What’s Causing Pain In My Lower Left Abdomen? Treatment Options or Lower Left Abdominal Pain!
The lower left side of the abdomen area has the left ovary in cases of women and the last part of the colon. People often report pain in that area, though minor pain is not a thing to worry about as it may get resolved within a day or two.
Why Do I Have Pain In My Lower Left Abdomen?
So let’s dive right into the causes of this lower left abdomen pain, the causes are as follows:-
Diverticulitis – Diverticulitis is caused when small pouches emerge from the weak points in the colon due to high pressure. These pouches are called Diverticula. These pouches and then tear cause swelling and infection. Diverticulitis can be cured with rest, changes in a person’s diet, or antibiotics, but only when it is at a mild stage.
If the condition worsens, then patients might even require surgeries to be better. The symptoms of diverticulitis are fever, vomiting, tender abdominals, nausea, and in some cases constipation and diarrhea. Diverticulitis is specifically blamed for pain in the lower left abdomen.
Gas – Gas is present throughout our body, stomach, rectum, digestive tract, etc. Farting and burping are normal human activities and gas is usually a result of swallowing and digestion. There are various other reasons for causing gas. The reasons vary from overeating, smoking, chewing gum, indigestion, etc. Commonly gas is not that harmful but can cause vomiting, a heart-burning sensation, blood excretion, weight loss, etc. If the effects are harsh then consult a doctor for better care.
Hernia – It is caused when an internal organ or part of the body pushes through a muscle or tissue in its surrounding area. When hernias are formed in the lower abdomen they result in a lump or bulge around it. Although the symptoms vary in every type of hernia some of the common symptoms are the size of the bulge increases, intense pain around the area when lifting something, a dull ache and always feeling full. You should consult a doctor to determine the seriousness of the particular type of hernia.
Kidney stones – A kidney stone usually forms inside the kidney and then starts drifting towards the tube that connects it to the urinary bladder. This tube is known as the Ureter. This can cause extraordinary pain in the lower abdomen, the back, and your lower ribs. The symptoms to recognize kidney stones are pink, red, brown, or smelly urine, urination usually is more painful and occurs frequently with nausea, fever, and vomiting. It can be cured with medications and in some cases require operations.
Shingles – the virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus usually hides in the body and can form shingles. It is more likely to happen to people aged 50 or above. It is a painful rash and stripe of blisters on one side of the body. It causes burning and tingling sensations along with itching, blisters, and sensitive touch. There are treatments that can help with the infection and you can also take the shingles vaccine for it.
Except for these causes, there are certain gender-specific causes. These causes for lower left abdomen pain differ in men and women. The causes are as follows:-
Specifically affecting women
- Dysmenorrhea – These are the cramps that women experience during their periods. The pain can be minor and in some cases, it can be higher which interferes with a person’s day-to-day life. Although the pain causes problems in women it is not termed serious usually.
- Endometriosis – This condition is caused when the tissue inside the uterus grows and extends itself outside of it. This is the cause of severe abdominal pain. It can result in painful sex, heavier menstrual periods, painful urination, and more menstrual cramps being more painful. You should be under a doctor’s guidance if you have endometriosis.
- Ovarian torsion – Ovarian cysts sometimes cause a change in their position. This can cause twisting of the ovary which can stop its blood supply. It likely happens when women are ovulating during pregnancy. A sudden surge of vomiting and abdominal pain are often the symptoms of the problem. Surgery can be used to fix it by untwisting it or eventually removing it.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – It is an infection in the reproductive system. It is mainly caused due to STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Having symptoms are not compulsory in cases of PID, but the common symptoms are fever, pain during sex, burning feeling during urination, bad vaginal odor, etc.
- Ectopic pregnancy – When a fertilized egg gets implanted before even reaching the uterus, it is known as Ectopic pregnancy. The Fallopian tube is the usual place for its occurrence. Some of the signs suggesting that you might have it are, missing a period or other signs of pregnancy, bleeding in the vagina, problems while urination, etc. If you feel sick, dizzy, faint, or very pale then opt for a doctor immediately.
Specifically affecting men
- Inguinal hernia – This type of hernia is caused due to any part of the small intestine or fat pushing a weak area of the lower abdomen. It is not that this hernia cant occur in women but in men, the numbers are far more than in women. It requires nearly immediate medical help if you face tenderness, or redness in the bulged area, a sudden spike in pain, problems in passing gas, nausea, vomiting, and high fever. It can be identified if the effects are swollen scrotum, pain, and weakness in the groin area, a bulge in the lower abdomen, and an increase in pain during physical activities.
- Testicular Torsion – When the testicle rotates and results in low blood flow in the testicles, it is known as testicular torsion. It causes severe pain and swelling. It is mainly affecting men under the age of 18. If you face symptoms such as pain and swelling in the scrotum, abdomen pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and urinary pain, then get medical help as soon as possible because Testicular torsion can be serious. In these cases, surgery can prevent permanent damage to the testicles. the age of 18. If you face symptoms such as pain and swelling in the scrotum, abdomen pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and urinary pain, then get medical help as soon as possible because Testicular torsion can be serious. In these cases, surgery can prevent permanent damage to the testicles.
Conclusion:
Abdomen pain in the lower left side should not be ignored because of possible diseases. Not only the disease but the seriousness of them should be kept in mind and a doctor should be consulted for better treatment of the problem. Surgery or treatment mainly depends on the doctor and the disease which causes the lower left side pain in the abdomen.
PainPathways Magazine
PainPathways is the first, only and ultimate pain magazine. First published in spring 2008, PainPathways is the culmination of the vision of Richard L. Rauck, MD, to provide a shared resource for people living with and caring for others in pain. This quarterly resource not only provides in-depth information on current treatments, therapies and research studies but also connects people who live with pain, both personally and professionally.
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