Left side pain

Pain in the left side, that is, in the left segment, can be caused by a disease of the organs located in this area of the abdomen.

The abdomen can be divided into four segments, or quadrants - the left upper quadrant, the left lower segment, the right upper quadrant, and the right lower segment. One of the most common and diagnostically important complaints in diseases of the digestive system is pain in the left side above, below, and pain in the left hypochondrium.

Pain in the left side occurs not only in various diseases of the digestive organs, but also in diseases of other organs of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space ( spleen, kidneys, ureter, bladder, uterine appendages, etc.), diseases of the respiratory and circulatory organs (acute left-sided pneumonia, pleurisy, myocardial infarction), diseases of the abdominal wall (for example, hernias), diseases of the peripheral nervous system ( osteochondrosis of the spine, neurosyphilis ), blood diseases ( porphyria, hemorrhagic vasculitis ), collagenoses (nodular periarteritis), endocrine diseases (diabetes mellitus), poisoning with heavy metals, etc. From this it becomes clear that only a thorough analysis of pain in the left side with the identification of certain of its features will help to avoid an erroneous diagnostic conclusion.

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Causes left side pain

Pain in the left side is most often associated with diseases of the descending colon, sigmoid colon, left kidney, pancreas, and spleen.

Let's take a closer look at the possible sources of this pain.

• the spleen, which is located in absolute proximity to the surface of the body. This organ performs the function of removing erythrocytes that have outlived their "life" (normally 120 days). Having absorbed these aged red blood cells, the spleen destroys them. The decay products of the blood cells enter the bone marrow, where new erythrocytes are formed. When any disease occurs, the capsule of the spleen increases significantly in size, causing its "owner" excruciating pain in the left side. Due to the very close location of the spleen to the surface of the body, this organ has a very high percentage of being ruptured. Various injuries and diseases, for example, infectious mononucleosis, can serve as "provocateurs"of spleen rupture. These factors make the spleen soft and enlarged in size, which causes its rupture. However, there are cases when the spleen ruptured on its own. The main sign of a ruptured organ is blue skin around the navel - these are traces of blood accumulated under the skin. Of course, accompanying signs of this circumstance are sensitivity of the sore spot when pressed and severe pain;
• a sore stomach is another source of pain in the left side. Functional dyspepsia or gastritis is accompanied by pain in the stomach, radiating to the left side. There is a nagging pain, with attacks of nausea and vomiting. Painful sensations can also be a consequence of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer or stomach cancer;
• diaphragmatic hernia. The diaphragm separates the chest and abdominal cavities. The esophagus passes through the opening, leading to the stomach. The weakened muscles that control the size of the opening can no longer perform their intended function, as a result of which the size of the opening begins to increase. As a result, the stomach moves through this passage from the abdominal cavity to the chest. This is called a diaphragmatic hernia. Acidic gastric juice causes pain in the left side and not only there;
• The pancreas can also be the cause of pain in the left side of the abdominal cavity. This gland passes through the entire upper part of the stomach and if it is inflamed, a person feels pain in the middle, left or right side of the abdomen. Pancreatic cancer, various toxins and inflammatory diseases (pancreatitis) can provoke the occurrence of pain in the left side. Painful sensations can be accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and fever. The pain, which is aching and pulling in nature, can radiate to the back. Particular attention to the sharp pain in the left side of the abdominal cavity should be paid by people who are prone to pancreatic disease (gall bladder problems), as well as people who are excessively fond of alcohol and cigarette smoking, suffer from diabetes, take steroids and diuretics (these drugs are often prescribed for oncological and some chronic diseases, arthritis, asthma).

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Forms

According to the mechanism of occurrence of pain in the left side, visceral, peritoneal and reflected pain are distinguished.

Visceral pains in the left side appear with a violation of the motility of the stomach, intestines (spasm or stretching of smooth muscle fibers). These pains are either cramping (for example, with intestinal colic), or, conversely, dull, aching (flatulence) and are often accompanied by irradiation to various parts of the body.

Peritoneal (somatic) pain in the left side occurs with irritation of the parietal peritoneum, for example, with a perforated gastric ulcer. Such pains are usually clearly localized, constant; they are sharp, cutting in nature, intensify with movement and breathing, and are accompanied by tension in the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall.

