Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Why Does My Lower Left Stomach Hurt

What Else Could It Be

Why Does My Abdomen Hurt?

These lists of possible causes for LLQ are by no means exhaustive and there are many other conditions that can cause pain in the LLQ. Problems in your spine or back could be ‘referred’. Referred pain in this situation means that it is coming from your back but you are feeling it around the front. Muscular pulls and sprains can also affect you in the tummy area. If this is the case, moving the particular muscle would make the pain worse, whereas if you were to lie completely still, it wouldn’t hurt.

Stomach Ache After Drinking Water Too Fast

When you reach for a bottle of water to quench your thirst, there is a chance you are overestimating how much water you should drink. As such, you might find yourself in fluid overload. Water is incredibly essential for all our bodys processes however, too much water can lower the sodium level in your body. This condition is called hyponatremia and is categorized by nausea, vomiting, weakness, and stomach cramps.

Pain After A Fatty Meal

Many times after consuming a fatty meal, we can develop severe pain in our stomachs. It may just be the meal, but it could also be a gallbladder attack. Women in their 40s who are overweight are at the highest risk for gallbladder problems. If the pain gets progressively worse, seek treatment from a medical professional.

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When In Doubt About Your Abdominal Symptoms Physicians Say Its Best To Call Your Doctor Or Head To The Er

The egg salad didn’t taste quite right, but you were hungry. Or maybe your craving for cheesecake overrode the punishment you knew your lactose intolerance would inflict. You expect stomach distress in situations like these, but other times, abdominal pain can come out of nowhere. Sometimes it’s severe enough or lasts for so long that you know it’s not simply a matter of eating something that didn’t agree with you.

Digestive system issues account for 51 million visits to doctors’ offices and emergency departments yearly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . The severity of the pain, its location within your abdominal area, and accompanying symptoms may provide clues to the origin of the pain and whether or not you should seek help immediately. Here are some of the most common signs your tummy troubles need more than an over-the-counter remedy.

What Is The Outlook

How To Find Out Whats Making Your Stomach Hurt Using This ...

Again this depends entirely on the cause of the pain. Some conditions settle very quickly on their own , or with the help of antibiotics . Others can be cured with surgery, such as torsion of the testis. Some are long-term conditions, for which there is no cure, although there are treatments, such as those used for people who have Crohn’s disease. Your doctor should be able to give you an idea of the outlook once a diagnosis has become clear.

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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 mid-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 compromised blood supply. Seek treatment immediately at the nearest emergency department. Surgery to remove the ovary may be required.

Causes Of Recurrent Stomach Pains

  • Stress or Worries. The most common cause of frequent stomach pains is stress. Over 10% of children have a “worried stomach.” These children tend to be sensitive and too serious. They often are model children. This can make them more at risk to the normal stresses of life. Examples of these events are changing schools, moving or family fights. The pain is in the pit of the stomach or near the belly button. The pain is real.
  • Abdominal Migraine. Attacks of stomach pain and vomiting with sudden onset and offset. Often occur in children who later develop migraine headaches. Strongly genetic.
  • Functional Abdominal Pains. Functional means the stomach pains are due to a sensitive GI tract. The GI tract is free of any disease.
  • School Avoidance. Stomach pains that mainly occur in the morning on school days. They keep the child from going to school.

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Possible Causes Of Abdominal Pain

There are several causes of abdominal pain or discomfort. The following are lists of causes of abdominal pain , grouped into the area of the abdomen where patients often say their pain is mainly localized.

Upper Abdominal Pain

Upper abdominal pain –

The above lists are examples of many causes of abdominal pain. The doctor makes use of the location, type, and intensity of pain to try to arrive at a diagnosis. For example, if an older patient has acute pain that is relatively constant, located in the left and or center of the lower abdomen with a pain score of 9 out of 10, that is sharp or tearing, the doctor would likely place a thoracic aortic aneurysm high on the list of suspected causes.

Sudden And Severe Pain In The Mid

What causes lower left abdominal pain in females?

If you are someone who has a peptic ulcer and takes excessive amounts of aspirin or NSAID pain relievers, this specific type of stomach pain could very well be caused by a perforated ulcer. If not treated in a timely fashion, dangerous consequences like peritonitis and septic shock can occur. At the very least, you should call Digestive Health Services, or go to the emergency room right away.

