Hello,
Causes of left sided
abdominal pain are many and include gastroesophageal problems, like
gastritis (viral or drug induced),
GERD, and peptic ulcers. Other - GIT causes could be due to colitis, (infectious orinflmmatory), pancreas or spleen troubles.
Your symptoms are not typical for such causes however, exclusion is important if symptoms persist with no other apparent cause. GIT problems are usually associated with appetite changes,
nausea, diarrhoea or constipations.
- Non GIT causes include:
Renal colic although the
pain is not typical for renal colic, exclusion is also essential. Stones are the most common causes.
Pleuretic
pain is also possible and is mainly due to viral infection. It usually increases with
cough or inspiration. Auscultation of the chest can show characteristic sound of
pleurisy.
A muscle spasm (more likely) and strain of the ligaments from wrong or heavy lifting, or following a sudden improper movement or wrong posture or viral infection is also possible. Muscle spasm is a body reaction to injury in muscle tissues. It can be felt as stitch
pain, although relieved by rest,
pain in general is more
In these cases, self care and avoiding the precipitating cause will lead to a gradual but clear improvement in the
pain. Home treatment includes the use of
analgesics, cold or hot therapy. Rest for maximum two days is also beneficial. These measures are useful for both muscle spasm and
pleurisy.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome:
The diagnosis although made by exclusion of other causes, however
abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits (
diarrhea or
constipation) lasting at least 12 weeks are the main criteria for the diagnosis of IBS.
I would advise you to follow up with your doctor; he may recommend a urine analysis, stool analysis and US abdomen if needed.
Hope you find this information useful.
Best regards.
This answer does not substitute for direct medical consultation.
Dr. Safaa Mahmoud.
MB BCh, MSc Internal Medicine. MD Medical Oncology.
PhD Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Science.