Reflected pain in the left side is a specific type of irradiation of pain sensations, which can be observed, in particular, with left-sided lower lobe pneumonia, pleurisy, and some other diseases.

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Colic in the left side

Colic in the left side can signal diseases of the spleen, kidneys, stomach, pancreas, intestines. They are often associated with problems in the functioning of the stomach and pancreas.

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Pancreatitis

Inflammatory process in the pancreas – can occur due to overeating, poor nutrition, alcohol consumption, spicy, fatty foods, processed foods. Main symptoms: pain in the epigastrium, colic in the left side, in some cases there are blurred pains throughout the abdomen, vomiting, constipation, flatulence may occur. Treatment is carried out in a hospital, intravenous injections are administered, absolute fasting is prescribed, depending on the form of pancreatitis, surgical intervention may be indicated.

Gastritis

An inflammatory process of the gastric mucosa. The main symptoms of gastritis are: heartburn, nausea, loss of appetite, unpleasant taste in the mouth, pain that occurs after eating. If erosive formations appear in the stomach, the mucous membrane may bleed. Treatment of the disease: drugs to reduce the production of hydrochloric acid and neutralize it - omeprazole, esomeprazole, almagel, phosphalugel, maalox. Patients are prescribed a diet and fractional meals.

Acute appendicitis

This pathology causes pain in the epigastric region or around the navel, colic, a feeling of bloating and distension in the abdomen. Temporary relief may occur when passing gases or emptying the intestines. Then the pain syndrome increases, colic is replaced by acute pain, which intensifies when walking, taking deep breaths, and any physical activity. At the first suspicion of appendicitis, it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance.

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Diaphragmatic hernia

Pain in the left side above can be caused by a hernia of the diaphragm - a wide muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities. Around the opening connecting the esophagus with the stomach, the lumen increases and the upper part of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity, resulting in pain.

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Acute pyelonephritis

Inflammation of the kidneys - accompanied by high temperature, pain in the lower back, general weakness, nausea, and urinary disorders. Treatment is carried out using antibacterial drugs. A special diet is also prescribed, excluding coffee, alcoholic beverages, spicy, fatty, fried and salty foods.

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Flatulence

Colic in the left side can be associated with excessive gas formation. This condition is often accompanied by bloating, a feeling of heaviness and pain. Excessive gas accumulation can occur when eating certain foods, including cabbage, apples, peas, beans, black bread, etc. As a treatment, drugs are used that normalize intestinal peristalsis. The drug Espumisan is highly effective; it is taken orally during or after meals, two teaspoons at a time.

Since colic in the left side can be associated with various organs and diseases, for an accurate diagnosis you may need to consult with specialists such as a traumatologist, surgeon, gastroenterologist, gynecologist, endocrinologist, neurologist.

Diagnostics left side pain

Correct detailing of pain in the left side assumes, first of all, clarification of such an important sign of pain syndrome as localization of pain. In turn, it is possible to correctly localize the patient's pain sensations only if you have a good idea of the topographical areas of the abdomen.

By means of two horizontal lines, one of which connects the lowest points of the 10th ribs, and the other the upper anterior iliac spines, the anterior abdominal wall is divided into three regions or "floors"; upper, middle (mesogastrium) and lower (hypogastrium). Two vertical lines drawn along the outer (lateral) edges of the rectus abdominis muscles (these lines are essentially a continuation of the midclavicular lines) divide each region into three more. In total, this gives 9 topographical regions of the abdomen.

In this case, the upper "floor" will consist of the epigastric region (regio epigastrica), as well as the right and left hypochondriacal regions (regio hypochondriaca dextra et sinistra). The mesogastrium will contain the umbilical region (regio umbilicalis), the right and left lateral sections of the abdomen or flanks (regio abdominalis lateralis dextra et sinistra). Finally, the hypogastrium will consist of the pubic region (regio pubica), the right and left inguinal regions (regio inguinalis dextra et sinistra). The latter regions are sometimes called ilioinguinal or iliac.

Determining the exact location of pain in many cases helps to immediately assume the involvement of one or another organ in the pathological process.

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Treatment left side pain

The occurrence of pain in the left side (lower region) can be the result of all conditions that cause pain in this part of the body (rule out appendicitis). In all cases, it is necessary to immediately contact a medical center for consultation with a doctor, but in no case try to cope with the disease on your own.