What Is Sharp Pain On Left Side Of Stomach

Pain Coming From The Pancreas

Your pancreas is in the middle of the upper part of your tummy. Chemicals made by cells in the pancreas pass into the guts to help digest food. The hormones insulin and glucagon are also made in the pancreas and help to regulate the blood sugar level. It can become inflamed in the conditions acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis, causing upper tummy pain, usually with feeling sick and/or being sick . The pain is usually in the centre of the upper part of your tummy, but can be felt on the left. In acute pancreatitis there is usually also a fever and you may feel very unwell in yourself.

Cancers of the pancreas can also cause upper tummy pain.

Stones In The Kidneys

Kidney stones, also known as nephrolithiasis, are calcium or uric acid deposits that accumulate in the kidneys. When they pass through the urinary tract, they are excruciatingly painful. Common kidney stone symptoms include left side or back pain, painful urination, fever, nausea, and vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms of kidney stone pain, go to the nearest emergency room.

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

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Kidney Stones And Infections

Problems with the left kidney tend to give you pain more around the left-hand side of the abdomen, or in your back , but the pain may spread and involve the front of the tummy area. Kidney stones can cause a severe pain which occurs in spasms lasting from a few minutes to several hours. There may be also be blood in your wee.

A kidney infection can cause pain anywhere along your urinary tract. So this could be anywhere from the loin in your back, round to the front, the LUQ, or down to the lower part of your tummy. It may be associated with a fever, pain when you wee, or going to the loo more frequently.

When To Seek Care

Mild abdominal pain that goes away and does not come back may not need treatment. However, talk with your doctor about any abdominal pain that is severe or that keeps coming back. Severe or persistent abdominal pain is not normal. Be sure to tell your doctor about all symptoms you are experiencing.

Certain symptoms mean that you need to seek medical care. Watch for these more serious symptoms:

• blood in your stool

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What Are Some Of The Causes Of Pain In The Left Side Of My Body

There are a few causes of pain in the left side of your body, the most common of which are arthritis, lumbago, tumors or abscesses. You may try heat packs and ice packs for relief self-massage with oil or warm cloths take over the counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen use an electric massage tool for targeted pressure points.

Sudden And Severe Onset Stomach Pain

When mid-abdominal pain occurs suddenly especially in people with a history of peptic ulcer disease or in those who take excessive amounts of aspirin or NSAIDs it may be a sign of a perforation that could require emergency surgery. A tear could leak air and gastric content which can lead to a condition called peritonitis, and eventually, septic shock. Surgery would be required to seal the perforation.

If you’re experiencing chronic stomach pain, take steps now to head off any bigger problems down the road. Your primary care provider can help get to the bottom of what’s causing your issues and create a plan to help improve your gut health. Your plan may include medication, lifestyle changes, a healthier diet and stress management techniques.

7. Right or left lower abdominal pain in women

Sudden onset of right lower abdominal pain or left lower abdominal pain can indicate a ruptured ovarian cyst in a woman who is in the middle of her menstrual cycle. This kind of pain could also be a sign of ovarian torsion, which is the rotation of the ovary and part of the fallopian tube, or possibly a twisting of the ovary due to reduced blood supply. Seek treatment immediately at the nearest emergency department. Surgery to remove the ovary may be required.

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Upper Left Abdomen Anatomy

The upper left part of the abdomen contains several structures including:

• Left lobe of the liver
• Left adrenal gland
• Upper left sections of the large intestine

Pain in the upper left abdomen is also called pain in the left upper quadrant, pain under the left ribcage, or pain in the left hypochondrium.

Causes Of Kidney Stones

When there is an imbalance of water, salt, and mineral water in your urine, you may begin developing small crystals that turn into stones within your kidneys. As the stones grow in size, they can lead to severe pain and other symptoms. But, before enlarging, theyre often resolved without any medical interference.

Kidney stones typically occur when youre drinking less water than what your body needs. People in warmer climates are often more susceptible, as they sweat more and require more water to stay hydrated. But, other factors can increase your risk of developing kidney stones including:

• High blood pressure

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What Does Abdominal Pain Location Tell You

Location is an important clue to your abdominal pain, though its not the only factor. It may indicate which organs are involved. For example, pain in the upper right quadrant may indicate a problem with your liver or gallbladder.

