{"id":3426,"date":"2019-01-30T05:03:57","date_gmt":"2019-01-30T05:03:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=3426"},"modified":"2021-05-24T19:36:58","modified_gmt":"2021-05-24T19:36:58","slug":"12-reasons-you-feel-pain-in-lower-left-abdomen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/12-reasons-you-feel-pain-in-lower-left-abdomen\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Reasons you Feel Pain in Lower Left Abdomen"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The last portion of your colon calls the left side of your lower abdomen home. In the case of some women, it is also home to the left ovary. When the pain is the area is minor, you most likely have nothing to worry about. It will most likely clear up within the next one or two days even if it doesn\u2019t receive medical attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, if the pain you\u2019re experiencing in that area is caused by an injury or accident, it\u2019s imperative that you call your local emergency service immediately to avoid any serious complication. You should also call 911 if the pain in your lower left abdomen is accompanied by pain or pressure in the chest area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to learn more about what causes pain in your lower left abdomen and when you need to call your doctor, read on. We\u2019re going to guide you on everything you need to know about this region of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Diverticulitis
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Diverticulitis <\/a>is a colon disease and is often the cause of the pain that you\u2019re experiencing in the lower left side of your abdomen. The term diverticula is used to refer to the small pouches that are created on your colon due to the pressure exerted on its weak points. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diverticula are common in most colons and become even more prominent when you get past the age of 40. Whenever pouch tears, infection, and swelling could cause diverticulitis. Constipation and diarrhea could also be signs of diverticulitis, though they may also be symptoms of other issues such as irritable bowel syndrome or urinary tract infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the diverticulitis is mild, most people will make a full recovery after switching to a healthier diet, getting enough rest, and undergoing a round of antibiotics. That said, if the diverticulitis is severe or recurring in nature, some might need to undergo surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Indigestion
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Indigestion <\/a>occurs most often after you eat. Whenever you eat something, the stomach produces acid to digest the food so that it can later be released as waste. The acid that is produced can irritate the bowel, stomach, and esophagus leading to the symptoms associated with indigestion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pain that you\u2019ll feel due to indigestion is most often experienced in the upper regions of the abdomen but it could also extend to the lower abdomen in some cases. Most cases of indigestion are rather mild. Most people have experienced the burning, pain, and discomfort that comes with it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you feel the pain in your lower left abdomen shortly after eating a large meal, it might be due to indigestion and excessive acid production in your stomach. If the pain lingers longer than you\u2019d like, feel free to head to your physician and get checked out. Your doctor will be able to tell you if it\u2019s simply a case of indigestion or something more severe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. Hernias
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Hernias <\/a>come as the result of any body part, often internal organs, pushing through the tissue or muscle that surrounds it. A bulge or lump might appear with some hernias in the groin or abdomen. There are various symptoms that hernias can cause, and the symptoms you may experience will vary depending on the type of hernia that you are faced with. For instance, hiatal hernias won\u2019t produce a bulge at all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different types of hernias will be caused by different things, and as such, it\u2019s hard to make generalizations. There are some varieties of hernias that could cause significant problems for your overall health. If you suspect that you have a hernia anywhere on your body, you should head on over to your doctor and get their professional opinion on how to treat it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some hernias might require surgery to treat, but not all types require surgical removal. If you notice a possible hernia, head to your doctor and hope for the best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Kidney stones
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Kidney stones<\/a> could reside in your body for weeks and sometimes months before causing any problems for you. It will only start causing problems once it moves into your ureter or within your kidney. The ureter is the tube that connects the bladder and the kidney. Once it has moved into these areas, the kidney stones could cause severe pain in the back below the ribs as well as on your side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pain you experience could come in waves and worsen or improve from one second to the next. This is due to the fact that the stones are actively moving through your urinary tract. There are many things that could lead to the formation of kidney stones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also have an increased risk of developing kidney stones if a relative or parent has had one in the past. If you have symptoms that align with kidney stones, you should see a doctor get a formal diagnosis and go through all the treatment options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pain you experience could come in waves and worsen or improve from one second to the next. This is due to the fact that the stones are actively moving through your urinary tract. There are many things that could lead to the formation of kidney stones. You\u2019ll also have an increased risk of developing kidney stones if a relative or parent has had one in the past. If you have symptoms that align with kidney stones, you should see a doctor get a formal diagnosis and go through all the treatment options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Shingles
