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Based on research, it was found that almost 88% of outpatient consults were due to abdominal pain and other gut-associated symptoms [1]. Abdominal pain, however, is a very broad area of clinical manifestation.
Because the abdomen is comprised of numerous organs, a method dividing the abdomen into four quadrants was devised. This is very helpful, most especially in performing physical examination and evaluating symptoms localized in the abdomen.
Using a median sagittal and a transverse plane passing the umbilicus at right angles, the abdomen is divided into the quadrants: right upper, right lower, left upper and left lower. It is only the left quadrants, however, that this article will focus on. [2]
This image shows the abdomen divided into quadrants: right upper, right lower, left upper and left lower.
Source: uclahealth.org
What’s “Left” in the Abdomen
In assessing left abdominal pain, it is of utmost importance that one knows what organs lie within that particular section. Problems in the organs at this side of the abdomen may cause left sided abdominal pain. These particular “left” organs include [3]:
- Aorta
- Spleen
- Stomach
- Body and tail end of pancreas
- Left half of transverse colon and large intestine
- Descending colon
- Sigmoid colon
- Left adrenal gland
- Left kidney
- Left ureter
- Left fallopian tube
- Left part of uterus
- Left ovary/testis
However, in rare cases, pathologies of the abdominal organs on the right side, can also cause referred pain on the left side of the abdomen, and is still worth considering.
An image showing the abdominal quadrants and the different organs lying within.
Source: learnpediatrics.com
Left Sided Abdominal Pain: The Usual Suspects
There are numerous conditions presented as left sided abdominal pain. The more common reasons of which include the following: [4, 5, 6, 7]
1. Gastritis
Usually due to either infection or stress, this presents as stomach pain, vomiting, nausea and bloatedness. It is due to an inflamed gastric lining.
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
With manifestations such as abdominal pain, alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation, and bloatedness, this disorder is characterized by abnormality of the bowel functions.
3. Constipation
Presenting as left sided abdominal pain, this refers either to passage of hard stools or inability to regularly pass the stools. This is usually caused by consumption of a diet low in fiber, dehydration and stress.
4. Diverticulitis
Usual in patients of old age, this presents as left lower abdominal pain. It is brought about by inflammation of the diverticulum, a small pouch found along the intestines.
5. Crohn’s Disease
With left sided abdominal pain as its main symptom, crohn’s disease is an inflammation of the intestine, specifically the ileum. It has a cobblestone appearance upon endoscopy.
6. Ulcerative Colitis
Like Crohn’s Disease, this is another type of inflammatory bowel disease. It is presented with ulcer formation in the intestinal lining, particularly in the rectum and colon. Aside from abdominal pain on the left side, it is also manifested by diarrhea and rectal bleeding.
7. Renal Stones
Attributable to dehydration and high levels of uric acid and calcium, patients with kidney lithiasis can experience left sided abdominal pain. This is usually associated with nausea, vomiting, fever and groin pain.
8. Ovarian Cyst
Pain in the left side of the abdomen among women may pertain to an ovarian pathology. This is usually secondary to a fluid filled cyst present in the ovary.
9. Abdominal Aneurysm
Characterized as a sudden, severe abdominal pain, this may be brought about by a ruptured aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. Aside from the gut pain, the patient may also experience pallor and may sudden lose consciousness.
10. Bowel Obstruction
Left sided abdominal pain may come from bowel obstruction also of the organs on the left side of the abdomen. This may be associated with nausea and abdominal distention. If complete obstruction is considered, one must also note for fecal impaction and inability to release gas (flatus).
11. Colon Cancer
Aside from abdominal pain localized on the left quadrants, there may also be a change in the bowel movement for more than 4 days, blood tinged stools, unexplained weight loss, anorexia, and easy fatiguability.
12. Endometriosis
This left sided abdominal pain is caused by the abnormal presence of uterine tissue at the external part of the womb.
