Common Causes of Left Side Stomach Pain

For diagnostic purposes, the human abdomen is divided into four quadrants: upper right, lower right, upper left and lower left. When you're dealing with left side stomach pain, the source could be in two separate quadrants, but many diseases and disorders can focus in both left side quadrants. If you are experiencing this type of stomach pain, there are a few possible reasons. Following are some of the most common.

Bowel Obstruction

The large and small intestines wind throughout the abdomen, but left side stomach pain can sometimes be caused by a bowel obstruction on the left side of the intestines. This pain is usually accompanied by vomiting and either loose stools or no stools, and should be taken care of immediately at your local emergency room. Untreated, a bowel obstruction can cause numerous complications, including severe infections that can result in permanent damage.

Diverticulitis

Simply put, diverticulitis is a common disease among elderly patients involving a weak spot in the colon, which causes a pouch to bulge against the lining of that weak area. As the illness progresses, left side stomach pain is a common indicator, and patients may also experience nausea, bloating and constipation. This isn't a life-threatening illness, and is usually treated with a low-fiber diet, but you should visit your doctor for a diagnosis. You may require medication to maintain proper health.

Viral Hepatitis

A far more dangerous disease, left side stomach pain can also be indicative of viral hepatitis, which comes in five distinct forms and can be life-threatening. In most cases, patients will also notice a slight yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, as well as nausea and dark-tinted urine. Hepatitis usually causes a dull ache in the stomach rather than piercing pain, and it does not abate after eating or drinking (which can distinguish it from a bowel obstruction). See a doctor immediately if you suspect you have any form of hepatitis, and avoid physical contact with friends and family.

Kidney Stones

Another source of left side stomach pain can be kidney stones, and the fact that the pain originates in the left side indicates that the stone is passed from the left kidney. You might first experience a sharp pain in the back, which gradually (over a period of hours) moves into the front of the abdomen. If you think you have a kidney stone, you should head to the ER immediately in case it is too large to pass yourself. Infections and obstructions can threaten your life if this condition isn't treated.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

The left side stomach pain associated with pelvic inflammatory disease is usually dull and unabating, and occurs only in women. Some patients experience pain the middle of the abdomen as well as the left side, and is usually accompanied by a fever. This can lead to severe complications, so women who believe they might have this disease should schedule an appointment with their gynecologist immediately.

Ulcerative Colitis

Left side stomach pain can also be associated with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, especially when felt in the lower quadrant of the abdomen. Other symptoms will include loose stools, blood in the stools, weight loss, fatigue and muscle soreness, and it is important that you see your doctor quickly for a diagnosis.