Pain in left side of abdomen- Causes, and cure

INDEX:

1. Is it a cause of concern?
2. Common reasons for pain in left side of the abdomen

Is it a cause of concern?

The lower left side of your stomach or abdomen is home to your colon, and for some women, an ovary. However, minor pain in left side is bound to occur for everyone at one point in their life, and it’s nothing to worry as it may clear up and decrease within a few days. If the pain in the left side of your abdomen is due to any injuries or accidents, it is advised to immediately call your local emergency services.

It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately if you feel pressure or shooting pain in your chest.

Here are some of the other essential symptoms which would accompany the pain in left side.

• Fever
• Tenderness in the affected area
• A huge swelling of the abdomen
• Bloody stools
• Continuous vomiting and persistent nausea
• Skin that turns dark yellow

If you come across any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away.

Common causes for pain in left side of the abdomen:

• Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis is one of the most common causes of the pain on the left side of your abdomen. This disease forms small pouches created from the pressure felt on the weak parts of your colon. Diverticulitis is very common, especially for people above forty years. When a pouch, tears, swelling, or infection can cause diverticulitis. Some symptoms of diverticulitis include
  • Fever(1)
  • Nausea 
  • Excessive vomiting 
  • Abdominal tenderness

For mild diverticulitis, it is advised to rest, make a simple change in the diet, and sleep well. Usually, this will cure diverticulitis as it is bound to go after a few days. But, some people need surgery and other methods if this gets severe.

• Gas: Passing gas and belching is normal human behavior. Gas found throughout your digestive tract. It is a result of swallowing and digestion. Gas is caused by
  • Overeating 
  • Smoking 
  • Chewing gum
  • Consuming gas-producing food. 
  • Inability to fully digest some foods.

Usually, passing gas is normal. But, it is better to talk with your doctor if you also face other symptoms like.

• •  Vomiting 
  • Serious diarrhea
  • Constipation 
  • Heartburn 
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Blood present in the stool

• Indigestion: Indigestion usually takes place just after eating. This is one of the common causes of pain in left side of the abdomen. Often, your stomach produces acid right after you eat. This acid can irritate your stomach, bowel, or even your esophagus. Indigestion is ordinarily mild and less painful, but if you find other symptoms like
  • Heartburn 
  • A bloated or a feeling of fullness 
  • Nausea 
  • Belching or passing gas

It is essential to visit your doctor, especially if these symptoms persist for more than a couple of days.

• Hernia: A Hernia occurs when an internal organ or other body part starts pushing through the muscle and pinches the tissues around it. This results in sharp pain in left side of your abdomen or colon. A lump may appear with some rare cases of Hernia in the groin or abdomen. Other symptoms of Hernia may include
  • The increasing size of the lump
  • A sharp and shooting pain
  • Pain when lifting something 
  • A dull ache 
  • A bloated feeling 

Hernias may cause severe problems in the future, so it’s essential to visit emergency care immediately.

• Kidney stones: A kidney stone usually originates inside your kidney or your urethra, the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder. This can result in pain in left side of your abdomen. The stone then moves slowly and causes severe pain in the front and back, directly under your ribs. Even if it isn’t constant, the pain may occur like waves, getting worse and better. Other side symptoms of kidney stones are
  • Urine that is pink, red, and smelly 
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • High fever and chills
  • Painful urination

There is no specific cause for kidney stones; some things like your genes may increase the chances of getting kidney stones.

• Shingles: If you ever got chicken-pox, brace for Shingles, as the same Varicella-zoster virus causes it. Your risk of getting Shingles goes up, usually after 50. This Shingles infection can cause infection and a painful rash that looks similar to blister stripes wrapping around one side of your body. This, in turn, gives pain in left side of your abdomen. Some people get a rash but don’t experience any pain. Other symptoms of Shingles include
  • Burning
  • Numbness
  • Sensitivity to touch 
  • Itching 
  • Blisters that break open 

However, the Shingles vaccine helps the disease stay in the bay and keep the infections under control.