Dull pain in the left side: causes, treatment. Dagger sharp pain. Diseases of the genital organs in women

Pain in the left side can occur for a variety of reasons. The main thing to remember is that the stomach is an anatomical region, and not an independent organ. It includes many separate organs, due to which there are sensations of pain in the left abdominal cavity. It is almost impossible to identify these causes on your own and without examination.

Pain in the left side can take the following character:

• Pain of an acute type;
• cutting;
• Dull;
• Intensive;
• Brief;
• Pulling;
• Aching.

1. Left flank;
2. Ilium;
3. Subcostal bone.

kind of pain

• Visceral. They form when the activity of the intestines and stomach is disturbed due to spasms. Usually the pain takes on dull or aching features. May flow to nearby areas of the body.
• Peritoneal. Pain sensations are constant and located in specific areas. The cutting character prevails. They arise from the perturbation of the peritoneum. The pain becomes stronger from physical actions, breathing.
• Reflected. Pain is the reason for the expansion of pain in other places. Referred pain can cause pneumonia and other pathologies of this type.

Pain in the left side under the ribs

Acute pain sensations

Dull pain

Aching pain

Pain in the left side of the abdomen due to diseases of the stomach

Diseases that cause feelings of pain in the hypochondrium in the left side of the abdomen:

Gastritis. A disease that entails an inflammatory process of the intestinal wall. The causes of the formation of this pathology can be unhealthy diet, stress, alcohol intake or smoking. Symptoms:

• Painful heaviness in the abdomen, aggravated by eating;
• Vomiting and nasty taste in the mouth;
• Heartburn;
• Constipation or diarrhea.

• Pain in the left side of the abdominal cavity after eating;
• Heartburn and belching with;
• After eating, there is a feeling of nausea and vomiting;

• Appetite decreases;
• Active weight loss;
• Aversion to meat;
• After eating in small quantities, there are sensations of a strong oversaturation of the stomach;
• In the later stages, pain, nausea, and bloody stools appear.

Pain in the abdomen under the ribs due to diseases of the spleen

• Impotence;
• Increased perspiration;
• Pain in the throat;

• Sharp pain in the left side of the abdomen under the ribs;
• Blue skin that forms near the navel or completely covers the left side of the abdomen.

For heart disease

• Cardiomyopathy. There is a huge range of diseases associated with the heart muscle. These diseases disrupt the function of the muscle and change its structure. Very often, such pain occurs during physical exertion.
• Ischemia. This disease, during which the blood supply to the heart muscle is disrupted due to damage to the coronary arteries. In addition to pain in the left side of the abdominal cavity, there is heaviness in the abdomen and burning sensations in the chest area.

Pain in the lower left side of the abdomen

• Ectopic pregnancy;
• Adnexitis;
• Damage to the left ovary;
• Many other intestinal diseases.

Intestinal pathology

• False desire for bowel movements;
• Bloating and;
• Diarrhea with blood.

• constipation and gas in the abdomen;
• flatulence;
• Feeling of nausea.

Pain in the lower left side with pathologies associated with gynecology

• High body temperature;
• Malaise;
• Strong perspiration;
• Pain when touching the surface of the abdomen;
• Migraine.

WORTH REMEMBERING! If the pain subsides, then this does not mean recovery, on the contrary, the disease becomes chronic.

• Vomiting in the morning;
• Strong appetite;
• Malaise;
• Painful sensations of the mammary glands.

• Pain. The pain feels like aching or cutting. Emptying and urination pass with severe pain.
• Bleeding. The outpouring of blood occurs in the abdomen, however, bleeding comes from the uterus due to a decrease in progesterone. It can be confused with bleeding during menstruation, but they are not as heavy and last much longer.

Pain in the back of the abdomen

With a heart attack

• Increased secretion of sticky sweat;
• Vomiting and feeling of nausea;
• Poor health associated with pre-fainting;
• Strong shortness of breath.

IMPORTANT! If these symptoms begin, then you need urgent medical attention in order to prevent myocardial infarction from continuing to develop.

For kidney disease

• Syndrome of poisoning (intoxication);
• Feeling unwell (general weakness, dizziness, etc.);
• Chills and fever;
• Feeling of nausea.

