What Is On The Lower Left Side Of Your Stomach

Pain On The Left Side When To See A Doctor

As we have seen in this article, the causes of pain in the left side of your upper body, chest, and abdomen are varied. Dr. Jennifer Robinson on WebMD warns that chest pain or abdominal pain that persist and isnt helped by home remedies could be a sign of a serious health issue.34

You should see a doctor for pain and discomfort that you feel in your upper left chest or left abdomen if you also have one or more of these symptoms:

• You have tightness or a feeling of crushing pressure in the middle or left side of your chest.
• Pain in your chest or abdomen radiates to your arms, neck, jaw, back, or groin.
• Pain anywhere in your rib cage and under your breastbone comes on suddenly when you are resting.
• Along with the chest or abdominal pain, you have a rapid heartbeat, nausea, dizziness, or vomiting.

Organs On The Left Side Of The Abdomen

On the left side of your abdomen you can find some of the most important internal organs in your body:

Left lung The lower part of your left lung is located behind your heart and both of your lungs play a vital function in the respiratory system.

Spleen, pancreas, and part of the liver Although your liver is located under the right rib cage, part of it is located on the left side just under your heart. Below your heart under the left part of your rib cage are your liver, spleen, and pancreas. These organs, along with your liver, are an important part of your digestive system and help to break down food to extract nutrients and filter out waste products.

Left kidney Your left kidney is located towards your back and, just like the liver, helps to filter blood and keep you healthy.

Part of the stomach, intestines, and colon Part of your stomach, intestines, and colon are also located on the left side of your abdomen. The last part of your colon is located in the lower left side of the abdomen. If you have any digestive problems, the digestive-related pain might be felt on the left side.

Womens reproductive system Women also have part of their reproductive system on the left side of their body: part of the womb, left fallopian tube and the left ovary.

Organs on the Left Side of the Abdomen

What Is Stomach Churning

Stomach churning and gurgling can be an uncomfortable feeling in the abdomen. Although a queasy stomach is usually only temporary if you have an upset stomach for a week or longer it could be a sign of an underlying condition.

If you have ever experienced stomach growling, especially stomach gurgling after eating, then you may well know the other symptoms that run alongside it. Other symptoms of a sour stomach can include nausea and digestive issues.

Moreover, continue reading to find out what causes upset stomach and gas. We also explain when you should see a doctor, and further signs to look out for.

Stomach Noises such as stomach churning and gurgling and Pain: Causes and Symptoms for Those Belly Noises and Cramps

Also Check: Can Chlamydia Cause Stomach Pain

Colon Cancer And Rectal Cancer

at all

• Colon cancer and rectal cancer are two of the most common cancers in the UK.
• Although colon cancer can affect any part of the large bowel , it commonly affects the last part which is on the left-hand side. Rectal cancer affects the very last part of the large bowel just before it ends at the anus.
• There is usually a change in how often you need to open your bowels and you may notice that you have lost weight, without trying.
• You may get a feeling of not fully emptying your bottom after opening your bowels.

See the separate leaflet called;Colon, Rectal and Bowel Cancer for more information.

Signs Your Abdominal Pain May Be Serious

Itâs quite common to get a little stomach ache after eating a big meal or taking a tumble around in a roller-coaster. But there are times where these abdominal pains are highly painful. Our stomach can tell us a lot about our health. Many underlying medical conditions can cause pain to our stomachs. Therefore, certain abdominal pains should not be ignored.

You May Like: How To Shrink Your Stomach Fast

Try Some Changes In Lifestyle

Specific body exercises like belly dancing and some yoga exercises can help you a lot in order to relax the abdominal muscles and thus avoid abdominal pain.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.

Pain On Left Side: Causes Treatments And When To See A Doctor

Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer Health

Any kind of acute or chronic pain in the left side of your chest or the left side of the abdomen can be a cause for concern. The left side of your upper body contains many vital organs like your heart, left lung, spleen, pancreas, part of your liver and stomach. Infection, disease, or blocked arteries can cause pain ranging from mild discomfort to sharp, stabbing pains in the left side of your body.

Pain on the left side of your body isnt always cardiac-related or connected with an organ. Sometimes, stress or anxiety attacks can be a cause of the pain that may feel like you are having a heart attack. But you should never ignore any kind of pain in your chest or abdomen as it can be a sign of a serious condition.

In this comprehensive article on pain in the left side of your body, you will find out the various reasons why you could have aches, pains, or discomfort in the left side of your body. This will help you know what is causing the left-side pain and if it is serious enough to see a doctor. You will also find many helpful home remedies to relieve some of the causes of pains on the left side of your body.

Also Check: What To Do For Stomach Acid Pain

Pain Locator: Where Does It Hurt

;

Abdominal pain can have a wide range of causes. Understanding the nine regions and four quadrants of your abdomen can help pinpoint possible origins and identify associated ailments. Here’s a helpful guide.

