Left-sided abdominal pain may be a symptom of a serious pancreatic disease or inflammation of the ovaries. When it is pulsating, it may be a sign of an aortic aneurysm. What other diseases can left abdominal pain mean? What are the causes of left-sided abdominal pain?

Left-sided abdominal paincan be sudden, severe, throbbing, cramping, or chronic. It can also be located in different parts of the abdomen. Do you feel such pain and wonder if this is a reason to see your doctor? Or maybe home remedies for stomach pain are enough? See what arecauses of left-sided abdominal painand when they can be symptoms of life-threatening diseases.

Sudden, severe pain in the left hypochondrium area

Very strong pains in the upper abdomen on the left side with radiating radiation to the back may indicate an acutepancreatitis . Abdominal pain is constant, persistent and long-lasting - it lasts up to several days. Pain is lessened when you sit down and leaning forward, and more intense when you cough or breathe deeply. In most cases, the pain is accompanied by unreliable nausea and vomiting, but may lead to dehydration and worsening of the patient's condition. Acute pancreatitis requires hospital treatment as it is alife-threatening condition .

Chronic pains in the area of ​​the left hypochondrium or fovea after eating

Chronic pains in the area of ​​the left hypochondrium or fovea after eating may be a symptom ofchronic pancreatitis , which is caused by gradual irreversible damage to this organ. In this case, the pain is accompanied by:

  • feeling full after eating,
  • abdominal gas,
  • nausea and vomiting, sometimes fatty diarrhea.

Pain may radiate to the left shoulder and shoulder.

Abdominal pain on the left side under the ribs

Pain in the abdomen on the left side under the ribs may be a symptom of problems on the sideof the spleen . Pain is most often caused by the enlargement of the spleen, which begins to compress the surrounding organs. There are many causes of spleen enlargement, including:

  • infectious diseases,
  • autoimmune diseases,
  • cirrhosis of the liver,
  • common cold,
  • magnifyingspleen cysts (congenital, post-traumatic or after spleen infarction).

Rapid pain in the spleen may also appear as a result of rupture due to trauma, which - due to the fragility of this organ - is not difficult at all, especially when it is enlarged. A rupture is usually accompanied by a massive haemorrhage, and the only way to fix the problem is to remove the spleen (splenectomy). Relatively rare causes of pain and enlargement of the spleen are abscesses or tumors.

Pain in this area can also indicate the formation of a subdural abscess, where purulent discharge builds up between the spleen and the diaphragm. The accompanying symptoms are fever, hiccups, shortness of breath, shortness of breath and anorexia.

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Pulsating stomach pain on the left side

Pulsating left abdominal pain, often radiating to the lower back and perineum, may be a symptom ofabdominal aortic aneurysm . Pulsating abdominal pain on the left side requires immediate medical attention, because when the aneurysm ruptures, the pain becomes unbearable and leads to hemorrhagic shock. It is alife-threatening conditionand only immediate vascular surgery can save the patient.

Cramp abdominal pain stronger on the left side

Cramping abdominal pain and pain that increases with pressure on the sick area, often stronger on the left side, nausea, fever, chills, diarrhea, constipation, thin pencil stools - this could becolitis diverticulitis . Do not hesitate to see a doctor. In case of constipation, do not use an enema. Also, do not take laxatives.

Strong spasmodic pain in the left lower abdomen

Strong spasmodic pain in a woman's left lower abdomen may be a symptom ofadnexitis . The pain is diffuse, of varying intensity, and is often felt on both sides, also in the lower back, with less muscle defense than in other cases. Depending on the severity of the inflammation, it is accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • foul vaginal discharge,
  • fever,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • flatulence,
  • pain during intercourse.

In such a situation, you need to consult a gynecologist as soon as possible, because prolonged inflammation of the appendages may even lead to infertility.

Stabbing pain in this location can also be caused byinguinal herniaą - felt at rest, but intensifies even with slight exertion (even coughing).

Abdominal pain upper left

Painabdomen on the upper left side, accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, could begastric ulcer and / or duodenal ulcer . They can be caused by an infection with the bacteriumHelicobacter pylorior by long-term use of NSAIDs, i.e. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In the first case, it is necessary to diagnose Helicobacter pyloriinfection and, if the result is positive, to implement appropriate treatment. In the latter case, it is usually sufficient to discontinue non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Abdominal pain on the upper left side, accompanied by symptoms of indigestion and very rarely bleeding, may also be caused bygastritis- here also the main culprit is Helicobacter pylori , although inflammation can also be caused by excess alcohol or bile, autoimmune diseases or Addison-Biermer disease.

  • Stomach ulcers - how to treat them?
  • Right side abdominal pain - what could be the causes?
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