Diagnostics for Left Sided Abdominal Pain
A complete and thorough history and physical examination will help in achieving a correct diagnosis. Examination of the spleen, including its size, should be made to rule out splenomegaly. Pelvic or rectal examination, on the other hand, may also be required to further localize pain on the left upper quadrant.
Blood examinations should include liver and renal function tests, serum calcium, capillary blood glucose test and serum beta hCG. Aside from urine analysis, urine culture and dipstick test is a must. If the patient is a woman and of childbearing age, it is recommended that a pregnancy test be done.
Radiographic tests to be performed are plain abdominal xrays (both upright and supine), a kidney-ureter-bladder film, and chest xrays. Ultrasonograms of the pelvis and abdomen may also be utilized, as well as both MRI and CT scans. To further rule out cardiac pathology, an electrocardiogram should be done. If still clueless despite the said diagnostics, an endoscopy, or even a diagnostic laparoscopy, may be carried out. [4, 5]
Managing Left Sided Abdominal Pain
Pain in the left side of the abdomen, or in any other side of the abdomen for that matter, should not be treated symptomatically, but should be cut in its roots. The cause should be immediately identified and addressed to. Thus, consultation with a physician is invaluable. [4, 5]
References:
1. Bosch, X. et al. Outpatient Quick Diagnosis Units for the Evaluation of Suspected Severe Diseases: An Observational, Descriptive Study. Clinics. 2011; 66(5).
2. http://www.uclahealth.org
3. http://www.abdopain.com
4. http://www.painintheleft.com
5. http://www.livestrong.com
6. http://www.lucille1.over-blog.com
7. http://www.buzzle.com
good day I wonder if you can please help me as I was in the hospital on Saturday for left side pain and the doctor treated me for an Ulcer and I still have this terrible pain please help me thank you
Regards
Annelien
You need to return to hospital immediately and tell them you are in pain.
I have left and middle upper abdominal pain. I have been experiencing bloody stools daily – have had 2 FIT tests and blood work done. Report recommends I be in Colon Cancer screening. My Father died of colon cancer at age 76. I have seen my GP several times – she pressed on my abdomen – says there’s nothing there and tells me to take pantoprazole 40 mg. I had a colonoscopy Oct 2015, a colonography & pelvic U.S. Jan 13/16 – followed by colonoscopy in Vancouver to remove 3 polyps indicated on colonoscopy. I had bowel surgery for a lipoma about 1996 and have suffered ever since. The surgeon who performed the polyp removal said he would never see me again – not in 5 years, not ever. My GP said the Gastro who did the first colonoscopy also said he would not see me again. There is a very tight stricture that they cannot pass and they are fearful of puncture. The bloody stools and constant upper abdominal burning pain is VERY difficult to endure. What do I do – where do I go? I live in a small town but the two specialists I saw are in Victoria (VGH) and Vancouver (St. Paul’s). I would appreciate hearing your comments. Thank you.
Anita Harris
I am sorry you are going through this Anita. I have known someone else in somewhat of the same ordeal. He actually had to go several states away to seek special treatment for his case. Have you tried contacting special clinics around the US? Maybe one of them will take you on. Is the blood dark or bright? Bright always means the issue is closer to the end of the colon, the darker it is the more damage is being done.
I have a pain in the front left side that won’t go away I started vomiting today I have dark urine
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Hello good evening
I am feeling mild pain on lower left quadrant of the abdomen after elevation of limb or sleeping on the right side it will relieve by evacuation of some gas. It also gives mild pain when I touch my left testis and testicular card on near left lower abdominal region. ..kindly advise me about my problems
I have pain in my upper left abdomen. Its been coming and going away. But its starting to bother me. I have ultra colitis. What do i do. What could be going on. Plz help me……
Some terrible discomfort and so much pain in the left lower abdomen, have tried milk antacids but it is persistent it’s not ending please advise
My lower quadrant is painy I wnt to to clinic they asked to use painkillers
N problem is still continuing