When To See A Doctor About Abdominal Pain
Go straight to your doctor or the emergency department of the nearest hospital if you have any of the following:
- pain lasting for several hours
- pain or vaginal bleeding if you are pregnant
- pain in your scrotum if you are a male
- pain and vomiting or shortness of breath
- pain and vomiting blood
- blood in your bowel motions or urine
- pain that spreads to your chest, neck or shoulder
- unable to move your bowels or pass gas
- any other concerns.
When To Seek Help
âAny urgent or non-urgent pain can become serious with time. If you are experiencing any sort of pain that doesnât feel like a normal, âate too muchâ stomach ache, you may want to be seen as soon as possible. If you have stabbing pains, cramping, persistent pain, or sudden pain, you should look into being seen by a medical professional.
BASS Urgent Care is here for you and ready to help. With multiple services that allow us to run various tests and even x-rays, our urgent care services will help you find the answers and relief you seek. Donât wait around for your condition to worsen before seeing a doctor.
What Other Tests Might Be Needed For Left Lower Quadrant Pain
Next it will depend on what the examination and the tests above have suggested. In some cases no further tests will be needed – if, for example, your doctor is confident you have constipation or shingles.
If a problem with your large bowel is suspected, you may need an examination with a tube with a camera put into your large bowel . A computerised tomography scan or an ultrasound scan may be helpful to look for diverticula and to look at your kidneys. These tests are also used in women to look at the ovary and tubes. In some cases an X-ray of the tummy may be useful. Further tests include other ‘scopes’ , a barium enema and other scans scan).
If it is thought you might have an ectopic pregnancy – women – or a torsion of your testicle – men, you may only have one or two of these tests before having emergency surgery to treat your problem.
Nobody will need all these tests, and some people may not need any.
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Causes Of Acute Stomach Pain
- Eating Too Much. Eating too much can cause an upset stomach and mild stomach pain.
- Hunger Pains. Younger children may complain of stomach pain when they are hungry.
- GI Virus . A GI virus can cause stomach cramps as well as vomiting and/or diarrhea.
- Food Poisoning. This causes sudden vomiting and/or diarrhea within hours after eating the bad food. It is caused by toxins from germs growing in foods left out too long. Most often, symptoms go away in less than 24 hours. It often can be treated at home without the need for medical care.
- Constipation. The need to pass a stool may cause cramps in the lower abdomen.
- Strep Throat. A strep throat infection causes 10% of new onset stomach pain with fever.
- Bladder Infection. Bladder infections usually present with painful urination, urgency and bad smelling urine. Sometimes the only symptom is pain in the lower abdomen.
- Appendicitis . Suspect appendicitis if pain is low on the right side and walks bent over. Other signs are the child won’t hop and wants to lie still.
- Intussusception . Sudden attacks of severe pain that switch back and forth with periods of calm. Caused by one segment of bowel telescoping into a lower piece of bowel. Peak age is 6 months to 2 years.
Common Causes Of Abdominal Left Side Pain
Abdominal Pain
While left side pain is often a sign of gas, it can also be a sign of a more serious condition such as diverticulitis, appendicitis, or stomach ulcers that would require urgent medical attention. To tell the difference and determine whether to seek emergency care, pay attention to other symptoms you may be experiencing.
Pain in the lower left abdomen accompanied by symptoms such as belching, bloating, or a hard abdomen is typically indicative of indigestion. However, if youre experiencing upper or lower left side pain coupled with a high fever, nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain, seek emergency care to rule out any of the serious conditions listed above.
What does pain on the left side indicate? Here are some other common causes of abdominal pain on the left side of your body.
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Symptoms Of Chronic Pancreatitis
The most common symptom of chronic pancreatitis is repeated episodes of severe pain in your tummy .
The pain usually develops in the middle or left side of your tummy and can move along your back.
Its been described as a burning or shooting pain that comes and goes, but may last for several hours or days.
Although the pain sometimes comes on after eating a meal, theres often no trigger. Some people might feel sick and vomit.
As the condition progresses, the painful episodes may become more frequent and severe.
Eventually, a constant dull pain can develop in your tummy, between episodes of severe pain.
This is most common in people who continue to drink alcohol after being diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis.
Some people who stop drinking alcohol and stop smoking may find the pain is less severe.
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Treatment Of Lower Abdominal Pain
Treatment depends on the cause of the lower abdominal pain.