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Have you ever had the chickenpox<\/a>? We\u2019re sure it wasn\u2019t very fun for you. We\u2019ve got some bad news. Varicella-zoster, the virus that causes chickenpox, isn\u2019t gone, it\u2019s just sleeping. It has laid dormant in your body ever since you first got the chickenpox. It\u2019s waiting to show up later on in your life in the form of shingles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you age, your risk increases. You\u2019ll usually get shingles when you pass the age of 50. Shingles can cause painful rashes that look like blisters in the form of a stripe that wraps around a side of your body. The rash might also sometimes manifest in the face or neck. Some people experience pain but don\u2019t develop a rash. Getting vaccinated for shingles can reduce the odds of getting shingles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you happen to develop shingles, go to your doctor right away. Getting your treatment earlier in the developmental stage of the virus can reduce the risk of developing other problems as a consequence of the shingles and also shorten the infection time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Testicular torsion
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Testicular torsion<\/a> describes the rotation of your testicles. This rotation reduced the blood flow to your testicles could cause swelling and severe pain. Doctors aren\u2019t sure what causes testicular torsion, but it can occur in virtually anyone with testicles \u2014 whether they\u2019re males or hermaphrodites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Testicular torsion develops most often in boys between the ages of 12 and 16. Testicular torsion is no laughing matter. If you experience severe or acute pain in your testicles, you should get medical assistance right away. If the pain subsides without treatment, you should still contact your doctor for a checkup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Testicular torsion is not only painful, it can also impair your future and ruin any plans that you might have had for the later stages of your life. Getting your testicles checked out early and perhaps even undergoing surgery could prevent further damage and protect your ability to make a child in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Pelvic inflammatory disease
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PID, short for pelvic inflammatory disease, is an infection that takes place in the reproductive system of women. It\u2019s most commonly caused by STDs \u2014 or sexually transmitted diseases<\/a> \u2014 including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, there are other, non-sexual infections that might lead to PID. Some PIDs will be asymptomatic meaning that no symptoms manifest even if the disease is present. That said, if symptoms do develop, one of them could include pain in the lower left abdomen. The pain that manifests is usually contained to the pelvic area, but can sometimes extend as high as the ribs in more severe cases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to get regular checkups with your doctor, especially if you regularly engage in unprotected sex, to ensure that you can diagnose and asymptomatic cases of PID and treat it as early on as possible. Remember, PID is nothing to be ashamed of, and many cases aren\u2019t caused by STDs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Ectopic pregnancy
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The term ectopic pregnancy<\/a> is used to describe the occurrence of an egg implanting itself after fertilization but prior to reaching the uterus. This happens most often within the fallopian tubes that connect the uterus to the ovary. Some cases of ectopic pregnancy can be asymptomatic whereas others might cause pain, specifically in the lower abdomen area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have any symptoms associated with ectopic pregnancies, you should consider seeing your doctor. The need to visit your doctor is even more pronounced if you recently engaged in intercourse without taking any contraceptive methods such as birth control pills or the use of a condom. Even if your pregnancy test comes up negative, you may still be pregnant, but simply in the early stages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The earlier you get your ectopic pregnancy diagnosed, the better your chances of preventing more serious problems. Remember, ignoring symptoms is the easiest way to end up with serious medical conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Menstrual Cramps <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Women may experience a condition called, \u201cdysmenorrhea,\u201d in the days surrounding their menstrual period. These cramps occur due to the uterus <\/a>shedding its lining. Menstrual cramps can be incredibly painful; in some cases, they debilitate the affected individual completely, forcing them to take time off work to recover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The effect of menstrual cramps is not life-threatening, but the pain symptoms can make you feel like you need medical attention. Doctors recommend women lie down to relieve the pressure on the uterus. Stay hydrated and use medication to treat pain symptoms. You should feel relief in a few hours after medicating, with the painkillers and anti-inflammatories removing any signs of inflammation and pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women who experience more prolonged periods of menstrual cramps, accompanied by discharge may be at risk of developing PID \u2013 a pelvic inflammatory disease. If you usually don\u2019t experience symptoms of dysmenorrhea, it could be a warning sign of a more severe underlying health condition.
