Left abdominal pain is one of the common symptoms in clinical practice, which can arise from various causes, ranging from simple to serious. In severe cases, this is not just a common discomfort but can also be a warning sign of dangerous diseases such as diverticulitis, appendicitis, kidney stones, or even testicular torsion in men. Unusual symptoms such as severe cramping pain, accompanied by fever, nausea, or digestive disorders, require special attention. Patients should proactively seek examination at reputable medical facilities for early diagnosis and treatment, thereby limiting dangerous complications later on and protecting long-term health.
What Does Left Abdominal Pain Indicate?
Left abdominal pain is a common symptom that can stem from simple causes like constipation or bloating. However, in many cases, it is a warning sign of dangerous gastrointestinal conditions such as diverticulitis or abdominal hernia. Especially in women, if left abdominal pain occurs during menstruation, it may be related to endometriosis or ovarian cysts – gynecological diseases that need early detection and treatment.
The pain can range from mild to severe, sometimes an acute stabbing pain that prevents normal daily activities. Some common accompanying symptoms include bloating, abdominal heaviness, continuous burping, and even nausea and shortness of breath. In severe cases, if the patient experiences tingling in the arm and chest pain spreading to the stomach, there is a high risk that these are signs of heart conditions – immediate medical examination is required.
Important Locations of Lower Left Abdominal Pain to Note
The location of lower left abdominal pain is often closely related to organs of the circulatory and excretory systems. Understanding each pain location helps in early detection of warning signs and reduces mortality risk.
Pain in the upper left side: If you feel pain in the upper left side, this could be an abnormal manifestation from the spleen, pancreas, stomach, lungs, or colon. In some cases, this symptom is also an early warning sign of a heart attack risk, requiring timely medical intervention to avoid serious complications.
Pain in the left side below the navel: When pain occurs in the left side below the navel, the cause may stem from disorders of the stomach, uterus in women, or urinary tract infections. Early consultation with a specialist will help in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Pain in the lower left abdomen and left lower abdominal area: Pain concentrated in the lower left abdomen or the left lower abdominal area is often related to digestive organs such as the colon or appendix. This area is prone to inflammation or obstruction, so special attention is needed if the pain persists or is accompanied by fever.
Pain in the lower left side of the abdomen and lower left back: Pain in the lower left side of the abdomen spreading to the lower left back often reflects problems with the left kidney, such as kidney inflammation or kidney stones. If these conditions are not treated early, they can lead to severe kidney function impairment.
Causes of Left Abdominal Pain
Left abdominal pain is not always a benign sign. There are many causes of left abdominal pain, from mild digestive issues to serious conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, gallstones, urinary disorders, kidney disease, or gynecological conditions in women. Below are common causes to be aware of:
Diverticulitis
When diverticula become inflamed, the surrounding tissues can swell, causing pain and swelling in the left abdominal area. This condition is common in people over 40 with symptoms including:
- Fever
- Nausea, bloating
- Stomach cramps, pain during bowel movements
- Changes in bowel habits, loss of appetite
Treatment for diverticulitis primarily involves rest, antibiotics, or surgery in severe cases.
Appendicitis
Although often painful on the right side, if the pain occurs about 5cm to the left of the navel, it could be an early warning sign of appendicitis. If not treated promptly, the condition can become severe, requiring emergency care, especially if the pain spreads to the right abdomen.
Accompanying symptoms:
- Loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Fever between 37.7 – 38.8 degrees C
Constipation
Constipation is a common cause, related to dehydration, a low-fiber diet, or lack of physical activity. Signs include:
- Hard and dry stools
- Abdominal pain, bloating
- Straining but unable to defecate
- May have slight rectal bleeding
Improve constipation by changing your diet, drinking enough water, and exercising regularly. If it does not improve, proper diagnosis and treatment for constipation are necessary.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones form from solid crystals like calcium deposits or uric acid, accumulating in the kidneys, causing:
- Left abdominal pain, back pain, radiating to the groin
- Frequent urination, urine may contain blood
- Nausea, vomiting, fever from 38.3 degrees C or higher
Gastric Ulcer
Gastric ulcers are often caused by infection or overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They cause pain in the upper left abdomen and symptoms such as:
- Indigestion, vomiting, loss of appetite
- Burning sensation in the abdomen, weight loss
Although gastric ulcers can heal on their own, they are prone to recurrence if not treated properly, leading to complications such as anemia, internal bleeding, or stomach perforation. Prompt treatment for gastric ulcers is essential.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach, intestines, or both, caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and is highly contagious. Common symptoms:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Nausea, fatigue, muscle aches
If you have been exposed to an infected person or symptoms last longer than 48 hours, prompt treatment for gastroenteritis is needed, along with drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease)
Chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease can cause pain in the lower left abdomen due to swelling of the gastrointestinal lining. Common symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease:
- Bloating, bloody diarrhea
- Nausea, loss of appetite
- Lethargy, fatigue, uncontrolled weight loss
- Bloody stools, fever, chills
Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease includes dietary changes, anti-inflammatory medications, and in severe cases, surgery to control inflammation.
