Abdominal pain is usually caused due to the existence of certain health conditions. There are quite a few vital organs that are located around the abdomen. A health problem that affects any of these organs can lead to pain in the abdomen. This pain can be mild, intense, chronic or acute. All these factors depend on the case of the pain. Pain in the lower side of the abdomen is more common in females due to the presence of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the womb. Indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are two of the most common causes of lower left abdomen pain. Other problems that can cause this kind of pain are discussed below.
Constipation
Constipation can be defined as the inability to pass stool on a consistent basis. The most common causes of constipation include lack of fiber in the diet, dehydration, and stress. Abdominal discomfort, pain, and cramps are primary symptoms of constipation.
To treat constipation, you should drink more water and increase the consumption of fiber-rich foods. Serious cases of bowel obstruction might even require surgery.
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is a health condition that causes inflammation of the intestines. This chronic condition cannot be diagnosed easily. Crohn’s disease causes chronic pain on the lower left side of the abdomen.
Although there is no way to permanently cure Crohn’s disease, medications like antibiotics and inflammatory drugs; dietary and lifestyle changes, and surgery can help to ease the symptoms of this disease.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a problem that affects the large intestine. Pain and tenderness in the lower part of the abdomen are common symptoms of diverticulitis. This health condition commonly affects people who are above the age of 60.
The minor cases of diverticulitis can be cured with the help of medications, healthy diet and antibiotics. However, serious cases involving bowel obstruction might require hospitalization and surgery.
Kidney Stones
High level of uric acid or calcium in the body leads to the formation of kidney stones. Dehydration is also among the leading causes of this common and painful condition. Kidney stones cause pain in the lower left or lower right of the abdomen, depending on where the stone is located. In addition to abdominal pain, kidney stones cause symptoms like groin pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Kidney stones that are smaller in size often pass by themselves if you drink lots of fluids. However, in case of larger stones, surgery is usually advised.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is almost identical to Crohn’s disease. This condition causes inflammation, sores, and ulcers in the inner lining of the rectum and the colon. Ulcerative colitis belongs to the category of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Abdominal pain and cramping, rectal bleeding, and weight loss are common symptoms of this health problem.
Being a chronic disorder, the symptoms of ulcerative colitis appear slowly. Treating this condition involves using antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, painkiller, etc. Serious problems are treated through surgery.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Lower left abdominal pain during pregnancy can be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. It can also be a result of ligament pain due to enlarged cysts, uterus, luteal, etc.
Mild cases of ectopic pregnancy can be treated with the help of medications like Methotrexate, whereas serious problems require surgery.
Besides the common causes mentioned above, lower left abdominal pain can be a result of problems like bladder infection, gastroenteritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, bowel cancer, food poisoning, ovarian cysts, menstrual cramps, urinary tract infection, etc. Having an X-ray is the best way of diagnosing the underlying cause of your abdominal pain.