• Nausea, vomiting, feeling unwell;
• Blood urination.

Pain during pregnancy

• Pain sensations arose unexpectedly;
• Continues to hurt after 15-20 minutes;
• The strength of the pain grows rapidly;
• Along with pain, pallor, severe weakness, and bleeding from the vagina appear.

If the painful sensations are pulling, but the gestation period is short, then this is due to the uterus, which becomes larger and presses on the organ systems lying nearby.

Causes of left side pain in men

• Decreased libido;
• Cutting in the groin.

• Inflammation in the bladder;
• Stones in the urinary organs;
• Swellings of various kinds;
• Diseases associated with venereology;
• Urethritis.

Why does the left side hurt in women

Inflammatory process of the uterine tubes. Symptoms:

• Menstruation, passing extremely painful;
• Heat;
• Pain in the groin.

Ovarian rupture. Symptoms:

• Pallor;
• Decreased blood pressure;
• Increased heart rate.

Treatment and main causes of pain in the left side

• bowel disease (

Pain in the left side often torments us at the most inopportune moment. Many environmental factors can have a negative impact on our internal organs - this is the environment, and the abuse of improper food. If you are worried about pain in your left side, determine their symptoms in order to understand what can be disturbing.

What organs are located on the left side of a person

In the left side of a person, three areas are distinguished: the left lateral section, the left hypochondrium and the left iliac. In this area, a person has, and often causes pain in the left side, diseases of the stomach, liver, pancreas, small intestine, or large intestine.
Pain that occurs in this area is referred to as pain in the left side.

To establish a diagnosis, it is important to determine the specific localization of pain; for this, the anterior abdominal wall is conditionally divided into nine regions and three floors.
The first - upper, consists of the epigastric, right hypochondrium and left hypochondrium region.
The second - middle, consists of the umbilical region, right and left lateral sections.
The third - lower, consists of the right and left iliac regions and the pubic region.

Pain in the left side - what could it be

They can occur due to pathologies of any of the organs located in this area. Depending on the cause of the pain, it can manifest itself in different ways - be paroxysmal or constant aching, radiate to the back or girdle. In addition, the appearance of pain in the left side can be caused by other current diseases, such as diabetes, diseases of the heart, blood, connective tissue, circulatory system, hernia, respiratory and nervous system pathologies.

Pain in the left side are divided according to the mechanism of their occurrence and characteristics:

1. Visceral pain. These are typical for violations of the motility of the stomach, with sprains of muscle fibers and spasms. The pain may be dull and aching or cramping. May radiate to nearby areas of the body.
2. Peritoneal pain. It is caused by irritation of the peritoneum, it is distinguished by a clear localization and constancy. When moving and breathing, it usually intensifies, becomes cutting.
3. Reflected pain in the side occurs due to irradiation of sensations. It can occur with left-sided pneumonia, pleurisy and other diseases.

On the video about pain under the left rib:

Possible diseases and symptoms

Acute, penetrating pain under the ribs is a reason for an immediate call for an ambulance, as it may indicate a rupture of the spleen or renal pelvis, perforation of the stomach or loops of the small intestine. This may be a sign of serious damage to internal organs.

Dull pain in the left hypochondrium can be caused by a chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract - pancreatitis, gastritis, cholecystitis.
Aching pain indicates the presence of an inflammatory process. Caused by duonitis and colitis. If such pain is accompanied by vomiting, this may indicate a stomach ulcer. Often such pains become symptoms of heart disease - pre-infarction, ischemia, angina pectoris.

If you wondered: what is in the left side of a person due to pain, remember: only a doctor can prescribe an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment. Pay attention to the nature of the pain.
Pain in the left side may indicate:

• Diseases of the stomach. Among them are gastritis and peptic ulcer, perforated ulcer, stomach tumors.
• Pathologies of the spleen - its enlargement, ruptures. Remember: one of the characteristic signs of a rupture is blue skin in the umbilical region and the left side of the abdomen.
• Pathology of the diaphragm - diaphragmatic hernia, which can be provoked by physical activity, obesity and even pregnancy.
• Heart disease - cardiomyopathy, coronary heart disease.
• Diseases of the lungs and pleura - left-sided pneumonia or pleurisy.
• Neuralgia.
• Pathologies of the spine, rheumatic diseases.
• Diseases of the pancreas - tumors.
• Diseases - torsion, obstruction, malignant tumors.
• Gynecological pathologies - inflammation of the appendages

Pain in the abdomen indicates various diseases of the organs. The stomach itself is not an organ, it is an anatomical formation, which doctors divide into departments. So, if the left side hurts, doctors distinguish three departments of pain localization and many diseases and pathologies that occur in this area in men and women.

