Left stomach pain can arise due to various causes, ranging from minor problems to more serious medical conditions. Some common causes include intestinal inflammation, gastric reflux, or even disorders of the female reproductive organs such as ovarian cysts. Apart from that, problems with the spleen or pancreas can also cause pain in this area.

Therefore, it is important to pay attention to other symptoms that accompany left-sided abdominal pain, such as nausea, vomiting, or fever, which could be indicators of a more serious condition. 

Read Also: Myths and Facts About Compressing the Stomach During Menstruation

To find out more about the causes of left side stomach pain, let's look at the article below.

Causes of Left Side Stomach Pain

The cause of continuous pain in the lower left stomach could be an indication of experiencing symptoms of a certain disease. Especially if the pain is accompanied by fever, nausea, or very severe cramps.

The following are several diseases with symptoms of left-sided abdominal pain that you need to watch out for:

1. Endometriosis

The cause of left side abdominal pain in women can also be caused by endometriosis. This condition occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows in other parts of the body. If this tissue grows in the wrong place, you will experience uncomfortable symptoms such as lower back abdominal pain, pain during menstruation, and even fever. 

Read Also: 9 Natural Ways to Relieve Menstrual Pain that You Must Try

In fact, some endometriosis sufferers also experience difficulty getting pregnant. Endometriosis most often attacks women aged between 24 and 40 years. However, this condition also has the potential to attack someone during adolescence. Many people find endometriosis symptoms lessen after menopause. Until now, the cause of endometriosis is still not known with certainty.

2. Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps are a common condition experienced by many women and are often the main cause of left-sided abdominal pain. This pain usually appears as a throbbing sensation that can interfere with daily activities. 

Additionally, other symptoms such as sweating, nausea, dizziness, thigh pain, and even vomiting can accompany menstrual cramps, making them an unpleasant experience.

Although left side abdominal pain due to menstrual cramps generally does not cause serious complications, its impact on quality of life cannot be ignored. Therefore, it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including exercising regularly, managing stress, and avoiding smoking.

Read Also: The Effect of Stress on Menstruation

To deal with painful menstrual cramps, there are several methods you can try, such as:

• Take a warm shower
• Gently massage the painful area with a warm cloth 
• Take pain relievers recommended by your doctor 

Apart from these methods, you can also use essential oils Nona Woman Comforting Release Blend which is specifically designed to help women overcome the cramps that occur during menstruation.

3. Ectopic Pregnancy

Pain in the left lower abdomen can also be an indication of symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus when a fertilized egg grows in an area that does not support its growth. 

This condition most often occurs in the fallopian tubes and rarely occurs in the ovaries, abdominal cavity, or cervix. Continuing pregnancy is not recommended for those of you who experience this condition because basically the fetus can only grow in the womb. Therefore, if it is not treated, the safety of the mother's life could be threatened. In particular, the fallopian tubes in which the fetus grows have the potential to rupture, causing bleeding, infection, or even death.

The initial symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are similar to those of a normal pregnancy, but there are additional symptoms that may occur, such as vaginal bleeding, left-sided abdominal pain, dizziness, shoulder pain, low blood pressure, and fainting. 

If you experience similar symptoms, please immediately see a doctor and get appropriate treatment. Early treatment is very important to prevent further complications. The doctor may perform an ultrasound examination to confirm the location of the pregnancy and determine the safest next steps for your health. 

4. Ovarian Cyst

Ovarian cysts are a health problem that is often overlooked, even though it can affect a woman's quality of life. One symptom that is often complained of is left-sided abdominal pain, which can be a sign that an ovarian cyst has developed or is causing complications. 

For this reason, it is important to remember that not all ovarian cysts cause serious problems. In fact, many of them are functional and can disappear on their own without requiring medical intervention.

However, if you experience left abdominal pain that is prolonged or getting worse, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor. Further examination such as ultrasound can help determine the size and type of cyst present. 

In some cases, a doctor may recommend hormonal treatment to treat symptoms and prevent new cysts from forming. If an ovarian cyst shows signs of malignancy or causes unbearable pain, a surgical procedure may be needed to remove the cyst.

5. Kidney Disease

Left abdominal pain can also occur due to impaired kidney function. For example, kidney infection or the formation of kidney stones. In kidney infections, the symptoms that arise include lower left abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting, and pain in the groin. 

These symptoms indicate that the kidneys are not functioning properly and require immediate medical attention. If left untreated, the infection can spread and cause serious complications.