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How Do I Know When To Go To The Er For Stomach Pain

Because common conditions, like food poisoning or constipation, can cause abdominal pain, it can often be difficult to know when your symptoms require a trip to the ER. If you are having unexplained or severe abdominal pain, or if you are in doubt about the cause of your abdominal pain, it is always best to be examined by a professional. If your stomach pain is severe, chronic, or accompanied by additional symptoms, visit your nearest ER as soon as possible to receive a diagnosis and treatment. Some signs and symptoms that may mean your stomach pain is serious enough to go to the ER include:

  • Blood in stool

When you arrive at either of iCare ER & Urgent Cares state-of-the-art facilities in Fort Worth or Frisco, you will be promptly seen by one of our knowledgeable board-certified ER physicians. Your physician will perform a thorough examination, take a detailed health history, and run any necessary tests such as lab work or imaging studies to help elucidate the cause of your stomach pain. From there, effective and appropriate treatment will be administered depending on your diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and other factors. Your doctor may recommend additional therapies or prescribe medications for you to continue at home.

Your Health Questions Answered

  • Answered by: Healthily’s medical teamAnswered: 16/09/2021

    Your pancreas is found just behind your stomach at the top of your abdomen. If you get pancreatic pain, its because your pancreas has become inflamed due to a condition called pancreatitis. You may feel a sudden serious pain in the middle of your abdomen if you have it. You may find that the pain gets better if you curl into a ball or lean forward, but it may get worse if youre lying down. If youre feeling serious pain in the centre of your abdomen, see a doctor because pancreatitis and other serious causes of pain in your lower abdomen like appendicitis can be very serious and need urgent treatment.

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Whats The Treatment For Pain In Your Lower Left Abdomen

The treatment youll need depends on whats causing the pain in your lower left abdomen. If youre really not sure whats causing your pain, see a doctor.

Sometimes, the pain will go away by itself or if not, you can try treating it at home. For example, if youre having bad period pain, you can take simple painkillers but talk to a pharmacist or doctor for advice on how to get and take painkillers safely. Read more about how to treat period pain.

Constipation can get better with changes to your diet, like including or avoiding certain foods. But some people may need medication like laxatives to help. This will depend on the cause of your constipation, including whether its related to an underlying condition. Read more about natural ways to relieve constipation and the best foods to help constipation.

You can usually manage tummy bugs with self-care, including getting lots of rest and fluids. Read more about how to treat gastroenteritis and food poisoning and how to get rid of a bloated stomach.

Some other infections may get better with self-care too like a UTI, which may sometimes improve if you drink a lot of fluids and take simple painkillers. But if a UTI isnt getting better, the pains really bad or you’ve got a fever too, then its best to see a doctor, as youll probably need antibiotics. Read more about how to treat a UTI and how to prevent a UTI.

What Is Abdominal Point Tenderness

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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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Lower Left And Right Abdominal Pain

Any discomfort or pain that occurs in the abdomen below the naval or the umbilicus is referred to as lower abdominal pain or suprapubic pain. Many different medical conditions can cause this pain in your lower abdomen. Pay attention to it.

Women often have lower abdominal pain because these organs are located there:

  • urine bladder,
  • Braxton hicks contraction- painful contractions that resemble labor
  • Polyhydramnios excessive amniotic fluid in the womb.

Any pain in the abdomen during pregnancy can be temporarily relieved using certain antibiotics that are proven safe for pregnant women.

Causes Of Lower Left Abdominal Pain

Some of the common medical disorders that lead to lower left abdominal pain are:

  • Bowel cancer diagnosed in the left side of bowel.
  • A swollen aorta resulting in ruptured or leaking abdominal aneurysm.
  • Trapped wind.
  • Any type of blockage in the bowel leads to abdominal pain.
  • Constipation, both acute and chronic, leads to lower abdominal pain. A pain felt on the lower left side of abdomen indicates that the bowel is affected more on the left side
  • Transverse colon volvulus or Sigmoid volvulus.
  • Crohns Disease.
  • Diverticulitis is another common cause of pain in the lower left abdomen.
  • Food poisoning could lead to burning lower abdominal pain in 1-48 hrs following a meal involving contaminated food.
  • Hernia A part of the bowel pouching out though an irregular abdominal wall opening can cause a hernia.
  • An irritable bowel is a common cause of irritable bowel syndrome, one of the most common causes of lower left abdominal pain.
  • Endometriosis results from presence of a womb tissue on the external side of womb. It causes left abdominal pain if the left tube or ovary is affected.
  • Lower abdominal pain during pregnancy is usually caused due to ectopic pregnancy.
  • Kidney stones and kidney infections.
  • Other conditions that lead to lower back and abdominal pains include ovarian cyst, psoas abscess, rectus sheath hematoma and in rare cases, Henoch-Schonlein purpura.

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What Is Left Lower Quadrant Pain

Pain in the lower left side of the abdomen is called left lower quadrant pain. It is often related to the digestive tract, but can also be related to conditions of the body wall, skin, blood vessels, urinary tract, or reproductive organs. The area may be tender to the touch or the pain may be severe and the whole abdomen might be rigid.

