What causes left-side abdominal pain?

Left-side abdominal pain is fairly common, but most of the time, it isn’t serious. There are many possible reasons why people might feel pain in the left side of their abdomen. The pain can be caused by something benign, such as gas or constipation. But the pain could also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an infection, hernia, or diverticulitis. Typically, minor pain in the left side of the abdomen is not worrisome and can clear up on its own. But it’s important to know when you need to seek medical help. Here is what you need to know about the causes of left-side abdominal pain. 

Key takeaways:

• Left-side abdominal pain is a common symptom that may be caused by many different conditions. Examples include constipation, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and ectopic pregnancy.
• Typically, left-side abdominal pain does not require immediate medical attention.
• Left-side abdominal pain generally does not require treatment and can resolve on its own or with lifestyle changes, such as a change in diet.
• Treatment of left-side abdominal pain varies by cause. Examples of treatment of left-side abdominal pain include over-the-counter pain relievers, proton pump inhibitors, and surgery.
• Some cases of left-side abdominal pain can be managed with dietary changes.
• Save on prescriptions for left-side abdominal pain with a SingleCare prescription discount card.

What causes left-side abdominal pain?

There are many possible causes of left-side abdominal pain. It can be due to something as simple as indigestion or lactose intolerance, or it can be due to something more serious like a stomach ulcer. Left-side female abdominal pain may be due to period cramps or endometriosis. While left-side abdominal pain in men may be caused by testicular torsion. 

Common causes of left-side abdominal pain

Indigestion

Indigestion typically occurs after you eat. Indigestion may be the cause of upper left-side abdominal pain or discomfort while or after eating.

Gas

Passing gas is normal as food moves through your digestive tract. However, too much gas can cause left-side abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort. Many things, such as dietary choices, digestive problems, or intestinal infections, can cause excess gas. 

Constipation

Another common cause of left-side abdominal pain is constipation. People may have constipation due to dehydration, lack of exercise, or a low-fiber diet. Luckily, constipation is usually temporary and doesn’t require a trip to the doctor. But if you experience constipation with sharp or consistent pain, it’s best to seek medical attention.

Food intolerances like lactose intolerance

If you’ve ever had left-side abdominal pain after eating dairy products, you might be lactose intolerant. This means your body is unable to digest lactose. People with lactose intolerance don’t have enough of an enzyme, called lactase, that breaks down lactose. So, lactose moves from the small to large intestine without being absorbed. This can cause an upset stomach or left-side abdominal pain. 

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, which is a thin tube attached to the large intestine. Typically, appendicitis causes pain in the right side of your abdomen. But initially, the pain starts near the belly button, and people mistake the pain as coming from the lower left abdomen. Appendicitis pain usually worsens as your appendix swells. And, if your appendix ruptures, the pain can be unbearable. If you experience worsening, persistent, or severe stomach pain or pain that moves to the right side of your abdomen, go to the emergency room for medical help.

Diverticulitis

One of the most common causes of left-side abdominal pain is diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is when small pouches in your digestive tract become inflamed. The pain is intense and can come on suddenly. In addition to pain, symptoms of diverticulitis include fever, nausea, and loss of appetite. 

Kidney stones

Kidney stones are small, hard pebbles or crystals that form in the kidneys. Causes of kidney stones typically include high-salt or sugar diets, obesity, and drinking too little water. As the stones pass through the kidneys into the urinary tract, they can cause anywhere from mild to extreme pain. If the pain is unbearable or if there is blood in the urine, seek medical attention.

Stomach ulcers

A stomach ulcer is a sore in the stomach lining. They can cause upper left-side abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, and indigestion. Healthcare professionals will typically recommend medications to heal the ulcer. If a stomach ulcer is left untreated, it can lead to bleeding in your digestive tract, a hole in your stomach that can lead to an infection, or a blockage that prevents food from moving from your stomach into your intestines. 

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, also known as a stomach bug, can be another cause of abdominal pain. This is an infection of the stomach, intestines, or both. The most common symptoms of gastroenteritis include nausea, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. 

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

A key symptom of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is lower abdominal pain on the left side. IBD is the term for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both conditions are characterized by inflammation in the inner lining of the digestive tract. This results in symptoms such as intense pain, fatigue, diarrhea, and bloody stool. 

Abdominal hernia

An abdominal hernia is when part of your organs pushes through the abdominal muscles or tissues surrounding it. Depending on where it occurs, it can cause a bulge in your lower abdomen, groin, or upper thighs when you move to certain positions. Most hernias aren’t serious and don’t cause much pain. But if the hernia gets stuck in a hole and can’t go back in, it can cause intense pain. In general, hernias worsen over time, and most require surgery at some point.

Common causes of left-side abdominal pain in women

Menstrual cramps

Some women feel left-side abdominal pain or cramps during their period. Cramps occur when chemicals called prostaglandins are released by the uterus. This causes the uterine muscle and blood vessels to contract, which causes pain and cramping. 