Types and characteristics of pain in the left side

The abdomen is divided into 9 sections, 3 upper, from right to left called:

• right hypochondrium;
• epigastric region;
• left hypochondrium.

Middle, from right to left called:

• right flank (side);
• umbilical region;
• left flank (side).

Lower, from right to left called:

• right iliac region;
• suprapubic;
• left iliac.

The left side is represented by three departments:

• left hypochondrium from above;
• proper left side in the middle;
• left iliac region.

In these departments there are organs of the gastrointestinal tract, most of which are hollow, as well as pain in these departments may indicate other diseases.

All pathologies, an unpleasant pain syndrome in which is localized on the left, can be divided into:

• diseases of the digestive system:
• stomach;
• pancreas;
• liver;
• small intestine;
• gallbladder;
• large intestine.

Pathologies of the respiratory system:

• diaphragms;
• lungs;
• pleura.

Diseases of the heart, blood system;

• diseases of the renal system;
• pathology of the uterine appendages;
• pathologies, injuries of the spleen;
• abdominal hernia;
• diseases of the PNS (nervous system);
• diseases of the blood, connective tissue;
• pathology of the endocrine system.

Types of pain syndrome of the left side are divided according to the mechanism of their occurrence.

1. Visceral, which is characteristic of a violation of the motor functions of the digestive organs in spastic conditions. The nature of the pain syndrome is cramping, or dull radiating.
2. Peritoneal syndrome is always a symptom of dangerous conditions that require immediate surgical care. Occurs by irritation of the peritoneum with broken biological substrates from the hollow organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Reflected pain characterizes other pathologies that radiate to the left lateral region. For example, lower lobe left-sided pneumonia, pleurisy.

Pain in the left hypochondrium: characteristics, pathology, clinic

The pain syndrome that appears near the left hypochondrium in front is a sign of various pathologies:

• stomach diseases;
• myocardial infarction;
• splenomegaly or rupture of the spleen;
• diaphragmatic hernia;
• heart diseases;
• rheumatic pathologies;
• diseases of the left lung: pleurisy, pneumonia.

Pain syndrome in pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract

Gastritis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach, caused by various negative effects on it. Pain syndrome with gastritis, aching in nature, may be accompanied by manifestations:

• heartburn;
• nausea;
• vomiting.

In addition, gastritis adds local and general symptoms to its picture.

Local manifestations:

• feeling of internal pressure, heaviness near the epigastric region after every lunch or dinner;
• belching, burning in the epigastric region, bad taste in the mouth;
• pelvic dysfunction (constipation, diarrhea).

General symptoms:

• development of weakness, irritable reaction;
• violations of the heart, its system;
• after eating a person wants to sleep, sweats;
• burning on the tongue, in the mouth.

Peptic ulcer of the stomach has a characteristic depending on the duration of its course, features. It starts to hurt after eating, as a rule, if the position of the ulcer falls on the left hypochondrium.

Another clinic of an ulcer is manifested by symptoms:

• heartburn, belching with sour contents;
• weight loss;
• a person can feel sick, vomit after eating.

Perforation of a stomach ulcer is a complication that occurs when a small hole appears in its wall. In this condition, irritation of the peritoneum occurs, peritonitis develops. The main symptom of this process is acute pain, patients say "as if stabbed with a knife, dagger" from the side of the ulcer.

Tumors of the stomach are manifested by the appearance of pain of a constant nature not associated with the use of food, liquids. Cancer in the first clinical stages is not indicated in any way. The onset of abdominal cancer is characterized by:

• loss of appetite;
• sometimes incomprehensible vomiting, nausea;
• the occurrence of a sharp decrease in body weight;
• a person may stop liking meat;
• there is a feeling of rapid satiety with small portions.