Severe pain can be a symptom of inflammation of the bowel or bowel obstruction, particularly if is present. Severe pain in women may result from twisting of an ovary , rupture of an ovarian , ectopic pregnancy, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Men may experience severe left lower quadrant pain from testicular torsion or injury. Crampy pain may be due to gas, , inflammation or infection, or it may result from menstrual cramps, endometriosis, or in women.

Severe pain that comes in waves may be caused by kidney stones. Trauma to the body wall, hernias, and can also cause left lower quadrant pain. A hernia is a weakening of muscle or tissue that allows organs or other tissues to protrude through it. Shingles is a reactivation of the virus involving a painful, blistering that usually occurs on only one side of the body.

Pain that is sudden in onset, severe, persistent, recurring, or worsening, or that is accompanied by other serious symptoms is typically the most worrisome.

Trapped Inguinal Or Femoral Hernia

What’s Causing My Lower Abdomen Pain?
  • A left inguinal or femoral hernia happens when a piece of bowel or other tissue from inside the tummy pushes through a weakness in the muscles of the tummy wall near the left groin.
  • It can happen on either side.
  • If whatever has pushed through gets stuck and can’t slide back inside the tummy, it is trapped .
  • If it happens on the left-hand side, there will be a tender swelling in the left groin.
  • It causes pain in the groin and in the tummy, usually on the side of the hernia but it may cause pain over the whole tummy.
  • It is common to be sick .

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Causes Of Abdominal Pain When Pressing

The following conditions tend to present with abdominal point tenderness. It may also be the cause of abdominal pain. The location of the pain as well as accompanying signs and symptoms can help with identifying the possible cause. At times it can be difficult to isolate the problem to one specific quadrant as organs may overlap and pain can radiate to neighboring quadrants.

Some of the possible causes of abdominal pain when pressing on it has been discussed below. However, it should be investigated immediately by a medical professional. Remember that some of the serious and even life threatening conditions may appear with mild to moderate symptoms whereas less serious conditions can present with severe symptoms. Medical attention is therefore necessary.

Organs In The Left Side Abdomen

Organs in the Upper Left Side Abdomen

The organs found in the upper left side abdomen include the spleen, a portion of the bowel or large intestines, part of the pancreas, a portion of the stomach and the left kidney as well as the skin, muscles and left lower ribs that cover these organs. The heart can be found just above this location. You are also able to find a portion of the left edge of the liver, the top portion of the left ureter, the top of the left lung’s behind and the left side’s adrenal gland. The aorta can also be found on this side in cases when it is distended.

Organs in the Lower Left Side Abdomen

Several of the organs found in the lower left side abdomen are continuations of those found in the upper region although others are completely different. Here you can find the lower edge of the kidney on the left side, the left ureter, a portion of the large bowel, the sigmoid colon, and a portion from the urinary bladder, large blood vessels and nerves and in women, the left tube and ovary. This is of course all covered by muscles and skin, like in the upper left side abdomen.

It is important to note that just because a structure is not found within the abdomen does not mean that it cannot cause pain in this area.

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Lower Right Abdominal Pain

An acute or chronic pain in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen is defined as lower right abdominal pain. This pain often spreads to the left or backwards not necessarily being confined to the lower right abdomen. The various organs or structures found in the lower right abdomen are:

  • Appendix
  • Ascending colon
  • Right kidneys lower part
  • Right ovary and fallopian tube
  • Right part of womb
  • twisted ovarian cyst and
  • torsion of testis.

Lower Abdominal Pain In Teenage Girls

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A few causes of abdominal pain are specific to teenage girls .

  • Dysmenorrhea : This condition is associated with painful cramps during menstruation and is the most common problem in girls among all age groups. Characteristic symptoms may include pain in the lower abdomen, pelvic pain, pain that radiates to the lower back and thighs, nausea, vomiting, and headache. This pain usually lasts for eight to 72 hours and occurs with the start of the menstrual flow .
  • Mittelschmerz : This pain occurs in the lower abdomen around mid-menstrual cycle and is associated with an increase in luteinizing hormone levels. It is usually felt in the lower right part of the abdomen and the intensity may vary from mild to severe .
  • Endometriosis: The symptoms of endometriosis often start during adolescence. The condition is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. It can present symptoms such as back pain, flank pain, nausea, headache, fatigue, and urine urgency .
  • Ovarian torsion: This condition occurs mostly due to ovarian tumors or cysts and can cause acute abdominal pain. The pain usually occurs on one side and right-sided pain is more common than left-sided pain. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fever, and presence of palpable mass .
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