Lower left stomach pain experienced during breathing can stem from various sources, including issues within the digestive system, musculoskeletal structures, or other bodily systems. While many causes are benign, some situations may indicate more significant health concerns. Understanding the pain’s characteristics and potential origins can help individuals determine appropriate next steps.
Understanding the Pain
The way lower left stomach pain feels when breathing can offer clues about its cause. This discomfort might manifest as a sharp, stabbing sensation, a dull ache, a cramp, or a feeling of pressure. Its intensity can vary, sometimes worsening with deep breaths, coughing, sneezing, or specific movements of the chest wall or torso. Observing whether the pain is localized or spreads to other regions, such as the back or shoulder, can provide useful information. A change in position or quiet, shallow breathing might sometimes alleviate the discomfort.
Digestive System Causes
Several digestive conditions can cause lower left abdominal pain exacerbated by breathing. One common cause is gas and bloating, especially in the colon. Trapped gas creates pressure on surrounding organs, leading to discomfort that may worsen with movement or deep breaths as the diaphragm pushes on it. Passing gas often provides relief.
Constipation also contributes to lower left abdominal pain due to stool buildup, causing pressure and cramping. This discomfort can become more noticeable with bodily movements, including breathing. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a chronic digestive disorder, frequently presents with abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, which can be aggravated by stress or breathing. IBS pain is often intermittent and relieved after a bowel movement.
Diverticulitis, an inflammation of small pouches in the colon lining, commonly causes lower left abdominal pain. This pain can be sudden and intense or gradually worsen, often accompanied by fever, nausea, or changes in bowel habits like diarrhea or constipation. Diverticulitis pain can also sharpen with breathing or jarring movements.
Musculoskeletal and Other Causes
Beyond the digestive system, musculoskeletal issues can cause lower left stomach pain when breathing. A common cause is muscle strain, such as a pulled abdominal muscle or strain of the intercostal muscles between the ribs. These muscles are essential for breathing, and their injury can cause localized sharp pain that intensifies with deep breaths, coughing, sneezing, or twisting movements. The pain may also be accompanied by stiffness or tenderness in the affected area.
Costochondritis involves inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone, typically affecting the upper ribs on the left side. This condition can cause sharp or aching chest pain that may radiate to the stomach and often worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or any chest wall movement. The affected area is usually tender to the touch.
Conditions affecting the spleen, an organ in the upper left abdomen, can also cause pain that worsens with breathing. An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) can cause pain or fullness in the upper left abdomen, potentially radiating to the left shoulder. A significantly enlarged spleen can press on the stomach, causing discomfort and sometimes hiccups by irritating the diaphragm.
Issues with the left kidney, such as kidney stones or infections, can cause severe pain that radiates to the lower left abdomen and back, and may be affected by movement. An inguinal hernia, where tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles near the groin, can also cause discomfort or pain aggravated by straining, coughing, or lifting.
When to Seek Medical Care
While many instances of lower left stomach pain when breathing are not serious, certain symptoms indicate a need for medical evaluation. Seek immediate medical attention if the pain is sudden and severe, or if accompanied by severe breathing difficulties, sharp chest pain, dizziness, or confusion. Persistent nausea or frequent vomiting with the pain also warrants prompt care.
Other concerning signs include changes in bowel habits, such as black or bloody stools, or persistent diarrhea or constipation. Pain that progressively worsens, does not improve, or is accompanied by unexplained weight loss should also be evaluated. Any abdominal pain after injury or trauma, or with fever, chills, or yellowish skin, signals a need for medical consultation. Always consult a healthcare provider for any persistent or worrying pain.