Why does my left abdomen hurt sometimes?

Why does my left abdomen hurt sometimes?

In many cases, persistent pain specific to the lower left side of the abdomen is caused by diverticulitis. Diverticula are small pouches created from pressure on weak spots in the colon. Diverticula are common, and even more so after age 50. When a pouch tears, swelling and infection can cause diverticulitis.

Is left lower quadrant pain a diagnosis?

The differential diagnosis of left lower-quadrant pain includes gastrointestinal, gynecologic, and renal/ureteric pathology. Imaging is helpful in evaluating left lower-quadrant pain, and is generally guided by the clinical presentation.

What does left lower quadrant pain mean?

What is left lower quadrant pain? Pain in the lower left side of the abdomen is called left lower quadrant pain. It is often related to the digestive tract, but can also be related to conditions of the body wall, skin, blood vessels, urinary tract, or reproductive organs.

What does diverticulitis poop look like?

Rectal passage of red, dark or maroon-colored blood and clots occur without any associated abdominal pain if there is no diverticulitis, but bleeding into the colon also may occur during an episode of diverticulitis. Blood from a diverticulum of the right colon may cause the stool to become black in color.

What organ is in your left lower quadrant?

Left Lower Quadrant Organs found in this quadrant include the sigmoid colon, and the left ovary and Fallopian tube in women. Pain in this quadrant may be symptomatic of colitis, diverticulitis, or kidney stones. Ovarian cysts (in women) or pelvic inflammation may also be at the root of pain in this quadrant.

How do you rule out pancreatitis?

Blood tests to look for elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes. Stool tests in chronic pancreatitis to measure levels of fat that could suggest your digestive system isn’t absorbing nutrients adequately. Computerized tomography (CT) scan to look for gallstones and assess the extent of pancreas inflammation.

Can appendicitis start on left side?

A: In most cases, pain from acute appendicitis is felt on the right. However, some people experience it on the left. This occurs when the inflammation affecting the appendix spreads to the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity.

What is the most common cause of right upper quadrant pain?

Acute cholecystitis is the most common diagnosable cause for right upper quadrant abdominal (RUQ) pain in patients who present to the emergency department (ED). However, over one-third of patients initially thought to have acute cholecystitis actually have RUQ pain attributable to other causes.

When should I worry about left side pain?

Even if it isn’t anything dangerous, it’s still better to be sure.” Importantly, if you notice you’re having severe pain, fever, swelling and tenderness of the abdomen, bloody stools, yellowing of the skin or persistent nausea and vomiting, see a doctor immediately.

What causes constant pain in upper right abdomen?

Gallstones. Gallstones are solid deposits of bile and other digestive fluid that form in your gallbladder, a four-inch, pear-shaped organ that’s located right below your liver. They’re one of the most common causes of pain on the right side of your upper abdomen.

Should I go to the ER for lower left abdominal pain?

If your stomach pain is severe, chronic, or accompanied by additional symptoms, visit your nearest ER as soon as possible to receive a diagnosis and treatment. Some signs and symptoms that may mean your stomach pain is serious enough to go to the ER include: New onset of pain. Chronic abdominal pain.

What does pancreatic pain feel like?

Acute pancreatitis signs and symptoms include: Upper abdominal pain. Abdominal pain that radiates to your back. Abdominal pain that feels worse after eating.

What does an inflamed liver feel like?

Most people feel it as a dull, throbbing sensation in the upper right abdomen. Liver pain can also feel like a stabbing sensation that takes your breath away. Sometimes this pain is accompanied by swelling, and occasionally people feel radiating liver pain in their back or in their right shoulder blade.

When should I go to the ER for upper abdominal pain?

What is diverticulitis pain like?

The most common symptom of diverticulitis is a sharp cramp-like pain, usually on the left side of your lower abdomen. Other symptoms can include fever and chills, nausea, vomiting, and constipation or diarrhea.

What does the pain of pancreatitis feel like?

What color is stool with pancreatitis?

Chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, a blockage in the pancreatic duct, or cystic fibrosis can also turn your stool yellow. These conditions prevent your pancreas from providing enough of the enzymes your intestines need to digest food.

What causes left upper quadrant ( LUQ ) pain?

Below is a list of common medical causes for LUQ pain. Thoracic Causes – Characterized by cardiac and/or respiratory pains. Abdominal Causes – An aortic rupture, spleen malfunction or abnormality, gastric ulcers, kidney disease, colon pain, pancreatic discrepancies, and issues in the diaphragm or peritoneum, like abscesses or peptic ulcers.

How to treat left upper quadrant abdominal pain?

Diagnosis and Treatments for Upper Left Abdominal Pain Physical exams, x-rays or CT scans are the most effective methods to diagnose the cause of your abdominal pain. Blood and urine tests may also be done for diagnosis purposes. Your treatments will depend primarily on the cause for your abdominal pain.

Why do I have pain under my ribcage?

Pain or tenderness in the left side of the upper abdomen under the ribs can result from a broken rib or any of a variety of conditions that affect the nearby organs. People may also experience pain in their chest or back. If upper left abdominal pain is regular or severe, see a doctor to determine the cause.

When to seek medical attention for abdominal pain?

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms including: 1 Sudden, severe pain 2 Fever 3 Bloody stools 4 Nausea and vomiting that persists 5 Weight loss 6 Severe tenderness when you touch your abdomen 7 Swelling of the abdomen

Below is a list of common medical causes for LUQ pain. Thoracic Causes – Characterized by cardiac and/or respiratory pains. Abdominal Causes – An aortic rupture, spleen malfunction or abnormality, gastric ulcers, kidney disease, colon pain, pancreatic discrepancies, and issues in the diaphragm or peritoneum, like abscesses or peptic ulcers.

Can a pregnancy cause pain in the Luq area?

Any of the above conditions can cause pain in the LUQ area, whether you are pregnant or not, so you should always get checked out. However, in pregnancy a common cause of discomfort is the sheer pressure of the womb pressing on other organs, and pressing them into the diaphragm.

What does it mean when you feel pain in one area of your body?

Referred pain is when the pain you feel in one part of your body is actually caused by pain or injury in another part of your body. For example, an injured pancreas could be causing pain in your back, or a heart attack could be triggering pain in your jaw. Referred pain can be a symptom of serious things happening in your body.

Diagnosis and Treatments for Upper Left Abdominal Pain Physical exams, x-rays or CT scans are the most effective methods to diagnose the cause of your abdominal pain. Blood and urine tests may also be done for diagnosis purposes. Your treatments will depend primarily on the cause for your abdominal pain.