Pain in Lower Left Abdomen

Abdominal pain or stomach ache causes a lot of discomfort to the person. Abdominal pain can either be a symptom of some disorder or can be a transient condition in itself. There are some vital organs located near the abdomen. Therefore, disorder in any of these organs can result in pain in the abdomen. This is one of the most common conditions and can be observed in people of any age group. The pain can be of varying types: one may feel a sharp pain in lower left abdomen or a twisting pain in the abdomen. The pain can also be chronic or acute.

This type of stomach pain is commonly found in females, as compared to men. The ovaries, fallopian tubes as well as the womb are located in the abdominal area. Therefore, any disorder in these organs can also result in lower abdominal pain in women. Let us now take a look at the causes of abdominal pain in detail.

Causes of Lower Left Abdominal Pain

Lower abdominal pain in the left side is caused by a variety of factors, the most common being constipation and indigestion. Constipation is one of the most common causes for this condition in children as well as adults. Secondly, lower left abdominal pain is also commonly observed as a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Apart from these, there are several other conditions that can cause this symptom.

Kidney Stone: Kidney stones are formed when there is a high level of calcium or uric acid in the urine. Dehydration is also one of the major risk factors for causing this condition. Depending on the location of the stone, pain can be experienced in the lower left or lower right abdomen. Apart from abdominal pain, other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, groin pain, fever, etc. are also experienced.

Ectopic Pregnancy: Pain in lower left abdomen during pregnancy is the major symptom of ectopic pregnancy. Apart from ectopic pregnancy, it can also be caused due to other factors like ligament pain due to the enlarging uterus, luteal cysts, etc. Although not all types of abdominal pain can be a cause of ectopic pregnancy, it is wise to consult the doctor if this symptom is observed during pregnancy.

Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis is a disease of the large intestine. Tenderness and pain in lower abdomen are the most common symptoms of diverticulitis. This disease is mostly observed in older people, above 60 years of age.

Crohn's Disease: Crohn's disease is characterized by inflammation of the intestines. Chronic left side abdominal pain can be experienced due to this disease. Crohn's disease is chronic and is not easily diagnosed.

Apart from the above mentioned ones, other causes of lower abdominal pain include disorders like gastroenteritis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, bladder infection, menstrual cramps, food poisoning, pelvic inflammatory disease, hernia, bowel cancer, transverse colon volvulus etc. Lower abdominal pain in men can be a symptom of prostate or urinary tract infection. It should be noted that sexually transmitted diseases can also cause abdominal pain. Let us now take a look at the different treatment methods for the

Treatment of Lower Left Abdominal Pain

The nature and characteristics of pain help in diagnosing the exact cause of the discomfort. It is advisable for the person to consult the doctor if he experiences dull, aching or even sharp and persistent pain in the abdomen. The doctor will take history of the patient and will also ask the person to undergo tests, X-ray, etc. in order to diagnose the disorder. If it is caused due to digestive problems, the doctor may prescribe some medications like, antacids or pain relievers. Other diseases can be treated with the help of medications, surgery, etc.

As most of the causes of abdominal pain are related to food, it is advisable to have a healthy and a balanced diet every day in order to keep these diseases at bay. Secondly, regular exercise can also help in prevention of several diseases and disorders related to the abdomen. Lastly, remember that nearly all the diseases causing abdominal pain can be effectively treated with the help of traditional as well as advanced treatment methods. Take care!