Common Causes
Lower abdominal pain can be acute or chronic. It can be a symptom of minor or major digestive system conditions such as gas, indigestion, constipation, colitis, diverticular disease, or appendicitis. Gynecologic conditions such as menstrual cramps or pregnancy may also be causes, as can urinary tract infections.
Related Conditions
The most common disorders of the colon are inflammatory bowel diseases such as:
- ulcerative colitis, which causes pain in the sigmoid colon—the final part of the large intestine that leads to the rectum.
- Crohn’s disease, which typically causes pain around the belly button or on the lower right side of the abdomen
- diverticulitis, which causes sigmoid colon pain
What causes sharp lower abdominal pain?
Some of the possible causes of iliac crest pain include:
- iliolumbar ligament inflammation
- muscles used in movement are weak, including hip flexors, abdominal muscles, low back muscles, and other core muscles
- iliotibial band weakness or injury
- piriformis syndrome
- pregnancy and childbirth
- sexual activity
What causes pain in the lower abdomen and rectum?
What causes stabbing pain in the left groin in females?
- Groin strain. Injury or overexertion can cause a stabbing pain in the groin. ...
- Hip condition. A person may experience left sided groin pain due to a health issue affecting the hip. ...
- Kidney stone. ...
- Hernia. ...
- Endometriosis. ...
- During pregnancy. ...
- Diagnosis. ...
- When to see a doctor. ...
- Summary. ...
What causes pain in left iliac region?
What causes pain in the lower left groin area?
When should I worry about upper left abdominal pain?
When to see a doctor. As you can see, the cause of upper left abdominal pain varies significantly and may be from something as minor as heartburn. However, if the pain is new, persistent, and severe, you should visit your doctor.
Should I go to the ER for upper left abdominal pain?
If the abdominal pain is severe and unrelenting, your stomach is tender to the touch, or if the pain extends to your back, you should immediately visit the closest emergency department.
What organ is in your upper left abdomen?
Organs in the left upper quadrant include the stomach, spleen, left portion of the liver, main body of the pancreas, the left portion of the kidney, adrenal glands, splenix flexure of the colon, and bottom part of the colon.
What causes stabbing pain in upper abdomen?
Severe, sharp or stabbing pain in the upper abdomen can be a sign that your pancreas is inflamed (pancreatitis). The pain caused by pancreatitis can start suddenly or come on slowly and last for long periods of time. Other common symptoms include nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite and weight loss.
How do you know when abdominal pain is serious?
You should seek immediate medical attention or go to the ER if you have:Constant or severe abdominal pain.Pain associated with a high fever.Changes in pain intensity or location, such as going from a dull ache to a sharp stab or starting in one area and radiating to another.More items...•
Is pain under left rib cage serious?
Depending on the cause, left rib pain might feel sharp and stabbing, or dull and aching. For many people, pain in this area is due to a benign (not harmful), treatable cause. But if you're having chest pain, it's best to see a doctor or healthcare professional to make sure it's nothing serious.
What are the warning signs of pancreatitis?
SymptomsUpper abdominal pain.Abdominal pain that radiates to your back.Tenderness when touching the abdomen.Fever.Rapid pulse.Nausea.Vomiting.
What does the pain of pancreatitis feel like?
If you have acute pancreatitis, you may experience: Moderate to severe upper abdominal pain that may spread to your back. Pain that comes on suddenly or builds up over a few days. Pain that worsens when eating.
What does spleen pain feel like?
Spleen pain is usually felt as a pain behind your left ribs. It may be tender when you touch the area. This can be a sign of a damaged, ruptured or enlarged spleen.
How can you tell the difference between gastritis and pancreatitis?
0:472:36Difference Between Gastritis And Pancreatitis - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut when it comes to pancreatitis even the pancreatitis presents as severe abdomen pain butMoreBut when it comes to pancreatitis even the pancreatitis presents as severe abdomen pain but pancreatitis happens to be a critical disease pancreatitis is usually seen in alcoholics.
Does gastritis cause stabbing pain?