Common Causes of Lower Left Abdominal Pain in Women
Lower left abdominal pain is a common occurrence in women, especially during reproductive age. Causes can be related to the menstrual cycle, reproductive system, or digestive disorders. Below are the 3 most common causes, which require attention for timely diagnosis and treatment to avoid dangerous complications later on.
Menstrual Pain
Menstrual pain is a common cause of pain in the left hypochondriac region, usually appearing before or during menstruation. The pain results from uterine contractions, with severity ranging from mild to severe depending on the individual. Some accompanying symptoms may include:
- Lower left abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Bloating sensation
- Nausea, sometimes vomiting
- Digestive disorders such as diarrhea
- Dull headache
In cases of severe menstrual pain that affects daily activities, women should consult a doctor early for advice on effective and safe symptom management.
Endometriosis
One of the causes of severe lower left abdominal pain is endometriosis. This is a condition where uterine lining cells grow outside the uterus, causing inflammation and damage to surrounding tissues. Common manifestations include:
- Lower left back pain, increasing during menstruation
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Constipation, diarrhea, painful urination
- Vaginal dryness, decreased quality of sexual life
Treatment protocols may include hormonal birth control, pain relievers, or surgical removal of endometrial tissue, depending on the extent and location of the lesion.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in the ovaries, causing pain and discomfort in the abdominal area, especially the left abdomen. When cysts rupture or grow large, severe symptoms may appear such as:
- Left abdominal pain, radiating to the pelvic area
- Difficulty urinating, frequent urge to urinate
- Abnormal changes in the menstrual cycle: vaginal bleeding between cycles, prolonged cycles
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain or burning sensation during bowel movements
- Bloating, indigestion
- Pain during sexual intercourse
If ovarian cysts are not diagnosed and treated promptly, they can lead to ovarian torsion or infertility. Treatment methods usually include medication or surgery, depending on the tumor’s development stage.
What Does Lower Left Abdominal Pain Indicate in Men?
Lower left abdominal pain in men sometimes lasts only a few minutes and then disappears, leaving no serious consequences. However, it should not be taken lightly, as it can be a sign of underlying medical conditions in men, seriously affecting health. Below are common conditions associated with this symptom:
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an infection caused by bacteria or other agents, which can occur at any age in men, especially common in middle-aged individuals. Although not a life-threatening condition, if not treated early, it will affect the quality of life and increase the risk of infertility in men.
Common symptoms of prostatitis:
- Fatigue, fever, chills, body aches, severe pain in the lower left abdomen, groin, lower back, between the scrotum and pubic bone.
- Frequent urination, painful urination, urinary retention, ejaculation in urine or with blood.
- Prolonged condition easily causes stress, difficulty with bowel movements, leading to irritation, self-consciousness, frustration.
- Prolonged pain can reduce sexual desire, cause erectile dysfunction, severely affect psychology, and result in undesirable outcomes for couples.
Treating prostatitis involves using antibiotics, combined with anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, NSAIDs for fever, and medications that reduce prostate hormone secretion, which are highly effective in treating inflammation.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder infection, caused by bacterial infection, autoimmune factors, or other reasons. Because the symptoms of interstitial cystitis are not clear, detecting the condition is often difficult.
Symptoms of interstitial cystitis may include:
- Painful urination, hot sensation during urination, frequent urination, urine with pus, blood, and many sediments.
- Bladder contraction pressure and urine retention cause lower left abdominal pain.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria invade the urinary system, or after sexual intercourse with an infected female partner, increasing the risk of UTIs in men.
Symptoms of urinary tract infection:
- Dull pain in the lower left abdomen, painful urination, frequent urge to urinate.
- Lower back pain, nausea, vomiting, chills.
