Lower left abdominal pain can be concerning, but pinpointing the cause can be challenging. Several conditions can lead to discomfort in this area, ranging from minor digestive issues to more serious medical problems. Understanding the potential causes can help you determine when to seek medical attention.
Common Causes of Left Side Lower Abdominal Pain
Several factors can contribute to pain in the lower left quadrant of your abdomen. Here are some of the most common culprits:
Diverticulitis: A Common Culprit
Diverticulitis is a frequent cause of persistent lower left abdominal pain. Diverticula are small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of your digestive system, most commonly in the colon. When these pouches become inflamed or infected, it’s known as diverticulitis. This condition is more prevalent after age 65.
Along with pain, diverticulitis may present with:
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
- Abdominal tenderness
Treatment varies depending on the severity, ranging from dietary modifications and antibiotics for mild cases to surgery for recurring or severe episodes.
Gas: A Frequent Source of Discomfort
Gas is a natural byproduct of digestion, but excessive gas can lead to pain, bloating, and discomfort in your abdomen, including the lower left side. While usually harmless, persistent gas accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, unintentional weight loss, heartburn, or blood in your stool warrants a doctor’s visit.
Indigestion: More Than Just an Upset Stomach
Indigestion typically occurs after eating, causing upper abdominal pain due to stomach acid irritating the digestive tract. While less common, it can sometimes affect the lower abdomen. Common indigestion symptoms include heartburn, a burning sensation in the stomach, bloating, belching, gas, and nausea. Persistent or worsening indigestion should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Hernias: Protrusions Causing Pain
A hernia develops when an internal organ pushes through a weakened area of muscle or tissue. This can create a noticeable bulge, often in the lower abdomen, groin, or upper thigh. Hernias can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- A growing bulge
- Pain at the site, especially when lifting
- A dull ache
- A feeling of fullness
Different types of hernias present with varying symptoms. For example, hiatal hernias don’t cause a visible bulge. Hernias require medical attention as they won’t resolve on their own and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Inguinal Hernia: A Specific Type of Hernia
An inguinal hernia occurs when fat or a portion of the small intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall. More common in men, it can also affect women. Symptoms may include:
- A bulge in the groin or pubic area, often disappearing when lying down
- Pain that intensifies with straining, lifting, coughing, or physical activity
- Weakness, heaviness, burning, or aching in the groin
- Swelling in the scrotum
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Extreme tenderness or redness at the bulge
- Sudden, worsening pain
- Difficulty passing gas or having a bowel movement
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
Kidney Stones: A Painful Urinary Tract Condition
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the urinary tract. When a stone moves within the kidney or ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder), it can cause severe pain on one side of your abdomen or back, often under the ribs. The pain may come in waves as the stone moves.
Other symptoms can include:
- Pink, red, brown, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine
- Painful or frequent urination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
While there’s no single cause, it’s estimated that 10% of the U.S. population will experience kidney stones at some point in their lives.
Shingles: A Reactivation of the Chickenpox Virus
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a chickenpox infection, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life, usually after age 50, as shingles.
The hallmark symptom is a painful rash, often appearing as a stripe of blisters on one side of the body. The rash can sometimes appear on the neck or face. Pain can also occur without a rash.
Other symptoms may include:
- Burning, numbness, itching, or tingling
- Sensitivity to touch
- Oozing and scabbing blisters
Vaccination can reduce the risk of developing shingles. Prompt medical attention for shingles can help alleviate symptoms and minimize complications.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many causes of lower left abdominal pain are minor, it’s crucial to seek medical attention if your pain is severe, sudden, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like fever, vomiting, bloody stools, or difficulty urinating. A healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend the appropriate treatment.