Meanwhile, if the cause is kidney stones, there are common symptoms. Starting from lower left abdominal pain, constant urge to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, and bloody urine. Kidney stones can form due to various factors, including dehydration, unhealthy diet, and family history.

6. Hernia

A hernia or prolapse is a health condition that occurs when fat, tissue, or part of a body organ pushes through a fat spot or hole in the abdominal muscle or connective tissue. 

When someone has it, they may see or feel a lump. Depending on the type of hernia and how severe the symptoms are, the condition can be mild and cause little discomfort or can even be life-threatening.

If a hernia occurs in the left side of the abdominal muscles, the sufferer may experience pain on the left side of the stomach which is quite annoying. These symptoms are usually more pronounced when the patient does physical activity such as bending, laughing, coughing, or lifting heavy weights. In some cases, hernias can cause serious complications, such as intestinal blockage or strangulation, which require immediate medical attention.

7. Pancreatitis 

Pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas is inflammation of the pancreas that occurs suddenly, and can become a serious condition if not treated properly. The pancreas, which is located on the left side of the stomach, has an important role in the digestive process by producing the enzymes needed to digest food. 

When inflammation of the pancreas occurs, patients often experience sharp left-sided abdominal pain, which can radiate to the back. This pain usually gets worse when lying down or after consuming food and drink.

There are also several conditions where other symptoms that often accompany inflammation of the pancreas include fever, a stomach that feels painful when touched, and digestive disorders such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. For this reason, immediately seek medical treatment if you experience these symptoms, because prompt treatment can prevent more serious complications. 

8. Inflammation of the Colon

Inflammation of the colon, also known as colitis, is a medical condition that can cause various symptoms, including left-sided abdominal pain. Apart from pain, sufferers may experience diarrhea which is often accompanied by blood or mucus, as well as significant weight loss due to impaired nutrient absorption. 

In addition, in some conditions, sufferers complain of a feeling of fatigue that often appears, because the body is fighting against the inflammation that occurs.

Left side abdominal pain often feels more intense before a bowel movement, and may subside afterwards, providing some relief for the sufferer.

9. GERD (Gastric Reflux) 

GERD can also be the reason why left side stomach pain occurs. GERD is a digestive disorder caused by an increase in stomach acid. 

This condition can be triggered by several factors, starting from irregular eating patterns, obesity, or consuming spicy food. GERD symptoms are often accompanied by pain in the chest area and a burning sensation, which can affect the sufferer's quality of life. 

Read Also: Characteristics of Dangerous Menstrual Pain

How to Overcome Left Side Stomach Pain

Left side abdominal pain can be a very annoying problem, and it is important to understand that treatment must be tailored to the underlying cause. 

Here are some steps you can take to reduce the pain symptoms you experience:

1. Get enough rest

Rest is the main key to recovery. When you experience stomach ache, it is highly recommended to reduce strenuous activities and give the body time to recover. Getting enough rest also helps the body repair itself and reduces tension in the muscles around the stomach.

2. Maintain your diet 

A healthy diet plays a very important role in overcoming stomach aches. Consuming foods that are low in fat and rich in fiber, such as vegetables, fruit and whole grains, can help improve digestive function. Additionally, it is important to avoid spicy or fatty foods that can worsen the condition.

3. Exercise regularly

Exercising regularly is not only beneficial for physical health, but can also help reduce stomach pain. Physical activities such as walking or yoga can help improve blood circulation and relax the abdominal muscles, thereby reducing pain.

4. Find a comfortable sleeping position

A good sleeping position can help relieve stomach pain. Try to sleep on your right side or with a pillow between your legs to support your back and stomach. This position can help reduce pressure on the painful area.

5. Reduce activities that cause stress

Stress can worsen digestive problems, including left-sided stomach pain. Make time for relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or activities you enjoy to reduce stress levels.

Watch the complete explanation about "Stomach Pain - Differentiating Stomach Pain Based on Location and Type!” in the following video.

Consult a doctor if your left stomach pain does not go away or is accompanied by severe pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, your stomach is swollen and painful to the touch, or there are blood spots in your stool. It is important not to ignore these symptoms, as proper treatment can prevent serious complications. 

Reference:

https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/ini-5-penyebab-sakit-perut-sebelah-kiri-yang-harus-diketahui

https://ciputrahospital.com/sakit-perut-sebelah-kiri/

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