Soreness with splenomegaly (spleen swelling), characteristic of infectious mononucleosis. Soreness occurs due to a strong stretching of its capsule.

Rupture of the spleen typically occurs after a traumatic impact on the abdominal cavity. There is a sharp pain after a blow, in the left hypochondrium. A cyanotic tint of the skin of the left half or near the navel appears, this is due to the release of blood from the ruptured spleen, which is a hematopoietic organ, a depot of blood cells.

The pathologies of the diaphragm include a hernia that develops in this place. It occurs if the muscles of the esophagus become weaker, part of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity. There is pain in the left hypochondrium, accompanied by a symptom of heartburn. The provocation for the occurrence of this pathology is:

Complication: pinching of the stomach, up to a violation of its blood supply.

Pain in the left hypochondrium in pathologies of the cardiovascular system

With cardiomyopathies, accompanied by structural changes in the heart muscle and a violation of its function, there is an acute pain in the left side under the ribs during exercise. Characterized by rapid onset of fatigue, increased heart rate.

Ischemic heart disease is characterized by malnutrition by the blood of the heart, the cause of this is the pathology of the coronary arteries. First, the left side will ache, later heaviness with a burning sensation inside the chest joins, shortness of breath and an increase in pulse are characteristic.

Pain syndrome in lung diseases

The occurrence of pain in left-sided pneumonia is characterized by inflammation of the lung tissue of the lower lobes of the lung. The pain syndrome is dull in nature, not very pronounced. Cough causes a strong tingling of the left side. Pneumonia begins with symptoms:

• dry cough;
• pain: headache, muscle;
• weakness, general malaise.

Left-sided pleurisy is caused by inflammation of the lung membrane, characterized by:

• dry form with fibrin deposition;
• exudative form, with accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity.

Pain syndrome in the area of ​​the left side occurs when breathing, sneezing, coughing, bending over, walking.

Other symptoms are characterized by:

• rise in temperature;
• sweating;
• rapid, shallow breathing
• the patient predominantly takes a position on the sore side to reduce pain;
• exudative form is characterized by the appearance of lagging of the diseased part of the chest during breathing;
• the cervical veins swell, and the intercostal spaces protrude.

Pain syndrome in neuralgia

Intercostal neuralgia is caused by a syndrome of compression of the intercostal nerves. There are sharp, strong, aching, dull burning pains in the left side and ribs.

Attacks are accompanied by muscle twitches. Increased with inhalation, coughing, sudden movements, changes in body position. The pain may radiate to the shoulder blade. The place of pathological damage to the nerve pathways is characterized by a feeling of numbness.

Pain in rheumatism

The pain syndrome in rheumatic lesions is due to the pathology of the connective articular tissue. Pain is caused by concomitant pathologies of the spine:

• osteochondrosis;
• radiculitis.

Pain syndrome in pathologies of the pancreas

Pancreatitis is characterized by girdle pain, capturing the right hypochondrium, accompanied by nausea, vomiting.

Pancreatitis is characterized by loss of the normal enzymatic, secretory function of the pancreas. There are problems with the metabolism of glucose, the breakdown of nutrients.

Ignoring the prescriptions of doctors, untimely seeking medical help will lead to the development of pancreatic necrosis, death.

Pain in pancreatic cancer

The occurrence of pathological neoplasms of the pancreas is characterized by a constant pain syndrome localized in the left hypochondrium, sometimes in the center of the abdomen. There is an increase in pain when the person is on his back.

Very often, pain occurs only in the later stages of the tumor process near the pancreas. Because of this, the diagnosis of such cancer presents significant difficulties.

Pain in the left side of the lower abdomen

Pain syndrome, spasms of this part of the abdomen are caused by various diseases, pathologies. Pain varies with:

• intestinal pathologies;
• adnexitis;
• torsion or rupture of a cyst of the left ovary;
• ectopic pregnancy.

Pain syndrome in diseases of the intestine

Most often it occurs with various intestinal infections, which also manifest themselves:

• false urge to defecate;
• bloating;
• diarrhea
• feeling of rumbling in the stomach;
• sometimes there are mucous, blood clots in the feces.