However, your healthcare provider will also want to know more about what your pain feels like, how often you feel it, and how severe it is. This will give them additional clues about what kind of condition you may have.

What Are The Common Causes Of Left Upper Quadrant Pain In Pregnancy

Any of the above conditions can cause pain in the LUQ area, whether you are pregnant or not, so you should always get checked out. However, in pregnancy a common cause of discomfort is the sheer pressure of the womb pressing on other organs, and pressing them into the diaphragm. Also problems with indigestion tend to be common in pregnancy, again at least partly due to the pressure on the stomach. Urinary tract infections are also more common in pregnancy.

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Left Abdominal Pain Pain On Your Left Side Causes Treatment

If you have been researching the internet about left side stomach pain, then you are in the right place. Left stomach side pain means that you feel pain in the lower-left side of the abdomen.

There are several possible causes of this type of pain, which can be painful for men and women. This article explains why people get stomach pains, the causes, treatment, and when to see a doctor.

Should I Go To The Emergency Room For Food Poisoning

Food Poisoning

Food poisoning, while uncomfortable, is a fairly common illness but if you notice your symptoms are progressing, you may start wondering, when should I go to the emergency room for food poisoning?

You should immediately seek food poisoning treatment in the ER if you begin to notice blood in your urine, feces, or vomit, diarrhea lasting more than three days, or signs of severe dehydration including extreme thirst, loss of consciousness, or confusion.

Understanding the common symptoms of food poisoning can help you recognize when your symptoms become a cause for concern. In this article, we are going to cover the basics of foodborne illness and how to know when its time to seek emergency care.

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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.

Is Pain In The Upper Left Abdomen Serious

Pain can vary in severity depending on the cause.

• Moderately serious: Ongoing left-sided pain that does not clear up quickly with rest, or that has symptoms that continue to get worse is considered moderately serious.
• Serious: Left-sided pain accompanied by shortness of breath, pain in the jaw or arm, lightheadedness, or fainting is considered serious.

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When Should You Go To The Hospital For Food Poisoning

Now that you understand the common symptoms, you likely want to know should I go to the emergency room for food poisoning?

Its time to seek food poisoning treatment in the ER if you:

• Have a fever thats higher than 100°
• Notice blood in your bowel movements
• You feel dehydrated
• Are experiencing frequent vomiting

• Provide antibiotics for severe infections
• Test blood and stool to diagnosis the source of the infection

Pain Coming From A Problem In Your Lungs

Problems with the lower part of your lungs may feel as though the pain is in the upper part of your tummy. The lower part of your lungs and the upper part of your tummy are separated only by the sheet of muscle called the diaphragm. Problems which might cause pain include infections such as pneumonia or pleurisy. You would usually have other common symptoms such as a cough, high temperature , or pain on breathing.

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How Serious Is Lower Left Abdominal Pain

Pain in the lower left abdomen is when you feel pain on the left-hand side of the bottom half of your abdomen . Sometimes, people may refer to it as pain in their lower left stomach, but your stomach is actually higher up in your abdomen.

You may feel a cramping, dull, sharp or stabbing pain in your lower left abdomen that may be constant or go away and then return. And sometimes, it may start in another part of your body like your testicles and then move upwards. Or you may feel it in your lower left abdomen and in your back at the same time.

Pain in your lower left abdomen is medically known as left lower quadrant pain or left iliac fossa pain .

Common causes of pain in your lower left abdomen include gut problems like constipation or

What Is On The Middle Left Side Of Your Abdomen

Heres a simple exercise to understand the anatomy of your abdomen more easily. Visualize a Tic Tac Toe board on your abdomen. Each section contains different organs. A few large organs like the liver and colon, for instance, stretch partly into other blocks of the board.

On your right, from top to bottom you have your liver, gallbladder, right kidney, small intestine, right colon, appendix, and cecum.

