By Medicover Hospitals / 24 March 2022

Left Side Stomach Pain: Overview and Causes

Left side stomach pain is mostly caused by gas, but sometimes it can also be the result of more serious conditions such as diverticulitis, appendicitis, or stomach ulcers, which need immediate medical attention. There are many other symptoms that would help to differentiate between normal gas pain and something serious where you should seek emergency care.

Indigestion is typically characterized by pain in the lower left abdomen, which is accompanied by symptoms such as belching, bloating, or a hard abdomen. If you have upper or lower left side pain, a high fever, nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain, seek emergency care to rule out any of the serious conditions listed above.

Other causes of left-side stomach pain

If not due to gas, here are some causes of left side stomach pain -

Appendicitis While appendicitis pain is usually felt on the right side of the body, the initial pain often begins near the belly button and can be misinterpreted as coming from the left. If left untreated, an appendicitis infection can lead to serious complications. Keep an eye out for pain moving to the right side of the abdomen, as well as fever, nausea, and vomiting, and seek medical attention right away.
Diverticulosis It is an inflammation of the diverticula pouches in the large intestine and is one of the most common causes of pain on the left side. It leads to abdominal pain, fever, and nausea. It is not a severe condition it can be treated.
Stones in the kidneys Kidney stones, also known as nephrolithiasis, are calcium or uric acid deposits that accumulate in the kidneys. When they pass through the urinary tract, they are excruciatingly painful. Common kidney stone symptoms include left side or back pain, painful urination, fever, nausea, and vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms of kidney stone pain, go to the nearest emergency room.
Constipation Constipation is another cause of abdominal pain on the left side of the body. Constipation is usually caused by a lack of exercise, dehydration, or a low-fiber diet. Most cases of constipation do not necessitate a trip to the emergency room and can be easily alleviated by increasing daily movement and drinking plenty of water.
Ulcers in the stomach Stomach ulcers, also known as gastritis or stomach inflammation, are sores in the stomach lining that are frequently caused by infections or the overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They can cause upper left side pain and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and bloody or black stools or vomit. Stomach ulcers can heal on their own, but they frequently recur if not treated properly.

When to worry about pain on my left side?

If left side pain is due to gas or indigestion, it will go away on its own. However, if you experience pain on the left side of your body in conjunction with any of the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor:

Fever
Vomiting or nausea
Cold skin
Breathing fast
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Muscle deterioration
Vomit or bloody stools
Pain in the abdomen that lasts more than a week

Stomach pain in the left side is very common and it can be treated. If you feel pain in the left side of the stomach frequently, consult your nearest gastroenterologist.

Citations

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003120.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/abdominal-pain/basics/definition/sym-20050728

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/a/abdominal-pain---unexplained.html

https://familydoctor.org/symptom/abdominal-pain-stomach-pain-long-term/

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/what-causes-abdominal-pain

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can gas cause pain in the left abdomen?

Yes, excess gas or constipation causes left-sided abdominal pain.

2. In how many days normal left side stomach pain will go?

Normally, left side stomach pain will go within 2 to 3 days when caused by minor conditions such as excess gas or constipation.

3. How to treat left-side gas pains?

Here are some quick methods for releasing trapped gas, such as burping or passing gas.

Massage the painful area gently.
Yoga asanas
Drink water
Herbs

4. Is left side pain in the stomach serious?

When the left side pain appears frequently along with other symptoms, it might be something serious. However, it can be treated easily by consulting a doctor.