One person with gastritis may have no noticeable symptoms, while another may have severe symptoms. Typically, people report a sharp, stabbing, or burning pain in the upper-center or upper-left abdomen. The pain often radiates to the back. Other common symptoms include bloating and nausea.
What does upper gastric pain feel like?
Gnawing or burning ache or pain (indigestion) in your upper abdomen that may become either worse or better with eating. Nausea. Vomiting. A feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating.
What causes pain in left side of abdomen under rib cage?
Pain located under the left rib cage is typically associated with infection or inflammation in the stomach or injury to any other organs located on the left side of the body (like the heart, spleen, pancreas, lung or left kidney).
What are the warning signs of pancreatitis?
SymptomsUpper abdominal pain.Abdominal pain that radiates to your back.Tenderness when touching the abdomen.Fever.Rapid pulse.Nausea.Vomiting.
What does the pain of pancreatitis feel like?
If you have acute pancreatitis, you may experience: Moderate to severe upper abdominal pain that may spread to your back. Pain that comes on suddenly or builds up over a few days. Pain that worsens when eating.
What does the hospital do for gastritis?
Depending on the suspected cause of someone's gastritis, doctors will prescribe the necessary medications to reverse the condition. Doctors will also suggest and prescribe acid-reducing medications such as Zantac or Pepcid.
Where is the pain in the upper left abdomen?
The pain and tenderness you may be experiencing can likely be described by the following details: Location: It will likely be beneath the lower edge of the rib cage, on the left side. Sensitive: The pain will be evident on palpation (pressing) of the left upper abdomen.
What is the pain in the left side of the abdomen called?
Left adrenal gland. Upper left sections of the large intestine. Pain in the upper left abdomen is also called pain in the left upper quadrant, pain under the left ribcage, or pain in the left hypochondrium.
What is the name of the test for upper abdominal pain?
If the symptoms began suddenly, laboratory tests on blood, breath, and stool may be ordered. Upper endoscopy or abdominal x-ray may be done.
How to treat a stomach ache?
Treatment involves pain management through both medication and surgical procedures. Lifestyle improvements through diet, exercise, and stress management can also be very helpful. Top Symptoms: fatigue, abdominal pain (stomach ache), nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain that comes and goes.
What is the pain of eating on an empty stomach?
Stomach ulcer. A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or the first part of your small intestine (the duodenum), which causes pain following meals or on an empty stomach. Rarity: Uncommon. Top Symptoms: fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, moderate abdominal pain, abdominal cramps (stomach cramps)
How many quadrants are there in the abdomen?
Are you experiencing pain in your upper left abdomen? The abdomen can be separated into four quadrants, making it easier to pinpoint the source of your pain. However, it's quite likely that it will resolve on its own.
Why does my left side hurt?
Cancer. Cancer is considered a rare cause of pain in the upper left abdomen. Localized tumor: A cancerous growth anywhere in the left upper quadrant can cause pain. There may or may not be a lump in the vicinity of the pain.
What causes pain in the upper left side of the abdomen?
Cancer. Tumors in organs located in the upper left abdominal region may also cause pain. Your doctor is the best person to help you determine the cause of your pain and make a diagnosis. This list is in no way exhaustive, and there may be other conditions that cause you pain or otherwise affect the upper left side of your abdomen.
Why does my left upper abdomen hurt?
Pancreatitis patients may feel pain in the left or right upper abdomen, as well as pain radiating to the back. Heavy alcohol use and gallstones are the most common reasons one develops pancreatitis.
Why does my chest feel like it's burning?
Everyone experiences indigestion from time to time. Indigestion mostly happens when your body has trouble digesting food. Most people who experience indigestion also encounter heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest.
Why does my pericardium hurt?
The types of pain can be different, but most patients experience sharp or stabbing pain. Viral infections are a common cause of pericarditis .
How to tell if you have pain in your left side?
Signs of pain in the upper left abdominal area can include: Tenderness near the left portion of your rib cage. Burning feeling in the chest area. Stabbing sensation under the left rib cage. Discomfort when lying down.
What side of the abdomen does it hurt when you eat?
The most common symptoms are feeling full quickly during meals, or discomfort and pain on the upper left side of the abdomen. This pain may also spread to your left shoulder. Although the spleen is a small organ, it has several important functions including immune system defense and storing red blood cells .