For mild abdominal pain that’s the result of trapped gas or indigestion, you may have relief with:
- Over-the-counter medications including calcium carbonate
- Adjusting your diet by eliminating foods that cause indigestion or gas
- Complementary and alternative medicine such as acupuncture or massage
If you have a bacterial infection that’s causing abdominal pain, you may need prescription medication. Those with severe indigestion may also require prescription drugs. A urinary tract infection is usually treated with antibiotics.
Some digestive disorders, such as colitis or irritable bowel syndrome, have no cure. Treatment involves a combination of lifestyle changes and prescription medications in order to manage symptoms.
Treatment may also depend on the severity of the condition. People with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis may need to take prescription drugs such as:
- Corticosteroids
- Immunomodulators
Some causes of lower abdominal pain may require surgery. For example, people with severe ulcerative colitis may need surgery to avoid complications of the disease. The need for surgery is decided on a case-by-case basis.
Appendicitis is considered an emergency condition that almost always requires surgery as soon as possible. Without surgery, the appendix could burst and cause peritonitis, a life-threatening infection.
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Why Is My Side Hurting On The Left Side
Some common causes of pain on the left side of the body include infection and injury to internal organs, muscles, or nerves. In some cases, this pain resolves on its own. However, other cases may require immediate medical intervention.
Why does my left side hurt when I lie down?
Your heart is surrounded by a fluid-filled sac called the pericardium. Pericarditis refers to inflammation of this sac. When its inflamed, it can rub against your heart causing pain near your left ribs. The pain may be a dull ache or a stabbing pain thats usually worse when lying down.
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.
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Can Indigestion Cause Pain Under Left Rib
Indigestion. Indigestion is common, affecting 4 in 10 people each year in the UK. Its not a condition, but a series of symptoms which includes pain in the upper part of your tummy, just below your ribs. Its thought to occur when stomach acid breaks down the lining of your digestive system, causing a burning pain.
How Is Abdominal Pain Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider will ask you detailed questions about your pain. Theyll want to know:
- Where you feel it.
- How long youve had it.
- If it comes and goes.
- If its getting worse.
- If it stays in one place or moves.
- What makes it better or worse.
- What other symptoms you have.
From your answers, your healthcare provider will try to determine if you need emergency treatment. Sometimes your healthcare provider will be able to tell right away that your pain is temporary and not serious. Sometimes they may suspect a more serious condition and may want to run some tests. And sometimes they wont be able to solve the mystery on the first visit. Your pain may subside, or you may have to return for further investigation.
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What Causes Stabbing Pain In Lower Left Abdomen
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.
Treatment For Abdominal Pain In Adults
Your treatment depends on what is causing your pain, but may include:
- Pain relief â your pain may not go away fully with painkillers, but it should ease.
- Fluids â you may have fluids given into a vein to correct fluid loss and rest your bowel.
- Medicines â for example, you may be given something to stop you vomiting.
- Fasting â your doctor may ask you not to eat or drink anything until the cause of your pain is known.
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You Have Colorectal Cancer
Continuous pain in left side of stomach after eating may be associated with serious issues, such as colorectal cancer. The condition is more common in people over 50 years of age.
Treatment:
Early detection helps treat the cancer therefore, it is important to seek medical attention when you experience continuous and severe abdominal pain.
What Does Lower Left Abdominal Pain Mean
Lower left abdominal pain can indicate various underlying conditions or illnesses, such as diverticulitis or simply a case of indigestion. However, this pain can also be an early sign of more severe conditions. Continue reading to learn more about a range of issues that could cause lower left abdominal pain.
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Regions Of The Abdomen
Envision the sections of your abdomen as a Tic-Tac-Toe board. To simplify this even further, let’s number each region of your abdomen: Regions 1 to 3 are the top row , regions 4 through 6 encompass the middle boxes, and regions 7 to 9 comprise the bottom row.
- Region 1: Right Hypochondriac Region Liver, Gallbladder, Right Kidney, Small Intestine
- Region 2: Epigastric Region Stomach, Liver, Pancreas, Duodenum , Spleen, Adrenal Glands
- Region 3: Left Hypochondriac Region Spleen, Colon, Left Kidney, Pancreas
- Region 4: Right Lumbar Region Gallbladder, Liver, Right Colon
- Region 5: Umbilical Region Umbilicus , Jejunum , Ileum , Duodenum
- Region 6: Left Lumbar Region Descending Colon , Left Kidney
- Region 7: Right Iliac Fossa Appendix, Cecum
- Region 8: Hypogastric Region Urinary Bladder, Sigmoid Colon , Female Reproductive Organs
- Region 9: Left Iliac FossaDescending Colon, Sigmoid Colon
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.
