Pain in the lower left abdomen, especially when sitting, can range from minor discomfort to a sign of a serious underlying issue. This area houses organs like parts of the large intestine, the left kidney, and, in females, the left ovary and fallopian tube. Understanding potential causes helps determine when to seek medical attention. This article provides general information on lower left abdominal pain and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Common Causes of Lower Left Abdominal Pain
Pain in the lower left abdomen, particularly when sitting, often stems from digestive issues. Trapped gas is a frequent cause, accumulating in the colon and causing sharp, cramping, or bloating sensations. Sitting can worsen this by hindering gas movement. Gas buildup can result from certain foods, swallowing air, or an upset stomach.
Constipation also commonly causes pain in this region. Slow-moving stool in the large intestine, especially the sigmoid colon, can become hard, causing pressure and aching. Prolonged sitting can intensify this discomfort. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a chronic gastrointestinal disorder, often causes abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits like constipation or diarrhea. IBS pain is often felt in the lower abdomen and may improve after a bowel movement.
Mild diverticulitis, where small colon pouches (diverticula) become inflamed or infected, often causes lower left abdominal pain. Inflammation of these pouches can lead to discomfort and changes in bowel habits. Muscle strains in the abdominal wall, though less directly linked to sitting, can cause localized pain from physical activity or sudden movements. This pain might be more noticeable when abdominal muscles are compressed or stretched during sitting.
More Serious Conditions
Beyond common digestive issues, several serious medical conditions can cause lower left abdominal pain, requiring prompt attention. Severe diverticulitis involves significant inflammation or infection of the diverticula, potentially leading to complications like abscesses, perforation, or colon blockages. The pain is typically intense, persistent, and may include fever, nausea, vomiting, or chills.
Kidney stones, hard mineral deposits, cause severe, sharp pain as they travel from the kidney to the bladder. If on the left side, pain can radiate to the lower left abdomen, often described as colicky and wavy. This discomfort may also include painful or frequent urination, blood in the urine, and nausea.
In females, reproductive organ conditions like ovarian cysts or ectopic pregnancy can cause lower left abdominal pain. An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac on an ovary; a large or ruptured one can cause sudden, sharp pain. An ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube, leads to severe pain, typically on one side, with dizziness or vaginal bleeding. A hernia, where an organ pushes through a weak abdominal wall spot, can cause a bulge and pain that worsens with sitting or straining.
When to Seek Medical Care
Recognizing when lower left abdominal pain requires medical attention is important. Seek immediate care if the pain is sudden, severe, or rapidly worsens. Urgent evaluation is needed if pain is accompanied by:
High fever
Persistent nausea or uncontrollable vomiting
Bloody, black, or tarry stools, or blood in the urine
Dizziness, fainting, or signs of shock (cold, clammy skin, rapid breathing)
Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement, especially with abdominal distension or severe tenderness.
Any lower left abdominal pain in a pregnant individual should also be promptly assessed by a healthcare professional.
What to Expect During Diagnosis and Treatment
When consulting a healthcare professional for lower left abdominal pain, diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Your doctor will ask detailed questions about the pain’s nature, location, severity, duration, and any associated symptoms. A physical exam, including abdominal palpation, will identify tenderness, swelling, or masses.
To pinpoint the cause, several diagnostic tests may be ordered. Blood tests check for infection, inflammation, or anemia. Urine tests detect urinary tract infections or kidney issues. Depending on initial findings, imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans may visualize internal organs and identify abnormalities such as cysts, stones, or inflammation. In some cases, a colonoscopy or endoscopy might be recommended to examine the digestive tract.
Treatment for lower left abdominal pain depends on the underlying cause. For common issues like gas or constipation, lifestyle adjustments such as dietary changes, increased fluid intake, and regular exercise may be recommended. Over-the-counter medications like antacids or laxatives can also provide relief.
If an infection is present, such as in diverticulitis, antibiotics will likely be prescribed. More serious conditions like severe diverticulitis, kidney stones requiring intervention, or hernias may necessitate specific medications or surgical procedures. The goal is to address the root cause to alleviate pain and prevent future occurrences.