Why does my left side hurt?
Pain in the upper left abdomen can be severe. It can be caused by a range of issues, most commonly stomach problems or conditions that affect the internal organs in that area. The upper left side of your abdomen is home to several of your major internal organs. Your spleen and a large portion of your stomach reside in the upper left side ...
8 Causes of Pain in the Upper Left Side of the Abdomen
Most of us will experience abdominal pain, which may be on the upper left side or at another location within the abdomen, at least once in our lives.
1. Pancreatitis
The pancreas is a gland that aids in the secretion of digestive enzymes, which aids in breaking down food particles in the small intestine.
2. Pericarditis
Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, a thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. The pericardium provides the heart with lubrication to prevent tissue friction as it beats.
3. Stomach Ulcer
A stomach ulcer is a painful condition that affects the stomach lining. It occurs when digestive enzymes become too concentrated and begin to digest the protective lining of the stomach or small intestine.
4. Indigestion (dyspepsia)
You can have indigestion when hastily eating a meal becomes a habit, eating spicy food, and consuming alcohol and carbonated beverages.
5. Kidney stones
Kidney stones are small hard deposits of salts in the kidney and can cause pain when passing out through the urinary tract. If not treated, kidney stones can be a reservoir for bacteria and cause a recurrent kidney infection.
6. Heart attack
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Statistics reveal that almost 659,000 people die in the United States each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack is tightness and chest pain. Other symptoms include:
What causes pain in the upper left side of the stomach?
8. Kidney infection. An infection of the left kidney can cause pain in the upper left abdomen.
Why does my left side hurt under my ribs?
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.
What is the inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone?
Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone. A person may feel pain in the chest that worsens during a deep breath or while taking part in physical activity.
What is the umbrella term for conditions that involve chronic inflammation of the GI tract?
2. Inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the umbrella term for conditions that involve chronic inflammation of the GI tract. The most common types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
What causes a spleen to rupture?
In the case of an infection, the person needs to complete a course of antibiotics. Occasionally, an injury to the left side of the body can cause the spleen to rupture, leading to pain in the upper left abdomen, dizziness, and an increased heart rate.
How do you know if you have abdominal pain?
See the doctor right away if any of the following symptoms accompany the abdomen pain: weakness. black, tar-like stools. blood in the stools, urine, or vomit. A person who experiences chest pain and shortness of breath, dizziness, or a fever should seek immediate medical care.
What organs are under the ribs?
On the left side of the body, these organs include the: heart. left lung. spleen. left kidney. pancreas. stomach. Below, we discuss 10 possible causes of upper left abdominal pain under the ribs and explain when a person with this symptom should see a doctor. 1.
What causes pain on the right side of the abdomen?
Hepatitis. Hepatitis is an infection of the liver that can cause pain in the right side of your upper abdomen. There are three types of hepatitis: hepatitis A, a highly contagious infection caused by contaminated food or water, or by contact with an infected person or an infected object.
Why does my upper abdomen hurt?
Typically, upper abdominal pain is caused by something relatively minor, such as a pulled muscle, and will go away on its own in a few days. But there are some other underlying conditions that could lead to discomfort in the area. Visit your doctor if the pain in your upper abdomen persists.
What is the name of the pain in the upper abdomen caused by eating?
Typically, indigestion — known as dyspepsia — is caused by something you ate or drank. But functional dyspepsia is indigestion with no obvious cause. Indigestion can lead to a burning pain in either or both sides of the upper abdomen.
What causes a burning sensation in the left side of the stomach?
A peptic ulcer is an open sore that happens either on the inside of your stomach’s lining ( gastric ulcer) or the upper part of your small intestine ( duodenal ulcer ). They can be caused by a bacterial infection or long-term use of aspirin and certain pain relievers. Peptic ulcers can lead to burning stomach pain, which you’ll feel on the left side of your upper abdomen.
What are the symptoms of a swollen abdomen?
You should seek emergency medical attention if you have any of the following: severe pain or pressure. fever. nausea or vomiting that won’t go away. unexpected weight loss. yellowing of the skin (jaundice) abdominal sweating. severe tenderness when you touch your abdomen. bloody stools.
