Young adults and women have higher risk for experiencing pain on the left side of the abdomen. The cause varies depending on the exact location of pain since the left abdomen can be divided into the upper and lower quadrants.

If the left abdominal pain is experienced on the upper quadrant, then it is most probably due to conditions related to the organs that can be found on the left upper quadrant. These include constipation, pancreatitis, gastritis, hiatal hernia, stomach ulcers, kidney problems, injury of the abdominal muscles, infection of the spleen, and even polyps and tumors.

Upper left abdominal pain also indicates possible thoracic problems, such as pleuritis, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism. On the other hand, pain felt on the lower left area of the abdomen may be due to gynecological disorders, ascites, peritonitis, and other conditions related to the organs situated at the left lower quadrant. Although pain in appendicitis is usually felt on the right side of abdomen, it can radiate to the left side.

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Posted in: Medicine | Tags: left abdominal pain