Pain on the left side of the abdomen is a common occurrence that can indicate the presence of several health conditions and diseases.
Some of them are benign, while others can cause serious discomfort and very intense pain. Tension and pain on the left side of the abdomen may indicate colitis, "nervous bowels," gastritis, an enlarged spleen, or issues with reproductive organs.
Although the first association with pain on the left side of the abdomen is usually diseases of internal organs, sometimes the pain can result from injuries or muscle strains.
Whether you suspect digestive problems, issues with the bowels, or reproductive issues, it is important to seek professional help after recognizing the symptoms.
"Irritable Bowel Syndrome" can cause pain on the left side of the abdomen.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the intestines and represents the most common ailment of the digestive system.
This condition, also known as "nervous bowels," can cause pain, bloating, and changes in the normal bowel movement rhythm.
The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is still unknown. It is presumed that strong contractions of the intestines can lead to pain on the left side of the abdomen and gas, as well as symptoms known as "nervous bowels."
In addition to contractions, there is suspicion that intolerance to certain foods can contribute to symptoms of irritable bowels and pain on the left side of the abdomen.
Pain in the lower part of the abdomen on the left side in men, as well as pain in the lower left abdomen, in the groin area, may be a sign of certain reproductive organ problems.
Colitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the large intestine, causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody traces in the stool.
Colitis primarily affects younger women, between the ages of 15-25, but the disease can also occur later in life.
Colitis can manifest in a mild, moderate, or severe form depending on the amount of blood in the stool and the frequency of bowel movements in a day.
Stomach Problems and Gastritis
When the mucous membrane lining the interior of the stomach becomes inflamed, gastritis occurs.
The mucous membrane plays a protective role, shielding the stomach walls from gastric acid that aids in food digestion. Gastritis can be either acute or chronic.
Acute gastritis symptoms occur suddenly, while chronic gastritis symptoms develop gradually.
Causes of gastritis may include a stomach ulcer or a wound on the stomach wall that causes discomfort and pain on the left side of the abdomen.
The spleen is an organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen beneath the ribs. Its role in the body includes filtering blood and removing old or damaged blood cells.
A healthy spleen is typically around 12 cm long, weighing only about 70 g. When the spleen is enlarged, it can weigh up to one kilogram or more.
Enlargement of the spleen often occurs after an infection or blood-related illness. Additionally, it can result from autoimmune diseases, liver cirrhosis, circulatory disorders, or metabolic imbalances.
If the spleen is enlarged or inflamed, it can lead to pain on the left side of the abdomen.
In individuals of the female gender, inflammation of the ovaries or fallopian tubes can lead to pain on the left side of the abdomen.
Inflammation can occur in one or both ovaries. Contrary to common belief associating ovarian inflammation with cold weather, inadequate warm clothing, and exposure of the abdomen to low temperatures, the most common cause of inflammation is actually bacteria. Women experiencing ovarian inflammation may feel discomfort and intense pain upon touching the abdomen.
Severe pain on the left side of the abdomen indicates inflammation of a single ovary, often accompanied by pain during sexual intercourse.
Ovarian inflammation is accompanied by a high temperature and can lead to disruptions in the menstrual cycle and missed periods.
If not treated promptly, ovarian or fallopian tube inflammation can result in reproductive difficulties, such as impaired fallopian tube patency and conception problems.
Muscle Injuries and Pain in the Lower Left Abdomen
Although most people associate pain on the left side of the lower abdomen with intestinal or digestive issues, muscular problems can also cause pain on the left side of the abdomen.
Back and abdominal pain on the left side may result from injuries, strains, or muscle tension.
It is not uncommon for individuals to express concern and suspect inflammation or infection in the abdominal area, only to find during a specialist examination that it is, in fact, a muscle strain.
Don't ignore pain on the left side of the abdomen and seek help
Ignoring or attempting to self-treat any of the mentioned symptoms of lower left abdominal pain can lead to complications and consequences for overall health. For this reason, it is crucial to communicate all details related to the symptoms you are experiencing during a medical examination with your doctor.
Whether the pain on the left side of the abdomen is due to muscle injuries or a specific medical condition, it is important to consult a doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis and receive appropriate therapy to alleviate the pain.
SCHEDULE A PHYSIATRIST'S EXAMINATION
Dr Jelena Kluz-Đurđević, a specialist in physical medicine
After a conversation with the patient, Dr. Jelena will conduct an examination to obtain a more comprehensive view of your health status, helping to determine whether it's an injury or a diagnosis.
The examination lasts for 30 minutes and includes:
Schedule a specialist examination by calling 011 2100 588 for the cost of 4,000 RSD.