Stomach Pain on the Left Side: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
One of the most common complaints that people have is stomach pain, which can have many different reasons. Concerns regarding the underlying illness are frequently raising when the pain is precisely on the left side of the stomach. Parts of the digestive system, the spleen, the left kidney, and even portions of the pancreas and colon are located on the left side of the abdomen. Therefore, problems with any of these organs or other reasons may cause discomfort on this side.
The causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of left-sided stomach pain will all be covering in this blog, along with information on possible underlying medical disorders and how to treat them.
The Left Side of the Stomach Anatomy
The upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left quadrants make up the abdomen. The upper left and lower left quadrants encompass the left side of the stomach. Important buildings in this area include:
The spleen is an essential organ for blood filtration and infection prevention.
The stomach is the organ in charge of breaking down meals.
The pancreas, an organ behind the stomach, makes hormones including insulin and digesting enzymes.
The colon, often known as the large intestine, travels along the left side of the abdomen.
The left kidney is located in the rear of the abdomen and is a component of the urinary system.
Because of this intricate anatomical arrangement, it can be difficult to diagnose left-sided stomach pain because it can originate from any of these organs.
Typical Reasons for Stomach Pain on the Left Side
1. Bloating and Gas
Gas is one of the most frequent causes of stomach pain on the left side. Gases are creating during the processing of food in the stomach and intestines. These gases can build up and result in pain and bloating. This discomfort tends to fluctuate and is frequently reporting as intense or cramping.
Symptoms
A sensation of fullness or bloating; gasping or burping
An intermittent discomfort
Medication
Methylthicone and other over-the-counter drugs can help reduce gas.
Pain can be reducing by consuming warm drinks and herbal teas, such as peppermint.
Bloating can be avoiding by avoiding meals like beans, cabbage and fizzy drinks that are knowning to produce gas.
2. Constipation
Left-sided stomach pain is another symptom of constipation. Discomfort in the intestines, particularly on the left side, where a portion of the colon is situating, might result from firm and difficult-to-pass stool. In certain instances, there may be a feeling of incomplete bowel movements together with an intense, cramping pain.
Symptoms
Bowel movements that are difficult or infrequent; discomfort and bloating in the belly; and painful cramps in the lower left abdomen
Treatment: – Eat extra fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to increase your intake of fibre.
To avoid dehydration, which can exacerbate constipation, drink lots of water.
Laxatives and stool softeners sold over-the-counter can be using occasionally, but it’s important to avoid using them frequently.
3. The syndrome of irritable bowel (IBS)
Pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits are just a few of the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a chronic illness that affects the digestive tract. Because of problems with the colon’s function, IBS frequently results in cramping pain on the left side of the stomach.
Symptoms
- Pain or cramping in the abdomen
Modifications in bowel habits, like constipation or diarrhoea
Gas and bloating
A low-FODMAPS diet is one dietary modification that can help control symptoms.
Techniques for managing stress, such as yoga or meditation, may lessen flare-ups.
To alleviate symptoms, a doctor may prescribe drugs such as laxatives or antispasmodics.
4. Intestinal Conditions (Ulcers or Gastritis)
Upper left stomach pain may be causing by stomach ulcers, which are sores that develop on the stomach lining, or by gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining. Excess acid, bacterial infections (such Helicobacter pylori), or excessive use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) are frequently the causes of these disorders.
Symptoms:
Upper left abdominal discomfort that is dull or burning; nausea and vomiting
Heartburn or indigestion – Appetite loss
Medication
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or antacids to lower stomach acid
Antibiotics in the event that an H. pylori infection is identifing; abstaining from NSAIDs, alcohol, and spicy foods
5. Problems Concerning the Spleen
On the left side of the abdomen, directly behind the ribs, is the spleen. It might cause pain on the left side of the stomach as it swells up (a condition called splenomegaly). Blood issues, liver illness, or infections could be the cause of this growth.
Symptoms
The left upper abdomen hurts or feels full; the left side of the abdomen feels tender or painful to the touch.
Fever, exhaustion, or inexplicable weight loss (if due to an infection)
Treatment
Addressing the underlying ailment, including liver disease or an infection
Surgery to remove the spleen may be required in extreme circumstances.
6. Kidney Stones
Hardened deposits of minerals and salts that develop in the kidneys are known as kidney stones. If the left kidney is impacted, the excruciating agony that a stone causes as it passes through the urinary canal frequently radiates to the left side of the abdomen.
Symptoms
A severe, sudden pain in the lower abdomen or left side that extends to the back or groin
Urinating with pain or blood in the pee
Treatment: Increasing fluid intake to aid in the removal of tiny stones
The use of painkillers to control the discomfort
To remove big stones, surgery may be necessary in certain situations.
7. Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas, which is situating on the left side of the abdomen behind the stomach, is knowning as pancreatitis. The illness, which can be either acute or chronic, is frequently brought on by high cholesterol, gallstones, or excessive alcohol usage.
Symptoms
So excruciating discomfort in the upper abdomen that could spread to the back
Vomiting and nausea
A fever and an accelerated pulse
Treatment: Avoiding alcohol and fatty foods – Hospitalisation for IV fluids and pain control – Enzyme replacement treatment if chronic pancreatitis has occurred
8. Acid reflux or heartburn
So Pain in the upper left section of the stomach may be causing by heartburn or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When stomach acid backs up into the oesophagus, it causes GERD, which is uncomfortable and burning.
Symptoms:
Because a burning feeling in the upper belly or chest; regurgitation of meals or acidic liquids
So having trouble swallowing
Medication
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or antacids to lower stomach acid
Modifications to one’s lifestyle, such as eating fewer meals and staying away from trigger foods like hot or citrussy foods
9. Women’s Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts can occasionally cause pain on the left side of the stomach in women. Pain may result from these fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries, particularly if they burst or twist.
Symptoms
Pain during sexual activity or bowel motions; bloating or swelling in the belly; lower abdominal pain, usually on one side
Medication:
Small cysts could go away on their own without any help.
Larger or more troublesome cysts might need to be surgically removing.
10. Although uncommon, heart attacks are possible.
Rarely, especially in women or people with unusual symptoms, pain on the left side of the stomach could be a sign of a heart attack. During a heart attack, pain may be felting in the upper abdomen, left side of the chest, or even the back.
Symptoms
Because breathlessness, nausea, or perspiration are common symptoms of chest pain or discomfort that frequently spreads to the left side of the belly.
So lightheadedness or dizziness
Medication
When a suspected heart attack occurs, immediate medical assistance is necessary.
So healthcare professionals will administer blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, and other treatments.
When to Consult a Physician
Some causes of left-sided stomach pain need medical care, although the majority are benign. Seeking assistance from a healthcare professional is crucial if you encounter any of the following:
Eexcruciating or ongoing agony
So Pain from fever, nausea, or vomiting; blood in the urine or stool; or unexplained lethargy or weight loss
Because breathing difficulties or chest pain
Final Thoughts
Because from minor ailments like gas and constipation to more serious diseases like pancreatitis, kidney stones, or even heart difficulties, there are many reasons why people experience pain in the left side of their stomach. A combination of the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic procedures such as imaging, endoscopy, or blood testing can frequently identify the precise source of the pain.
It’s critical to consult a doctor if you’re in excruciating or chronic pain in order to determine the cause and get the right care. So early intervention can help avoid issues and enhance your general health and wellbeing.