Talk about left side stomach hurt. Maybe you’ve felt “the left side of my stomach hurts.” If so, it means you are not alone. But remember, don’t take this for granted. Check out the following explanation!
The upper left abdomen is home to the stomach, spleen, pancreas, left liver, left kidney, and adrenal glands. In addition, the lower left abdomen houses the final part of the large intestine and ovary.
Left side stomach hurt is usually not dangerous, primarily if no other disturbing symptoms exist.
Complaints of left abdominal pain likely arise due to indigestion or problems with the organs in the stomach.
It would be best if you also did not ignore the left side stomach hurt that comes with:
- fever,
- persistent nausea and vomiting,
- stomach swelling,
- stomach feels hard,
- bloody stools,
- unexplained weight loss, and
- changes in skin colour to yellowish.
Causes of left abdominal pain
Here are some conditions that can cause the left side stomach hurt.
1. Gas trapped in the intestines
Digestion produces gas. If gas moves too slowly or can’t move, it gets stuck in the intestines.
As a result, you experience annoying left-side stomach hurt symptoms, such as stomach twists, bloating, and excessive farting.
2. Acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is a condition when the pancreas suddenly becomes inflamed.
The pain usually appears in the upper left abdomen (epigastrium) and then radiates to the back. Inflammation can sometimes involve other organs.
3. Gastritis
Excess stomach acid production, infection with H. pylori bacteria, and consumption of NSAID drugs can cause stomach inflammation, aka gastritis.
The main symptoms are left-sided abdominal pain (which may improve after eating), nausea, and a feeling of fullness in the stomach.
4. Angina
Angina is the name for chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
This condition causes pain in the upper left abdomen, a squeezing sensation in the chest, discomfort in the neck and jaw, and stabbing chest pain.
5. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome is called indigestion, with the main symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, and increased frequency of passing gas.
This condition can also cause problems with bowel movements, such as constipation or diarrhoea.
6. Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the large intestine.
Patients usually experience left-side stomach hurt, weight loss, fever, and diarrhoea, which bloody or slimy stools may accompany.
7. Kidney illness
In addition to digestive problems, pain in the right or left side of the abdomen can come from kidney stones.
Symptoms of kidney disorders generally include abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and pain in the groin.
If your kidneys become infected, you may need to urinate frequently.
8. Diverticulitis
One of the most common causes of left-side stomach hurt is diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis is a condition when the small pouches that form in the intestine become inflamed.
In addition, you may also experience fever and bloody stools.
9. Hernia
A hernia is a condition in which the intestine or other soft tissue penetrates the weak abdominal muscle wall.
The bulge can cause the left side stomach hurt, especially when you cough, bend over, or lift heavy objects.
10. Ovarian cyst
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on the surface or inside of the ovary.
Most cysts do not cause symptoms. However, a ruptured cyst can cause left-sided abdominal pain or severe pelvic pain.
11. Ectopic pregnancy
Sudden abdominal pain on the left side stomach can signify an ectopic pregnancy. It is a condition when the embryo grows outside the uterus.
Due to an ectopic pregnancy, the mother experiences pain around the abdomen and back, vaginal bleeding, and breast tenderness.
12. GERD
A person is said to have GERD if he experiences an increase in stomach acid more than twice a week.
The main symptoms are abdominal pain, heat or pain in the pit of the stomach (heartburn), and a feeling of a lump in the throat.
How to deal with left stomach pain
According to the Victoria State Government of Australia, some standard methods can help you relieve left-sided abdominal pain.
- Take a warm bath or use a warm compress that hurts the stomach.
- Reduce the intake of coffee, tea, alcohol, and other beverages that aggravate the pain.
- Stop eating certain foods that may trigger pain.
- Drink lots of water.
- Get enough rest or until the pain subsides.
- Take pain relievers to reduce pain temporarily, such as paracetamol.
- Take ulcer medication to reduce nausea, vomiting, or other complaints that appear with pain.