Abdominal pain could be indicative of many ailments, ranging from gas and constipation to gallstones or pancreatitis. Understanding the type of pain you’re experiencing, where it’s originating from, and the severity of your ailment, could help you get the correct treatment before symptoms worsen.

It’s important to become acquainted with the nine regions of the abdomen, so you can better understand how your digestive organs function and are susceptible to a variety of medical issues.

Causes Of Chronic Pancreatitis

The most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over many years.

This can cause repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis, which results in increasing damage to the organ.

In children the most common cause is cystic fibrosis.

Less common causes include:

In some cases, no cause can be identified. This is called idiopathic chronic pancreatitis.

You May Like: What Firmness Of Pillow Is Best For Stomach Sleepers

Treatment For Chronic Pancreatitis

The damage to the pancreas is permanent, but treatment can help control the condition and manage any symptoms.

People with chronic pancreatitis are usually advised to make lifestyle changes, such as stopping drinking alcohol and stopping smoking. They’re also given medicine to relieve pain.

Surgery may also be an option for those experiencing severe pain.

Signs Your Stomach Pain Isn’t Normal

Pain in back and lower abdomen on the left hand side in women may indicate an issue with a Fallopian tube or an ovary. A cyst, infection or ovary twist may cause severe pain in the area, and it tends to worsen over time. In men, an infection in the testicles, a tumor, or a twist in the left testicle may cause pain.

Lower abdominal pain is common and often easily remedied. But if you have such pain on a regular basis, do not take it lightly. Simple problems like swallowing excess air, eating high-fat foods that lead to delayed stomach emptying, food poisoning and even stress can cause lower abdominal pain. But certain health issues can also cause this problem.

Pelvic pain is an extremely common condition – affecting a huge 1 in 6 women in their lifetime, according to Dr Hemlata Thackare, consultant gynaecologist and IVF specialist at the London Womenâs Clinic Group. It’s not only uncomfortable, but it can affect your quality of life. “Pelvic pain is pain that you feel in your lower abdomen or pelvis.

Other signs include pressure in the lower abdomen, acidic taste in the mouth, and a great deal of burping. 2. Gas. Pressure in your lower abdomen is quite often caused by trapped gas. You can even feel bloated with all the gas in your intestines. You might have cramps as well, and those might become rather severe.

Read Also: Does Sleeping On Your Stomach Make You Lose Weight

What’s Causing Your Lower Abdominal Pain

The pain is sudden, sharp, and on one side of your pelvis, followed by dull pain in your lower abdomen. Sometimes this specific type of stomach pain signals a ruptured ovarian cyst .

There are several reasons why you might experience pain in your lower right abdomen â also known as the right lower quadrant . And though it might be tempting to let your thoughts drift to more serious causes, itâs important to keep in mind that reasons for experiencing pain in the RLQ can range from harmless to severe.

Neck and throat have a shooting pain with I breath in Pain In Heart Only While Lying On Left Side or Back Pain in left side of chest when breathing an burping. sharp pains on left side of body just under the ribcage sharp, throbbing chest pains under the left breast When I inhale I have pain under my back left shoulder blade

The symptoms of Mid Cycle Pain are pain in the right or left lower abdomen for about 2 weeks or after your last menstrual period, for those who have a 28 days regular menstrual interval. The pain could come on suddenly, lasting between a few minutes up to 3 days.

The abdomen may be divided into four parts for diagnostic purposes, and these are named the upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left quadrants. Lower abdominal cramping or pain is one of the most common symptoms experienced, and it may be either in the lower right or in lower left side.

How To Treat Pain Under The Left Rib Cage

The above conditions and ailments all have wildly different treatment approaches and are not an exhaustive lift of causes for pain under the left ribs.

Possible approaches can be anything from antibiotics to diet changes to emergency surgery depending on the underlying cause.

The best treatment, therefore, is to be aware of the signs your body is sending you and to speak to your doctor.

To generalize, if the pain under your ribs is connected to eating, then you are more likely to have a digestive issue.

Under other circumstances, especially if you have breathing difficulties or suffered blunt force to the chest in the past few days, then you should get checked out as soon as possible.

Don’t Miss: Where Is My Baby At 17 Weeks In My Stomach

Spleen Pancreas And Part Of The Liver

Although your liver is located under the right rib cage, part of it is located on the left side just under your heart. Below your heart under the left part of your rib cage are your liver, spleen, and pancreas. These organs, along with your liver, are an important part of your digestive system and help to break down food to extract nutrients and filter out waste products.

Severe Pain In The Lower Right Abdomen

If you notice intense pain in the lower right abdomen that comes on suddenly, it could be appendicitis. This condition can also bring on a rising fever and vomiting, especially if the pain starts at the navel and continues to get worse. It is best for individuals with these symptoms to go to the nearest emergency room. Left untreated, your appendix could rupture.