What is the condition that slows down the movement of the stomach muscles?
Gastroparesis is a condition that slows down or prevents the normal spontaneous movement of your stomach muscles, interfering with digestion. Gastroparesis is often caused by certain medications, such as opioid painkillers, some antidepressants, allergy medications, or drugs for high blood pressure. You may feel pain in the left side of your upper abdomen, where your stomach is located.
How long does it take for a gallstone to hurt?
Pain caused by gallstones may last from several minutes to a few hours.
What does it feel like to have pain on the left side of your abdomen?
Advertisement. Pain in the left side of your abdomen can be felt anywhere between your lower chest and the top of your pelvic area. The pain can be sharp, dull, constant or intermittent. In some cases together with the left sided abdominal pain you will suffer from pressure, bloating or cramps.
Why does my left side hurt?
Most cases of left-sided abdominal pain are short-lived and nothing to worry about. Even sharp pains in your abdomen could be a result of trapped gas, heartburn, or indigestion. Sometimes, dull aching pains that don’t go away could be a sign of a more serious health condition.
What causes sharp pain in the stomach?
Another problem connected to your digestive system that can cause abdominal cramping and sharp pain is a gastric ulcer. Peptic ulcers can affect the stomach (gastric ulcers), duodenum (duodenal ulcer), and esophagus (esophageal ulcer). Ulcers occur when the lining of these organs becomes corroded.
Why does my pelvis hurt?
The reason for the pelvic pain is that blood veins in the pelvis become dilated and twisted, just like varicose veins.
What are the symptoms of kidney pain?
Doctors from the Mayo Clinic say that apart from flank pain and abdominal pain, kidney pain symptoms include: 14. Fever and chills. Constant need to pee. Burning sensation when passing urine.
What causes chest pain in left side?
Heart attack or angina. Although heart attacks or angina can cause pressing heavy discomfort in your left chest, the symptoms can also be similar to heartburn. However, heart attack chest pain usually radiates to your left arm, neck, shoulder, and jaw.
What causes chest pain in the left upper quadrant?
Many lung-related conditions can cause chest pain that feels like left upper quadrant pain. Any kind of condition that affects your left lung will cause mild to sharp left-sided pain in your upper torso.
Why does my left side of my abdomen hurt?
Upper left abdominal pain is accompanied by fever, chills and vomiting. Do not confuse kidney infections with kidney stones as their causes are different and treatments will vary. Pneumonia is another common reason for abdominal pain and is caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus.
What does it mean when your left side hurts?
Pain in the upper left side of your abdomen, often referred to as upper left quadrant pain, is usually indicative of something wrong with the organs and/or tissue structures located on that area of the torso. Part of your bowel, your spleen, the end part of the pancreas, part of the stomach, the left part of your liver, ...
What quadrant of the abdomen is the pain?
Since so much of your abdominal organs and muscles are found in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, there are many conditions and injuries that can cause abdominal pain to be experienced there. Here you will find information on the most common causes found.
How long does abdominal pain last?
Your abdominal pain can be acute and short lived. However, there are many cases in which abdominal pain is chronic, lasting for days, weeks or even months. Hopefully, if you are experiencing chronic abdominal ...
How long does it take for food poisoning to cause abdominal pain?
Food poisoning comes from ingesting contaminated food or drinks and will result in abdominal pain anywhere from 1-48 hours after ingestion. Vomiting, nausea and fever are common symptoms as well.
What causes a spleen to be enlarged?
Pain in your upper left abdominal area can also mean that you are suffering from an enlarged spleen, also known as splenomegaly. Viral, bacterial and other parasitic infections are direct causes of splenomegaly. Leukemia and liver cirrhosis can cause an enlarged spleen as well. Gastroenteritis is another common cause ...
Where is the pain in the upper left quadrant?
There are many organs in your upper left abdominal quadrant that can be affected, causing pain in that area. Treatment for LUQ pain depends on cause. Abdominal pain occurs in the area between your chest and your pelvis, and is something that everyone has experienced. It can be as simple as a little tummy ache to more severe medical conditions ...
