Pain in the left side of the stomach: possible causes and what to do

A relatively common type of discomfort with several possible causes, some of them serious.

Health can be affected by a large number of variables that can range from enhancing and favoring our well-being to generating discomfort that indicates the presence of some alteration of greater or lesser severity.

An example of this is the appearance of gastrointestinal pain or discomfort. Although it has mostly been due to some kind of temporary digestive problem, the truth is that sometimes it may be indicating something more serious.

Likewise, sometimes it is also possible that these discomforts or pains do not occur in a specific part and not at a general level, as for example in one side. Why can pain appear on the left side of the stomach? We are going to see some variables that we have to take into account and some possible reasons for its appearance.

Abdominal pain in one side

The pain of stomach is a relatively habitual phenomenon and that generally is usually due to discomfort caused by a bad digestion or the presence of gases.. This does not imply that this type of pain may sometimes be indicating some kind of injury, inflammation or disease of greater relevance and even dangerous, especially when it has unusual characteristics.

When the pain is localized, as when we have pain in the left part of the stomach, it usually implies that the reason for the discomfort is in one of the organs present in the same region or we are facing an irradiation of a different problem. In the event of this type of pain, it may be advisable to take into account some variables.

Variables to take into account

Firstly, and focusing on the pain, we must assess the type of pain we are feeling, whether it is rather stabbing or burning (as if we were being burned). Another factor of great relevance is its exact location and its level of intensity.

It is also advisable to take into account how long it is present, whether it remains continuously, comes and goes or occurs punctually in some situation.. In this sense, the fact that it is present continuously or very frequently may indicate that there is some kind of problem. If there is no improvement after two days, it is recommended to see a doctor.

When this pain appears is also relevant; it is necessary to take into account if it has occurred after an important contusion, when eating or after eating or if it appears suddenly without any previous history.. For example, its sudden onset is unusual and usually makes it advisable to consult a doctor.

Finally, it is necessary to bear in mind that if we are in the presence of some type of some kind of disease, it is usual that the pain is accompanied by other symptoms (although sometimes they are not perceived). (although sometimes they are not perceived by the person). Some symptoms that may appear along with pain in the left side of the stomach and that make us suspect a possible serious ailment are the presence of very high fever, bleeding in vomit or stool, excessive diarrhea, rapid loss of weight and/or energy, pallor or jaundice, inability to defecate or fainting.

Possible causes of pain on the left side of the stomach

There are many possible causes of pain in the left side of the stomach, which can range from mild discomfort due to poor digestion to more serious conditions that generate intense and recurrent pain. Some examples are the following.

1. Accumulation of gas

The presence of an accumulation of gases at gastrointestinal level is one of the most common causes of stomach and abdominal pain, both at a generalized level and on one side in particular (on the left it is common for the accumulation to occur either in the stomach or the colon). It is common for the pain to be occasional and for bloating and frequent flatulence to bloating and frequent flatulence or belching are common.The discomfort decreases after its expulsion.

2. Gastritis

A common cause of pain in the left side of the stomach is gastritis, in which the stomach becomes inflamed and can cause stabbing pain, bleeding, burning, vomiting and gas.. It can be due to multiple causes, among them some diseases. Some gastritis, especially hemorrhagic gastritis, can be fatal.

3. Irritable colon

Another possible cause of pain in the left side of the abdomen is the presence of irritable colon or some alteration in the colon. Specifically the pain will appear on the left side when the alteration affects the descending colonand it is usually stabbing and relieved after the evacuation of feces. Constipation, diarrhea or both are also common.

4. Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is an inflammation of the diverticula, small sac-like structures that line much of the digestive tract but are especially present in the colon.

The pain caused is usually intense, continuous and does not improve over time. It usually appears together with high fevers, dizziness, weight loss and diarrhea or constipation.. It can generate different serious or even life-threatening complications, such as perforations and even peritonitis.

5. Splenomegaly and other spleen problems

Another of the organs located on the left side of the body and whose affectation can cause great pain on that side is the spleen. This organ acts as a reservoir and Blood volume control system, as well as participating in the immune and lymphatic system, and can be injured or affected by various diseases.

One of them is splenomegaly, in which this organ increases its size to a great extent. This enlargement can cause compression against other organs and this causes pain, heaviness, weight loss or fever. Surgical removal may be necessary.

In addition to splenomegaly, alterations such as cysts and tumors may appear, which can also cause pain. Another possible cause may be that the spleen is injured, perforated or ruptured.It can be perforated or ruptured by some trauma, generating an internal hemorrhage of great danger for the life of the subject.

6. Pancreatitis

Although most of the pancreas is located on the right side of the body, its tail goes into the left side of the abdomen. That is why if it becomes inflamed, pain may be felt in the left part of the abdomen and at the level of the stomach that starts or worsens just after eating, often spreading later to other areas of the body and appearing along with fever, vomiting, unexplained weight loss and greasy stools..

Pancreatitis can have life-threatening repercussions, so it is imperative to go to the hospital as soon as possible.

7. Kidney stones and other kidney problems

On the left side of the abdomen we can also find one of the kidneys, which can sometimes generate a type of pain felt on the left side of the stomach or nearby. This occurs especially when there are when there are kidney stones or urinary tract infections..

In addition to the pain, it is usual that difficulties or excesses appear in urination.

8. Stomach or inguinal hernia

Another possible cause of pain in the left side of the stomach is the presence of a hernia, or protrusion of part of the stomach into another area. This is the case of hiatal hernia, in which part of the stomach protrudes through the part of the stomach protrudes through the hollow of the diaphragm into the chest..

In addition to this another hernia whose associated pain can radiate to the stomach area is the presence of a hernia at the inguinal level.

9. Ovarian cysts and menstrual problems

In the case of women, it is also possible for pain to appear on the left side due to the presence of some type of cyst (either a single cyst or in cases of polycystic ovaries) in the corresponding ovary. In these cases, in addition to pain, there may also appear menstrual disturbances, fatigue and dizziness..

In addition to these cysts, it is also relatively common that pain associated with menstrual cramps or other disorders in the reproductive system may appear.