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Lower Abdominal Pain In Teenage Girls
A few causes of abdominal pain are specific to teenage girls .
You Have Peptic Ulcer Disease
Sometimes, painful sores develop in the walls of the stomach usually when the stomach’s protective lining is no longer functional. Your stomach keeps producing acid to digest food, but that acid can lead to a condition called peptic ulcer disease . Some common causes of PUD are bacterial infections, alcohol abuse, and excessive use of NSAIDs.
Treatment:
To treat your pain caused by PUD, it is important to avoid alcohol consumption, smoking, and NSAIDs. You may have to use proton pump inhibitors to prevent acid secretions. Antacids may also help neutralize acid in your stomach, which in turn will help reduce pain.
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What Kind Of Doctor Treats Abdominal Pain In Adults
Abdominal pain can be treated by a variety of doctors depending on the cause of the pain. It is usually best to start off with a primary care physician who can start the process of diagnosing the origin of the pain. Depending on the final diagnosis you will be treated by a primary care doctor or referred to a surgeon , gastroenterologist, or gynecologist. If the pain is severe you might end up in the emergency department where an emergency medicine physician will be the first one to take care of you.
Symptoms Of Lower Left Abdominal Pain
Pain in this region is categorized as acute or chronic . Lower left abdominal pain can feel different depending on what’s causing the discomfort. The pain can be:
You should be concerned about lower left abdominal pain if it’s accompanied by fever, shaking chills, a change in bowel patterns, urinary symptoms, chest pain, and a change in mental status .
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Need Imaging For Abdominal Pain
Diagnostic imaging tests like MRIs, CT scans, or ultrasounds may be needed to accurately diagnose recurrent abdominal pain.
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2. Indigestion
Another common cause of pain on the left side of the stomach is indigestion. This term describes general discomfort felt in your stomach rather than a specific disease. Some symptoms include:
- Gurgling stomach
Compared to diverticulitis, indigestion is usually much more mild. Most of the time, symptoms will go away on their own, or can be relieved using various home remedies.
3. Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard objects caused by chemicals in your urine. These can be extremely painful, especially while you are passing them. However, if they are found early enough, you can prevent lasting damage to your body. Surgery might be recommended if doctors find evidence of common urinary tract infections or other complications.
There are a variety of factors that may cause kidney stones. Here are some of them:
- Diets that are high in protein, sodium, and sugar
- Family history of kidney stones
4. Shingles
5. Hernia
6. Menstrual Cramps
For women, one of the most common causes of lower abdomen pain is menstrual cramps. These usually come during or around your period and go away with time. However, if you are experiencing intense pain, talk to your gynecologist.
7. Lactose Intolerance
8. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
What Is Abdominal Point Tenderness
Ther term abdominal point tenderness simply means that there is pain in a certain part of the abdomen when pressure is applied to it. In contrast, the term abdominal pain means that pain may be present irrespective of whether there is pressure applied to it or not. Tenderness can accompany pain. However, the pressure on the abdomen like with pressing during a physical examination will intensify this pain.
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Ovulation Pain Or Midcycle Spotting
Mittelschmerz is a German word that translates as “middle pain.” It refers to the normal discomfort sometimes felt by women during ovulation, which is at the midpoint of the menstrual cycle.
Each month, one of the two ovaries forms a follicle that holds an egg cell. The pain occurs when the follicle ruptures and releases the egg.
This is a dull, cramping sensation that may begin suddenly in only one side of the lower abdomen. In a few cases, there may be vaginal spotting. Mittelschmerz occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period.
Actual Mittelschmerz is not associated with nausea, vomiting, fever, or severe pelvic pain. These symptoms should be evaluated by a medical provider since they can indicate a more serious condition.
Diagnosis is made through patient history.
Treatment requires only over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve the pain. An oral contraceptive will stop the symptoms, since it also stops ovulation.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: abdominal pain , last period approximately 2 weeks ago, vaginal bleeding, bloody vaginal discharge, pelvis pain
Symptoms that always occur with ovulation pain or midcycle spotting: last period approximately 2 weeks ago
Urgency: Self-treatment