In ulcerative colitis, an ulcerative component is attached to the inflammation of the intestinal wall.

For infections and colitis:

• the temperature rises;
• the general condition suffers;
• due to vomiting and diarrhea, an acid-base imbalance occurs;
• dehydration sets in.

Intestinal obstruction is initially manifested by abdominal pain of a cramping nature, this is due to wave-like contractions of the intestine. Pain has no connection with food. Attacks are repeated every 10-15 minutes. When the pain subsides, this is a bad sign that indicates the cessation of intestinal motility. Other signs of intestinal obstruction are:

• prolonged stool retention;
• bloating;
• vomiting of intestinal and gastric contents.

Diverticulitis, or volvulus, occurs in infants by inserting one part of the intestine into another. The beginning is unexpected, the child is restless, cries, draws his legs. The attack ends suddenly, the child calms down, after a while the pain returns. There is vomiting. Feces with an admixture of blood of the color of "crimson jelly".

With neoplasms inside the intestine, the pain is weak, but constant, not associated with food. Noticeable signs of irregular stools. There are constipations that are not treatable. An admixture of blood appears with feces. Later, chronic intestinal obstruction occurs.

Pain in the left iliac region with gynecological pathologies

Many women's diseases are characterized by pain in the lower abdomen of varying intensity and localization. What can hurt in the left side of the female part?

Adnexitis is manifested by inflammation of the uterine appendages. During the acute form, pain occurs in the lower abdomen, on the left or right. There are symptoms of general intoxication, urination disorders.

When the left side pulls in the left iliac region, this may indicate torsion of the legs of the ovarian cyst. The general condition of the body is disturbed, the pressure drops, the temperature rises, sometimes vomiting occurs. This pathology requires urgent surgical intervention.

With an ectopic pregnancy, sharp unbearable pain occurs on the left or right. This may indicate a rupture of the fallopian tube during an ectopic pregnancy. Pathology is typical for 6-10 weeks of pregnancy.

Pathology with ruptures can be complicated by bleeding into the abdominal cavity, which will increase the pain syndrome, with pressure, symptoms of peritoneal irritation will join. In this disease, you need to consult a doctor, followed by urgent hospitalization, the need for surgery.

Very rarely, pain in the left iliac region occurs during menstruation. Usually with them, the pain syndrome occurs in the lower abdomen, in the groin and lower back. Stopped by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Pain in the back left side

Such localization of pain indicates a symptom of heart disease. Similar symptoms are typical for:

• angina attack;
• aortic aneurysms;
• pericarditis;
• myocardial infarction.

With a heart attack, very often there is an irradiation of heart pain of the type of pain on the left in the shoulder blade, arm, side, neck.

Also, pain in the lumbar region on the left indicates kidney pathology. There is an infectious lesion - pyelonephritis. The pain is aching, stabbing and paroxysmal. It is joined by urination disorders, intoxication and general weakness. An attack of renal colic may appear, which is manifested by unbearable pain that does not pass. Requires hospitalization and assistance.

Sometimes pain on the left rear or side occurs due to the pathology of the lumbar vertebrae. Sometimes she can give in the leg.

Characterized by shooting pain in osteochondrosis, cold back and lumbar injuries. It can occur both at rest and during physical activity, such as running. With a systematic pain syndrome of this nature, contact an orthopedist.

Principles of diagnosis and treatment for pain in the left side

Pain is always a response to a pathology, it does not just happen, so together with general symptoms, it should be a reason to visit a doctor and emergency medical services.

The treatment of each disease offers an individual integrated approach, often with emergency care and the involvement of several specialists, in order to effectively treat the disease.

Knowing the symptoms of pathologies, you can independently differentiate the pain syndrome and make the right decision to call a doctor at home, or drink painkillers to relieve discomfort. Do not hesitate to develop severe symptoms, this can be fatal.

When there is pain in the left side, one must take into account that many internal organs are located in the abdomen, so the root causes of discomfort can be very different.

Pain in the left side can be a symptom of various pathologies.

Important! In any case, when the patient's left side hurts, this should be paid close attention. Especially you need to be wary if the discomfort appeared unexpectedly and lasts more than half an hour. In this case, it is better to play it safe and call an ambulance or immediately consult a doctor on your own. Since a number of diseases require emergency surgery and hospitalization.