Read Also: Why Does My Stomach Make So Much Noise

What Are The Symptoms

Belly pain, often in the lower left side, is the most common symptom of diverticulitis. The pain is sometimes worse when you move. Other symptoms include fever, chills, bloating, and gas. You may also have diarrhea or constipation. Symptoms can last from a few hours to several days, or longer if not treated.

What Is A Lump In The Lower Left Abdomen

A mass or abdominal lump on the lower left abdomen can most commonly be caused by skin conditions like cysts, abscess, or growth of fatty tissue known as lipoma. If you have a lump that causes pain on the left side of the abdomen, you may also have a hernia or an ovarian cyst if you are female.

You May Like: How Effective Is Coolsculpting On Stomach

What Is The Medical Treatment For Causes Of Abdominal Pain In Adults

The patient’s treatment will depend on what the doctor thinks is causing the abdominal pain.

The patient may be given IV fluids. The doctor may ask the patient not to eat or drink anything until the cause of the pain is known. This is done to avoid worsening certain medical conditions or to prepare the patient in case they need to have surgery.

The patient may be given pain medication.

• For pain caused by bowel spasm, they may be given a shot in the hip, arm, or leg.
• If the patient is not throwing up, they may receive a drink that has antacid in it or pain medication.
• Although the patient’s pain may not go away completely, they have the right to be comfortable and should ask for pain medicine until they are made comfortable.

Constipation From Not Eating Enough Fiber

Constipation is defined as having stools which are large, hard, and difficult to pass. This leaves the person feeling bloated and uncomfortable. Many things can cause constipation, and a common one is lack of fiber in the diet.

To determine whether lack of fiber is causing the constipation, all other causes are first ruled out:

• Not drinking enough water, sometimes to the point of dehydration.
• Lack of exercise, which helps increase blood circulation and therefore motility of the bowel.
• A very low or no-fat diet.
• A need for probiotics, which replenish the “good” bacteria in the gut.
• Medications, or certain illnesses, which have a constipating effect.
• Constantly ignoring the feeling of needing to move the bowels, and delaying going to the toilet.

If fiber is needed, the best sources are fresh vegetables; fresh or dried fruits; and whole wheat and brown rice, because those include the fiber-rich bran. Over-the-counter fiber tablets can be tried, though laxatives should only be used if recommended by a medical provider.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: constipation, constipation, pain in the lower left abdomen, pain when passing stools, feeling of needing to constantly pass stool

Symptoms that always occur with constipation from not eating enough fiber: constipation, constipation

Symptoms that never occur with constipation from not eating enough fiber: vomiting

Urgency: Self-treatment

Don’t Miss: What Causes Your Stomach To Be Bloated And Hard

What Home Remedies Soothe Abdominal Pain In Adults

Abdominal pain without fever, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, passing out, chest pain, or other serious symptoms often get better without special treatment.

• If the pain persists or if a person believes the pain may represent a serious problem, they should see a doctor.
• A heating pad or soaking in a tub of warm water may ease the pain.
• Over-the-counter antacids, such as Tums, Maalox, or Pepto-Bismol, also can reduce some types of abdominal pain. Activated charcoal capsules also may help.
• Acetaminophen may help. This product should be avoided if liver disease is suspected. Patients should try to avoid aspirin or ibuprofen stomach or intestinal ulcer disease is suspected; these drugs can make the pain worse.

Next Steps To Treat Abdominal Pain

Even though it is smart to understand the four quadrants of your abdomen, do not take it upon yourself to make a diagnosis. It may be tempting to do some research and figure out the source of the pain yourself, but it rarely helps bring anything but confusion.

When you have abdominal pain, go to a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment options. Use your knowledge of the four quadrants to describe the location and nature of your pain, then let your doctor figure out what it is and how to help.

Make sure to follow the instructions of your medical professional and youll be on the path to recovery.

A: Abdominal pain its self is a symptom. Other symptoms along with the abdominal pain may include

• Nausea,

A: Some diseases that can be a cause of your abdominal pain include:

• Gastritis,
• Problems with the blood circulation to the intestine
• Diverticulitis

Some sensations of abdominal pain might not be caused from the abdomen its self:

• Some heart attacks and pneumonia can cause abdominal pain and even nausea.
• Diseases of the pelvis or groin can also cause abdominal pain in adults.
• Testicular problems often can cause lower abdominal pain.
• Certain skin rashes, such as shingles, can feel like abdominal pain, even though the person has nothing wrong inside their body.
• Even some poisonings and bites, such as a black widow spider bite, can cause severe abdominal pain.

A: Medical attention should be given when :

A: Most doctors determine the cause of abdominal pain by relying on:

Don’t Miss: What Will Help With Stomach Pain