5 Reasons You Have Pain in Your Lower Left Abdomen
If you’re experiencing pain in your lower left abdomen, it could be caused by any number of things. It might be something as simple as gas or constipation, or it could be something more serious like diverticulitis or kidney stones.
To find out what’s causing your pain, it’s best to consult with a doctor. However, in the meantime, here are five potential causes of lower left abdominal pain.
1. Constipation
Constipation is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain. If you’re constipated, it means that you’re having difficulty passing stool.
This can cause pain in the lower left abdomen as well as bloating, gas, and cramping.
To relieve constipation-related pain, it’s important to make sure that you’re drinking plenty of water and eating a high-fiber diet. You can also take over-the-counter laxatives or stool softeners if needed.
Learn More: 9 Foods that Relieve Constipation Quickly
2. Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a condition in which small pouches called diverticula form in the wall of the intestine.
These pouches can become inflamed or infected, leading to persistent pain in the lower left abdomen. Symptoms of diverticulitis include fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
The abdomen pain caused by diverticulitis often gets worse when you are eating or immediately after a meal.
If you think you may have diverticulitis, see your doctor. They will likely prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection and pain relievers to help with the pain.
Diverticulitis can usually be treated successfully with antibiotics and rest. However, in some cases, surgery may be necessary. Surgery is usually only needed if the diverticulitis is severe or if you have repeated episodes.
3. Gas
Pain caused by gas is usually dull and sharp and is often described as a “stabbing” sensation. Gas can cause discomfort in the lower left abdomen as well as bloating, burping, and flatulence.
To relieve gas-related pain, try to avoid foods that are known to cause gas (such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, and onions) and eat slower so that you can chew your food properly and avoid swallowing air.
4. Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
Many women experience cramps in their lower abdomen during their menstrual cycle as a result of uterine contractions. These cramps can range from mild to severe and are often accompanied by other symptoms like bloating, nausea, and fatigue.
To ease menstrual cramps, try taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or using a heating pad on your stomach or lower back. It’s also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough rest.
If the pain is severe, see your doctor. They may prescribe stronger pain medication or birth control pills to help relieve the pain. Birth control pills can also help reduce the amount of bleeding and cramping during menstruation.
5. Kidney stones
Kidney stones are hardened deposits of minerals that form inside your kidneys and can range in size from a grain of sand to a pebble to a golf ball (or even larger).
They’re extremely painful when they move through the urinary tract because they can block the flow of urine and cause infections. Symptoms of kidney stones include pain in the lower back or sides, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine.
But how do Kidney stones cause lower left abdomen pain? When kidney stones pass through the ureters (the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder), they can cause blockages and inflammation. This can lead to pain in the lower abdomen.
If you think you have kidney stones, see your doctor right away. Kidney stones can usually be treated with pain medication, drinking plenty of fluids, and antibiotics. In some cases, surgery may be needed.
Also Read: How to Differentiate Kidney Pain from Back Pain
Final thoughts
If you’re experiencing pain in your lower left abdomen region, it could be caused by any number of things — some harmless and some not so much.
If the pain persists for more than a few days or gets worse over time, it’s always best to consult with a doctor so that they can give you a professional diagnosis. In the meantime, however, these five potential causes should give you some idea of what might be going on.
Learn More: 15 Reasons You Wake Up With Stomach Pain Every Morning