What organs are located on the left side

To answer the question of what can hurt in the left side, you need to know which organs are located here.

For the correct diagnosis, it is important to determine exactly where the discomfort is localized. Conventionally, 9 regions and 3 floors are distinguished in the anterior abdominal wall:

• 1st upper floor, epigastric, right and left hypochondrium are distinguished in it;
• 2nd middle floor, which consists of the left and right lateral sections, between them is the umbilical region;
• 3rd lower floor, suprapubic region, left and right iliac region are distinguished in it.

Conventionally, the anterior wall of the abdomen will be divided into 9 areas

What is on the left side of a person? Here are the digestive and genitourinary organs, namely:

• stomach (most of it);
• spleen;
• most of the pancreas;
• loops of the small and large intestine;
• left kidney, adrenal gland, ureter;
• female reproductive organs, namely the left ovary and oviduct, part of the uterus;
• male reproductive organs such as seminal vesicle, prostate.

Pain in the left side may appear as a result of a violation in any of these organs. Depending on the root cause, it can have a different character, be constant or paroxysmal, aching, shingles, dagger, radiate to the back.

Also, pain in the left side can be caused by:

• endocrine disorders (diabetes);
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• connective tissue pathology;
• hernia;
• respiratory diseases;
• pathology of the nervous system.

Pain is divided according to the mechanism of their appearance, as well as according to the characteristics, which allows for the correct diagnosis:

1. Visceral pain that occurs when there is a violation of the peristalsis of the stomach and intestines, when there are spasms and stretching of the muscles of these organs. They can be dull and aching, for example, with increased gas formation, or cramping, if the patient has intestinal colic. Often they radiate to adjacent parts of the body.
2. Somatic pain, in most cases, has a clear localization and is observed constantly. It appears due to irritation of the peritoneum, for example, when a stomach ulcer ruptures. In this case, the pain will be sharp and cutting, aggravated by movement and breathing.
3. Reflected pain appears due to the irradiation of unpleasant sensations. It arises in the organs localized not in the left side, it radiates here. For example, discomfort in the side can appear with left-sided lower lobe pneumonia, inflammation of the pleura, and a number of other pathologies.

Pain in the hypochondrium on the left

The nature of the discomfort

Pain in the left side under the ribs can be:

1. Acute. If a dagger sharp pain suddenly appeared under the ribs on the left, then you need to immediately call an ambulance. As a rule, it is observed in violation of the integrity of the stomach, small intestine, spleen, kidney. If acute pain on the left under the ribs is observed when inhaling after a fall or an accident, then this indicates severe damage to the internal organs. Any of these conditions can end in the death of the patient.
2. Dull. If for a long time there is a dull diffuse pain on the left in the hypochondrium, then this indicates sluggish diseases of the digestive tract, such as gastritis, pancreatin.
3. Aching. Such pain, watching constantly, also indicates sluggish inflammation. It is characteristic of inflammation of the colon and duodenum 12. Often it is a sign of angina pectoris, coronary artery disease, pre-infarction condition.

Diseases in which pain is observed in the left hypochondrium

Discomfort in the left hypochondrium can be observed with the following pathologies:

Gastritis. With inflammation of the gastric mucosa, aching pain is observed in the left hypochondrium.

In addition, the following symptoms appear:

• nausea, vomiting;
• heaviness in the pit of the stomach, aggravated and manifested when eating or immediately after eating;
• heartburn;
• belching;
• bitterness in the mouth;
• constipation or diarrhea.

Signs unrelated to the digestive organs may also develop:

• heart pain, arrhythmia;
• pallor;
• excessive sweating;
• drowsiness;
• symmetrical disorders of sensitivity in the arms and legs;
• anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.

In addition to them, there are such signs as:

• heartburn;
• sour belching;
• nausea and vomiting after eating;
• weight loss.

Important! If perforation of a stomach ulcer develops, then there is a sharp dagger pain, blanching of the skin, weakness, fainting is possible. This is a dangerous condition that requires urgent hospitalization.