Treating a urinary tract infection requires adherence to the prescribed medication regimen. If the infection persists and is left untreated, it can affect kidney function and lead to severe complications.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are also a common cause of lower left abdominal pain in men. This is a very common disease, with an increasing incidence rate each year, causing many dangerous complications.
Symptoms of kidney stones:
- Dull lower abdominal pain or severe lower abdominal pain.
- Painful urination, frequent urge to urinate, bloody or cloudy urine, high fever, back pain, infrequent urination.
Prompt treatment for kidney stones helps avoid severe complications. Otherwise, kidney damage due to stones can lead to impaired kidney function, even kidney failure, which is life-threatening.
Digestive Disorders
Digestive disorders are quite common due to many influencing factors such as food, bacteria, chemicals, stress, psychology, etc.
Symptoms of digestive disorders:
- Cramping pain in the lower left abdomen, bloating, abdominal distension.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
Colitis – Proctitis
Colitis – proctitis also leads to lower left abdominal pain in men, accompanied by:
- Frequent diarrhea, stools containing mucus.
- Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, body fatigue.
- Rectal bleeding, blood in stools.
This condition originates from factors such as food allergies, food poisoning, contaminated or spoiled food, food containing chemicals, bacterial invasion, unhygienic eating habits, poor personal hygiene, etc.
Prompt treatment for colitis – proctitis is crucial to avoid unpredictable consequences. If fever combined with prolonged diarrhea leads to dehydration and is not compensated in time, the risk of cardiovascular collapse is very high.
Causes of Left Abdominal Pain Around the Navel
Left abdominal pain around the navel can be related to many causes, from simple digestive disorders to serious medical conditions. Let’s explore the common causes below:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder of the large intestine, characterized by spasms causing left abdominal pain around the navel. Although the intestinal lining is not severely damaged, the condition negatively affects the quality of life.
Possible causes include severe infection, recurrent stress, or changes in gut microbiota. Patients may experience:
- Intermittent or chronic diarrhea or constipation.
- Swelling and bloating during bowel movements.
- Increased mucus in stools, increased bloating and gas.
- Symptoms can be managed by lifestyle changes, stress management, or medication. If left untreated, the condition can lead to reduced quality of life, anxiety, and depression.
Colitis
Colitis occurs when the lining of the digestive tract is damaged, often due to a compromised immune system, bacterial infection, or genetics.
Symptoms gradually progress according to the severity of the condition and the location of inflammation, such as:
- Mucosal ulceration causing dull pain in the left abdomen around the navel.
- Cramps, bleeding in stools.
- Dizziness, fatigue, fever.
- Sensation of needing to defecate but nothing comes out.
Treating colitis requires perseverance, and recovery time varies by case.
Indigestion
Gas in the digestive tract occurs naturally during eating and drinking, usually expelled through the rectum or esophagus. However, if gas is trapped, patients may feel bloated, mild pain, or discomfort.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is the result of consuming contaminated food containing pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins.
Symptoms usually start quickly:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Watery or bloody diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain, fever.
If rehydration is not timely, it can lead to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, especially in the elderly, infants, immunocompromised individuals, or those with chronic diseases, requiring intravenous fluids for recovery.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer begins when cells grow out of control, forming tumors that invade and destroy healthy tissue. The main risk factor is gene mutation.
Early warnings include:
- Changes in stool such as diarrhea, constipation, more frequent bowel movements.
- Blood in stool, dark brown or bright red.
- Feeling that the bowels have not emptied completely.
- Dull pain in the left abdominal area.
- Unexplained weight loss, weakness, fatigue.
Early cancer screening from age 50 significantly improves survival rates.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard accumulations of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys, often related to diet, obesity, or medication use.
When a stone gets stuck in the ureter, it blocks urine flow, leading to kidney swelling and ureteral compression, causing:
- Cramping pain on both sides of the abdomen.
- Severe sharp pain on both sides of the flank and lower back.
- Pain radiating to the lower abdomen and groin.
- Burning pain during urination, pink, red, or cloudy brown urine with a foul odor.
- Nausea and vomiting, fever and chills if infected.
What Does Left Abdominal Pain Below the Ribs Indicate?
Left abdominal pain below the ribs often causes concern for patients. The pain can appear in the front or radiate to the back, especially intensifying when coughing or moving. In some cases, the pain is fleeting, but others may endure prolonged, dull pain that directly affects health and quality of life.
Blood Disorders
Some blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia can cause pain in the left abdomen below the ribs. The disease reduces the ability to produce hemoglobin, affects blood circulation, and has a genetic component passed from parents to children.
