well. Some of the organs that may be affected and are thus causing this pain include;

 

  • The liver
  • The stomach                                                                                                By SuperFantastic

    Left Side Abdominal Pain 300x225 Left Side Abdominal Pain

    Left Side Abdominal Pain

  • The spleen
  • The pancreas
  • The large intestine
  • The sigmoid and descending colon
  • The adrenal gland to the left of the body
  • The left ureter
  • The left kidney
  • The left ovary and or fallopian tubes in females
  • The aorta and other blood vessels
  • The muscles of that side of the stomach
  • The nerves present in that area of the stomach
  • The skin in that area
  • The lung
  • The diaphragm
  • The heart

 

In a number of cases the cause of excruciating pain in the left lower portion of the abdomen is due to a ruptured appendix. Though the appendix is on the body’s other side in most cases some people have it on their left side as they have a disorder known as Situs Invertus. Here are the causes of pain in most cases:

 

  • Heartburn
  • Stomach Ulcer
  • Gastritis

 

To determine the cause of your left side abdominal pain so that it can be properly treated you should see a qualified health professional. But as a first response to the pain you can try taking some antacid medications that can be purchased at your grocery store or pharmacy. If this does not help then you should visit a doctor immediately who will examine you and find out what the cause of your pain is and then will inform you on how to treat and manage the condition.