In the middle, from top to bottom, you have your stomach, duodenum, pancreas, spleen, adrenal glands, and a portion of your liver, the small intestine, and colon.

And on the left region, you have your left descending colon, left kidney, and a portion of your pancreas and spleen.

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Upper Abdominal Pain Between The Ribcage

If you develop an aching or stabbing pain or pressure in the upper abdominal area just under the ribs, this may indicate a heart-related problem. Physicians say this pain is often accompanied by shortness of breath and is concerning if the pain persists. People often assume this type of pain is indigestion, and while that may be the case, anyone with risk factors such as diabetes or hypertension should see a doctor as soon as possible.

If you do struggle with acid reflux, it may be time to talk to a gastroenterologist. They can help you manage your symptoms through medications, lifestyle changes and diet.

Common Characteristics Of Pain In The Upper Left Abdomen

The pain and tenderness you may be experiencing can likely be described by the following details:

• Location: It will likely be beneath the lower edge of the rib cage, on the left side.
• Sensitive: The pain will be evident on palpation of the left upper abdomen.
• Varied: The pain may range from mild and dull to severe and sharp.
• Mobile: The pain may travel into the back at the same level, or to the left shoulder.

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Why Does My Stomach Hurt

There are numerous reasons for abdominal pain. It may be related to digestion, injury, infection or disease. It may come from an organ inside, or from the muscles or skin in your abdominal wall. Or it may have spread from somewhere else nearby.

Your healthcare provider will ask you detailed questions about your pain to determine the cause. How bad it feels doesnt necessarily indicate how serious it is. Some common, transient conditions can be intense, and some life-threatening conditions may feel mild.

Why Do People Get Stomach Pain

Lets be clear there are numerous reasons why you could be getting stomach pain. Some are very common, and most of us have had them at one point in our lives. However, some injuries are more unusual and can be a cause of concern.

For example, a painful or swollen belly is often a sign of a condition called diverticulitis. The pain can be sharp, dull, or a combination of both. A bellyache may be a disease symptom such as an infection or a gastrointestinal problem, including a GI bleed.

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What Causes Mild To Moderate Abdominal Pain

Most Australians will experience mild or moderate abdominal pain from time to time. Often these episodes last only a few hours or days. They may clear up without the need for treatment. However, you may be more comfortable managing the symptoms with medicines from your pharmacy or doctor.

Some of the causes of short-term abdominal pain are:

Crampy Pain With Diarrhea Or Constipation

Lower “crampy” abdominal pain accompanied by bloating and diarrhea or constipation can be signs of irritable bowel syndrome , says Singh. “It’s exceptionally common and affects 15% of the U.S. population, particularly younger women, although it can happen at any age.” Symptoms of IBS can usually be controlled by managing diet, lifestyle, and stress. Medication and counseling may be needed in some cases.

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When To Contact A Doctor

If a person is experiencing any symptoms of a heart attack, they need medical attention immediately.

A person should also seek medical attention as soon as possible if they are experiencing any symptoms of a kidney infection. If they do not receive treatment, the infection can worsen and lead to sepsis.

In general, it is important to consult a doctor if the pain does not go away with home treatment or disrupts daily life.

Depending on a persons symptoms and medical history, a doctor may recommend a visit to a specialist for a more thorough investigation.

Ulcers In The Stomach

Stomach ulcers, also known as gastritis or stomach inflammation, are sores in the stomach lining that are frequently caused by infections or the overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . They can cause upper left side pain and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and bloody or black stools or vomit. Stomach ulcers can heal on their own, but they frequently recur if not treated properly.

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Symptoms Of Pain In Left Side

Left side pain can be a real pain. It can be difficult to determine the cause of the pain, but with a little detective work, you can get to the bottom of the issue.

If you think you may have pain in the left side, its important to keep up with your regular checkups. This way, any underlying issues can be addressed quickly and pain will be minimal or non-existent. In the event that pain is severe or lasts more than a few days, its important to see a doctor for an evaluation.

There are a variety of causes for pain in the left side, so its important to get checked out if the pain is severe or lasts more than a few days. Good luck!