Tumor of the stomach. If there is a constant pain syndrome in the left side, which does not depend on food intake, then this may indicate oncology. There are no specific symptoms of cancer. The patient may experience the following symptoms:

• loss of appetite;
• aversion to meat;
• dyspeptic disorders;
• weight loss
• anemia;
• vomiting and feces mixed with blood (observed in the later stages, when the neoplasm decays).

In addition, pain in the left side can be associated with overeating, mechanical damage to the stomach.

Pain in the left hypochondrium is provoked by pathologies of the spleen:

Enlargement of the spleen(splenomegaly), as a rule, develops with Filatov's disease. In addition to pain, there are:

• asthenia;
• persistent headaches, including migraine;
• vertigo;
• arthralgia and myalgia;
• excessive sweating;
• frequent viral diseases;
• tonsillitis.

In addition to pain in the left side with splenomegaly, migraine may develop.

Spleen rupture characterized by the appearance of sharp left-sided pain in the hypochondrium after physical impact on the organ. One of the main signs of pathology is the appearance of a bruise around the navel, a hematoma can be observed in the left side of the abdomen, pain can radiate from the hypochondrium to the back. In this case, you need to urgently call an ambulance.

In addition, pain in the left hypochondrium can be observed:

• with a hernia of the diaphragmatic opening of the esophagus;
• with pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, such as cardiomyopathy, in which, in addition to pain, there is tachycardia, fatigue, coronary artery disease, accompanied by aching pain, burning behind the sternum, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, nausea;
• with diseases of the respiratory system, namely left-sided pneumonia, as a rule, the pains with it are dull, slightly pronounced, but when coughing, the patient may notice that he has colitis in the left side and chest; with the development of pleurisy, pain intensifies not only when coughing, but also when breathing, changing the position of the body;
• with intercostal neuralgia, with it the nature of pain can be very diverse, it can be acute, aching, dull, burning;
• with diseases of the connective tissue and spine;
• with injuries.

Left-sided pain in the iliac region

Pain in the lower abdomen on the left with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Left-sided pain in the lower abdomen can be observed, with such pathologies as:

In which, in addition to aching pain in the lower abdomen, there are:

• false urge to empty the bowels;
• flatulence;
• diarrhea, sometimes with mucus and blood.

When there is not only inflammation of the walls of the colon, but also ulceration of the mucous membrane, in which, in addition to the symptoms described above, the following signs may appear:

• heat;
• weakness;
• loss of appetite;
• weight loss
• arthralgia;
• violation of water-salt balance.

Intestinal obstruction. Its earliest manifestation is pain in the abdomen, they are observed regardless of the meal and can appear unexpectedly at any time of the day or night. They are of a convulsive nature. With the progression of the pathology, they usually subside after 48-72 hours, but this is a dangerous symptom.

Also observed:

• constipation;
• bloating and asymmetry of the abdomen;
• nausea and repeated vomiting.

Also, pain in the left lower abdomen can be observed with bowel cancer. They are usually lubricated and weakly expressed, but still they are constant and not associated with eating.

In addition, there are:

• constipation;
• bloating and rumbling in the intestines;
• impurities of blood in the stool.

Left-sided pain in the lower abdomen in diseases of the female reproductive organs

Pain in the lower abdomen on the left side can be observed in diseases of the female genital organs, such as:

• inflammation of the appendages, with which pain can be observed not only in the lower abdomen, but also in the inguinal and lumbar region, in addition to them, fever, asthenia, cephalgia, myalgia, problems with urination are possible, dull pain in the left side, groin is characteristic of chronic disease, in the vagina, disorder of menstruation and sexual function;
• torsion of an ovarian cyst, in which, in addition to severe pain, there is a violation of general well-being, hypotension, fever, vomiting;
• an ectopic pregnancy, which can cause a rupture of the oviduct or ovary, resulting in a sharp unbearable pain.

Important! When an ectopic pregnancy is terminated, urgent hospitalization is required, since in this case there is a threat to the life of the patient.

Pain in the left side behind can be observed with heart disease. This symptom is most often characteristic of myocardial infarction, although it can also be observed with angina pectoris, aortic enlargement, and pericarditis. With myocardial infarction, there is a sharp pain in the heart, which passes into the left shoulder blade, side, upper limb, neck. In addition, it appears:

• cold sweat;
• nausea;
• dyspnea;
• dizziness;
• pre-fainting state.