Endometriosis 

A common cause of left-side abdominal pain is endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that normally grows inside the uterus, grows outside the uterus. It can grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and around the uterus. Endometriosis can cause chronic pain in the abdomen or pelvis. 

Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants before it reaches the uterus. This typically occurs in the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies can start off feeling like a typical pregnancy, but as the pregnancy grows, more serious symptoms can occur. Ectopic pregnancies are also at risk of rupturing (breaking open). A ruptured fallopian tube may cause serious complications, such as internal bleeding. This is considered a medical emergency. If you have severe pain in the abdomen or pelvis, shoulder pain, weakness, dizziness, or fainting, get immediate medical help.

Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid in the ovaries. Most cysts aren’t painful and heal on their own. But if they are large or if they rupture, they can cause symptoms such as sudden, intense abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, or difficulty urinating. 

Common causes of left-side abdominal pain in men

Testicular torsion

Testicular torsion is a condition where the testicle rotates and cuts off the blood supply to the testicles. It can cause intense pain and is considered a serious medical emergency that requires surgery. If you have sudden, severe pain in either of your testicles, get emergency care right away. 

Should I be worried about left-side abdominal pain?

There are many possible causes of left-side abdominal pain, but it can be concerning when the pain is accompanied by other symptoms. Some causes are very common, while others are more rare and require immediate medical attention. Usually, mild or sporadic left-side abdominal pain is caused by gas or indigestion and should resolve on its own. But if you experience sudden, intense pain with or without fever, vomiting, weakness, bloody stool, or shoulder pain, contact your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room. Although rare, these symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease or an ectopic pregnancy. If an ectopic pregnancy is left untreated, it can lead to severe internal bleeding and death. 

How is the cause of left-side abdominal pain diagnosed?

If left-side abdominal pain goes away on its own and doesn’t return, you may not need treatment. But if the pain is more severe or it’s accompanied by other serious symptoms, you may need to see a healthcare professional. They will ask you questions that will help them pinpoint the underlying cause of the pain, such as how intense the pain is, where the pain is located, what type of pain it is, what your diet has been like, what medications you are taking, or if you suspect you might be pregnant. They will likely do a physical examination as well. If they can’t make an accurate diagnosis from this information, they may order tests such as an upper endoscopy, ultrasound of the abdomen, or CT scan.

Is left-side abdominal pain contagious?

Depending on the cause, left-side abdominal pain can be contagious. Left-side abdominal pain caused by gastroenteritis, also known as a stomach bug, may be contagious. Stomach bugs are usually caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasites. Viral gastroenteritis spreads through contaminated surfaces, or if a sick person contaminates your food. Food poisoning can be bacterial (when food is stored improperly and grows bacteria) or parasitic (when food or water is contaminated with a parasite). The best way to avoid gastroenteritis is to practice good hygiene by washing your hands. 

How long does left-side abdominal pain last?

Left-side abdominal pain can last anywhere from a day to several weeks, depending on the cause. Benign causes of left-side abdominal pain, such as indigestion or lactose intolerance, usually resolve on their own after a day or so. Left-side abdominal pain from other causes may last longer, depending on if they require medical treatment. For example, pain caused by menstrual cramps usually starts just before your period begins. Then it resolves after a few days. Pain caused by a stomach ulcer may come and go until you finish a four to eight-week course of treatment with a proton pump inhibitor medication. 

How to stop left-side abdominal pain

Left-side abdominal pain treatments differ depending on the cause. If the cause of your left-side abdominal pain is benign, it will usually resolve on its own over time or with changes to your diet. Some causes, such as constipation and menstrual cramps, may improve with over-the-counter medications like Senna (senna laxative) or Tylenol (acetaminophen). Other causes, such as inflammatory bowel diseases and stomach ulcers, may require a visit to your healthcare provider to determine how to get rid of left-side abdominal pain. If you have questions about how to treat left-side abdominal pain, talk with your doctor. 

Living with left-side abdominal pain

Indigestion and gas can be managed with medications, such as Pepcid (famotidine) or simethicone, and dietary changes. Try eating foods that are high in fiber and water content, and avoid spicy foods. If your left-side abdominal pain is due to lactose intolerance, it’s best to try and avoid dairy products. If that isn’t an option, talk to a healthcare professional about taking Lactaid (lactase). For some people, left-side abdominal pain from menstrual cramps can occur every month along with their period. In those cases, over-the-counter pain medication, such as Advil (ibuprofen), may help. 

Most importantly, see a doctor if you have sudden, persistent, or severe abdominal pain

Left-side abdominal pain causes may include gas, stomach ulcers, diverticulitis, menstrual cramps, ectopic pregnancies, or testicular torsion, and often resolves on its own. However, if left-side abdominal pain continues, worsens, or is accompanied by fever, vomiting, weakness, bloody stool, or shoulder pain, it could be a sign of serious conditions that require medical treatment. Visit your doctor to determine the best treatment for left-side abdominal pain.