Lung Conditions
Conditions such as pneumonia, pleurisy can spread to the upper left abdomen, causing pain accompanied by cough, fever, shortness of breath, and increased pain when taking a deep breath.
Spleen Damage
The spleen is located in the left abdomen, above the navel and below the last rib. This organ helps filter blood, strengthen immunity, and store platelets. Diseases such as lymphoma, leukemia, infectious mononucleosis cause an enlarged spleen, leading to progressively severe pain in episodes, accompanied by mild fever, sore throat, and fatigue.
In cases of splenic rupture due to trauma, the patient may experience severe abdominal pain, which is life-threatening and requires emergency care.
Rib Injury
Fractured or bruised lower ribs, near the left abdomen, can cause pain radiating to the abdomen. The pain increases with deep inhalation, with a high risk if the broken bone punctures internal organs, although most can heal on their own in 3–6 weeks.
Kidney Conditions
If suffering from left kidney stones or kidney inflammation, patients may experience pain in the left hypochondriac region, accompanied by back pain, painful urination, and blood in the urine. If not treated early, it can lead to hydronephrosis, kidney failure, and even loss of kidney function.
Intercostal Neuralgia
The pain starts from one point, spreads along the ribs, feeling sharp and throbbing. Although not dangerous, it requires treatment with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications as prescribed by a doctor; symptoms usually subside after 1–2 weeks.
Pancreatic Conditions
Pancreatitis causes left abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, and pain radiating to the back. Accompanying symptoms include: rapid heartbeat, high fever, nausea. This is a dangerous condition that requires early treatment to avoid complications.
Gender-Specific Conditions
- In men: pain due to inguinal hernia, urinary tract infection, cystitis, diverticulitis…
- In women: pain due to ovarian cysts, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy…
Cardiovascular Diseases
Chest and left abdominal pain below the ribs can be a symptom of myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia, or aortic aneurysm. Patients feel crushing pain, shortness of breath, pale skin, chills.
Intestinal Conditions
Some intestinal problems also cause left hypochondriac pain such as:
- Bowel obstruction: causes bloating, nausea, difficulty defecating.
- Chronic constipation: dull pain in the area near the ribs.
- Digestive disorders: pain accompanied by frequent bowel movements.
- Irritable bowel syndrome: pain after eating, accompanied by fatigue.
- Colitis, gastritis: sharp pain, bloating, nausea, weight loss.
Is Left Abdominal Pain A Cause for Concern?
In many cases, left abdominal pain is not dangerous and is merely a symptom of common conditions such as constipation, bloating, or menstrual pain. In these instances, patients can rest, adjust their diet, or use mild pain relievers to alleviate discomfort. However, if the pain persists or is accompanied by serious warning signs, it could indicate a severe issue such as appendicitis, testicular torsion (in men), or endometriosis (in women). These conditions require timely treatment to avoid dangerous complications, which could even be life-threatening if delayed.
Effective Treatments for Left Abdominal Pain
Left abdominal pain can stem from various causes related to the digestive, urinary, or reproductive systems. Therefore, doctors will base their diagnosis on specific symptoms to prescribe individual treatment methods such as home care, medication, or surgical intervention in severe cases. Seeking early medical attention when unusual symptoms appear is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment, thereby limiting health risks.
When to See a Doctor?
Most cases of left abdominal pain due to bloating or constipation usually improve within 2-3 days. However, you should seek medical attention if you experience the following serious signs:
- Sudden onset of severe pain
- High fever, vomiting, or bloody stools
- Jaundice, unexplained weight loss
- Symptoms do not improve after 2 days
These symptoms can signal underlying medical conditions requiring rapid medical intervention.
How to Prevent Left Abdominal Pain
It is not always possible to completely prevent left abdominal pain, but you can minimize the risk through useful measures such as:
- Maintain a balanced diet, eat plenty of fiber to promote healthy digestion
- Drink enough water to enhance urinary tract health
- Avoid overexertion and stress
- Exercise regularly to improve physical condition
- Screen for colorectal cancer, kidney stones, or related conditions as recommended by your doctor
Lower left abdominal pain can originate from organs belonging to the digestive, urinary, or reproductive systems. Some causes of pain can be very serious, such as ectopic pregnancy, ulcerative colitis… Therefore, patients should not be complacent but need to find the cause early to receive proper treatment and ensure health safety.
