Pain in Lower Left Abdomen

Abdominal pain or stomach ache causes a lot of discomfort to the victim. Abdominal pain can either be a symptom of many disorders or can be a transient condition. There are some vital organs located near the abdomen. Therefore, disorder in any of these organs can result in pain in the abdomen. Pain in lower left abdomen is a common symptom and is seen in people of all age groups. 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.

Pain in lower left abdomen in females is more common than pain in lower left abdomen in men. The ovaries and the tubes as well as the womb are located in the abdominal area. Therefore, pain in lower left abdomen in women, is experienced if they suffer from any diseases of these organs. Read more on left side abdominal pain.

Causes of Lower Left Abdominal Pain
Pain in lower left abdomen is caused by a variety of factors, the most common being constipation and indigestion. Lower left abdominal pain is also a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There are several other causes too of pain in lower left abdomen. Let us have a look at it in detail.

Appendicitis: Inflammation or reddening of the appendix is known as appendicitis. It is a major cause of pain in lower left abdomen. A person suffering from appendicitis experiences abdominal pain that worsens with body movements. Read more on appendicitis.

Ectopic Pregnancy: Pain in lower left abdomen during pregnancy is a commonly observed phenomenon. It can be caused either due to ectopic pregnancy or ligament pain due to the enlarging uterus. During pregnancy, abdominal pain is followed by other symptoms. Abdominal pain can also be a precursor of other serious disorders and hence, such women should consult the doctor if they experience pain in lower left abdomen during pregnancy. Read more on early ectopic pregnancy symptoms.

Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis is a disease of the large intestine. Tenderness and pain in lower left abdomen is the commonest symptom of diverticulitis. This disease is mostly observed in older people, who are more than 60 years of age. Read more on diverticulitis.

Crohn's Disease: When a person suffers from Crohn's disease, he experiences pain in lower left abdomen. Crohn's disease is chronic and is not easily diagnosed. Read more on crohn's disease.

Apart from these, lower left abdominal pain is also a symptom of gastroenteritis, bladder infection, menstrual cramps, kidney stone, food poisoning, pelvic inflammatory disease, hernia, bowel cancer, etc. Pain in lower left abdomen in men can be a symptom of prostate or urinary tract infection. Sexually transmitted diseases can also cause abdominal pain.

Treatment of Lower Left Abdominal Pain
If a person experiences persistent or sharp pain in lower left abdomen, he must consult a doctor as soon as possible. The treatment of abdominal pain left side depends on the cause of the pain. If it is caused due to digestive problems, the doctor may prescribe some medications, like, antacids or pain relievers. It is also advised not to eat or drink anything until the cause of the pain is determined.

One should remember that pain in lower left abdomen can be overcome. There is no need to panic. You just need to find out the cause and take the proper medication!