Any kind of pain can be concerning and uncomfortable, especially in the abdomen. Abdominal pain can range from mild to discomfort to debilitating. There are many different conditions that can
cause you to experience sharp pain on the lower left side of your abdomen. Diverticula are usually small, harmless pouches that can develop in your digestive system. Sometimes the diverticula can become inflamed or infected, causing stabbing pain in lower left abdomen. Additional symptoms include possible nausea, fever, vomiting and constipation. This condition in a mild
form may be treated with rest and medication. More severe cases may require surgery. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that is a severe intolerance to gluten. People who have celiac disease may have damage to their small intestine caused by the bodies immune system battling any ingested gluten. This response can damage the villi in the small intestine which is responsible for nutrient absorption. Celiac disease can cause stabbing pain in lower left abdomen as well as gas, constipation, nausea, vomiting, cramping, skin rashes and weight loss. There is no easy solution to celiac disease short of avoiding all gluten. If celiac disease goes untreated, it can develop into other autoimmune disorders. Intolerance to LactoseLactose intolerance is caused by the
body’s inability to break down and digest lactose. If you are lactose intolerant you typically experience symptoms such as gas, bloating, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting. There is no way to completely remedy this condition however over the counter aids can assist in digesting lactose. Sufferers should steer clear of lactose products to avoid discomfort. IBSIrritable bowel syndrome is a chronic disorder that affects the large intestine. The
intensity and symptoms of IBS can vary dramatically. Common symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, cramping, gas, constipation, diarrhea and mucus in stool. IBS can be triggered by stress as well as foods. HerniaA hernia is caused when an organ or tissue breaks through
a weak spot in the surrounding tissue. Hernias occur when there is both pressure and a weakness of the muscle. If left untreated, hernias can become worse and create serious complications. Pain in the abdomen as well as weakness or a burning sensation are common. Kidney StonesHard deposits usually made up of minerals and salt develop inside the kidney. Kidney stones can be extremely painful to pass. You may not experience any symptoms at all until the stones
move around or you attempt to pass them. Once this happens, symptoms may include intense lower abdominal pain, pain when urinating, frequent urination, nausea, and fever. ShinglesIf you have ever had chickenpox, you have the shingles virus. It may lay dormant for many years but can reactivate as shingles. While shingles can appear on any part of the body, it most commonly appears as a strip of blisters along the torso. Symptoms of shingles include pain,
sensitivity to touch, fluid blisters and rash, along with itching. Pain is typically the first symptom and can easily be mistaken for other illnesses depending on the location. GasHow can something so simple be so painful? Excess gas trapped in your abdomen can occur from simple activities such as chewing gum, smoking, taking in too much air and overeating. Certain foods and illnesses can also create gas. Aside from remedying any embarrassment and
discomfort you experience, you should consult a doctor if you have additional symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea or weight loss. Cramps (menstrual cycle)Stabbing pain in lower left abdomen frequently accompanies a woman’s menstrual cycle. This pain can be easily managed or excruciating depending on the person. Over the counter medications, a healthy diet and relaxation techniques can all be utilized to help minimize discomfort. EndometriosisEndometriosis is a condition in which the endometrial tissue develops outside the uterus. Endometriosis is usually isolated to the pelvic area including the ovaries, fallopian tubes and tissue. It is accompanied by severe pain occurring around the same time as the menstrual cycle. Symptoms of endometriosis include pelvic pain, excessive bleeding, and infertility. Ovarian CystsOvarian cysts are fluid filled sacs that form on the ovaries and are often harmless. If you do experience symptoms or a cyst ruptures, you may have sharp pain, swelling and bloating in your abdomen. How To Treat Lower Left Abdominal PainThere are many different conditions that can cause abdominal pain. Making matters even more complicated, they often share more than one symptom. The first step in treatment is an accurate diagnosis.
You don’t have to endure abdominal pain. If you are dealing with abdominal pain, contact our office today. Our medical team has the experience and skill to
help accurately diagnosis the underlying issue so that together, we can successfully treat and eliminate your pain. When should I worry about lower left side pain?Causes of pain in the lower left abdomen can be benign, such as gas pain, or they may be a sign of a chronic condition. People experiencing persistent or chronic pain in the lower abdomen should seek medical attention. Sudden onset of severe pain in the lower left abdomen may require immediate medical care.
What organ is at the lower left abdomen?The lower left quadrant of the abdomen contains the transverse, descending, and sigmoid sections of the colon; part of the small intestine; the ureter of the left kidney; and the iliac fossa (part of the hip bone and pelvis). The iliac fossa is a gateway to the reproductive organs in both men and women.
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