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10. Constipation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are numerous reasons why individuals develop this digestive disorder, with the most common causes being a poor diet, dehydration, and lack of exercise. Constipation <\/a>describes a condition where the affected individual can no longer pass stool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of constipation include straining when passing stool, the need to apply pressure to the lower abdomen to pass stool, a blocked feeling in the rectum, as well as a lumpy or hard, (calcified,) stool. The initial onset of constipation rarely causes any pain until the colorectal system begins to back up. As a result, the affected individual may experience pain in the right or left area of the lower abdominal region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individuals that don\u2019t pass stool for three days run the risk of developing constipation. It\u2019s easy to treat the condition using over-the-counter laxatives to mobilize the colorectal system. However, in some severe cases, doctors may need to prescribe medications to eliminate the problem.
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11. Inflammatory Bowel Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ulcerative colitis<\/a> and Crohn\u2019s disease are examples of inflammatory bowel diseases that create inflammation in the digestive tract. The inflammation caused by these diseases can lead to severe symptoms of pain in the lower abdomen. Ulcerative colitis typically occurs in the colon, and Crohn\u2019s disease usually affects the small intestine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical science is at a loss to explain how these conditions occur, but some studies suggest that they may have genetic origins. Symptoms other than the pain associated with inflammatory bowel disease include fever and vomiting, as well as bloody diarrhea, and unexplained weight loss. People who are living with IBD may notice they experience signs of shock when the disease gets out of hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toxic shock attributed to IBD includes symptoms of clammy skin, lightheadedness, shallow breathing and weakness or fatigue. Doctors treat these conditions with medications, and people living with inflammatory bowel disease require quarterly checkups on the health of their digestive system.
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12. Lactose Intolerance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People that struggle to digest dairy products suffer from the effects of a condition known as lactose intolerance<\/a>. People with this digestive disorder experience pain and inflammation in the GI tract when they try to eat milk, cheese, or any dairy product that contains lactose. These individuals don\u2019t produce enough of the enzyme, \u201clactase,\u201d which helps the digestive system break down dairy proteins in the gut. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, the lactose causes severe inflammation of the intestinal wall that causes discomfort, bloating, pain, and gas. This inflammation spreads to other areas of the body, exacerbating symptoms of inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis and gout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who are dealing with the effects of lactose intolerance have to wait for the sensations of bloating and pain to pass. They may gain some benefit from consuming digestive enzymes which help to break down the lactase. If you experience severe pains during bouts of lactose intolerance, it may be a sign of an underlying chronic condition, such as Crohn\u2019s disease. Arrange a consultation with your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
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13. Gas and Bloating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another cause of pain in the lower left abdomen comes from gas and bloating<\/a>. These conditions are entirely normal, and shouldn\u2019t be a cause for concern. However, some individuals may experience stronger pain symptoms than others, depending on their digestive health, diet, and hydration levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most people can deal with the pain symptoms created by gas and bloating. Affected individuals should lie down; this action spreads the surface area of the digestive system, placing less pressure on the intestines and colon, allowing the gas to escape naturally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gas and bloating can occur due to many different reasons including swallowing more air than usual, smoking overeating, poor digestive function, chewing gum, or eating gas-producing foods, such as raw kale in a green smoothie. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, affected individuals may experience a change in biome health in the gut, causing a digestive disorder that increases symptoms of pain associated with gas and bloating.
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14. Celiac Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This chronic condition occurs when an individual develops an allergic response to the gluten proteins found in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains. People with Celiac disease<\/a>, experience extreme pain in the lower half of the digestive tract, after eating foods containing gluten. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other symptoms associated with the Celiac disease include; pressure build-up in the digestive system, as well as gas, bloating, and unexplained weight loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gluten proteins inflame the intestinal wall, expanding the gaps between fibers, leading to a condition known as, \u201cleaky gut. The expansion of the intestinal wall allows toxins to escape the digestive system and find their way into the bloodstream, where they can cause myriad health problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celiac disease is a chronic condition, meaning that there is no known cure for the disease. People who have Celiac disease need to pay special attention to their diet and avoid all forms of gluten. The disease can affect the growth of children, resulting in malnourishment and growth impediments.
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