In addition to pain in the left side with myocardial infarction, cold sweat can be observed.

What does pain in the left side mean? This is a rather extensive area in which muscles, segments of the intestine, spleen, pancreas, stomach, and organs of the genitourinary system are located. Therefore, pain in the left side can signal a variety of ailments, from inflammation of the kidneys to herniated discs. Let's take a closer look at the possible causes of pain and associated symptoms.

Pain in the left side in the lumbar region

If the cause of discomfort is associated with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, then the patient may experience two types of pain - aching and acute. Localization of pain impulses - lower back, back side of the side.

Aching, dull and pulling pain in the left side indicates a chronic disease (most often spondylarthrosis), it usually worsens when the position of the body does not change for a long time - at night, after sleep, after prolonged sitting.

A sharp pain in the left side in the lower back indicates an acute course of the disease, this may be a sign of a backache and even a herniated disc. Such a symptom occurs after a temperature drop, intense massage, hypothermia, it is aggravated by movement, coughing, deep breathing.

Pain in left side under ribs

Pain in the hypochondrium can indicate a number of diseases associated with the cardiovascular system, pathology of the lungs, abdominal organs, trauma, and neurological problems.

If the left side of the abdomen hurts for cardiac reasons, this may be a symptom of such serious diseases as coronary heart disease, cardioneurosis, pericarditis or myocarditis. With coronary artery disease, as a rule, retrosternal pain occurs after exertion and stress, combined with pain in the back, arm, lower jaw. The attack may be accompanied by shortness of breath, a feeling of interruptions in the heartbeat, rapid pulse. In severe cases, ischemic disease can lead to cardiac arrest. Harbingers of such a situation, along with the usual pain in the left side, may be psychological lability and fear of death. The disease is reliably diagnosed by ECG. In chronic heart failure, the feeling when the left side hurts under the ribs is combined with swelling of the lower extremities and specific shortness of breath, due to which the person takes a forced sitting position.

If the pathology of the lungs became the reason that the left side hurts under the ribs, then in most cases we are talking about pneumonia. Symptoms are associated with acute fever and chills, which are aggravated by coughing and breathing, the cough is usually dry, and the sputum comes out in small quantities and with a characteristic rusty color. In addition, pneumonia is indicated by shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, sweating at night or with any even the smallest physical exertion. Changes in the lung tissue are diagnosed using x-rays.

With pathological mobility of the abdominal organs, when the left side under the ribs hurts, they are partially displaced into the chest through a natural or pathological opening in the diaphragm. There are so-called diaphragmatic hernias. Symptoms will depend on which organs have shifted. For example, if it is the esophagus, then not only the left side of the abdomen hurts, but heartburn, belching, and shortness of breath also occur. Their intensity depends on the abundance of food. On an empty stomach, the discomfort completely disappears. Sometimes vomiting brings relief. The most characteristic indicator is "gurgling and rumbling" in the chest. To clarify the diagnosis, an x-ray is performed using a contrast agent.

Traumatic pain in the left side occurs due to soft tissue bruises, falls, fractures of the ribs, cracks. Its origin does not raise unnecessary questions from patients. In traumatic pain, an x-ray is taken to exclude or confirm cracks and fractures of the ribs.

The left side of the abdomen hurts with neuropathology, for example, with intercostal neuralgia. This phenomenon is caused by irritation of nerve fibers, which increases with high motor activity. The feeling when the left side hurts under the ribs occurs with sudden movements, coughing, sneezing, palpation of parts of the body along the chest and is accompanied by muscle contractions or twitches, intense sweating, sometimes the skin in the area of ​​damage to the nerve fibers loses sensitivity. With osteochondrosis, the pain is girdle in nature, in addition, numbness and discomfort are felt when moving the hands. With lumbar osteochondrosis, discomfort is aggravated by walking, bending over.

The left side hurts below - what is the reason

When the patient claims that the left side of the lower abdomen hurts, then, as a rule, he means the area from the costal soul to the pubic bones of the pelvis, namely, the place where the internal organs are concentrated. Unpleasant sensations in this zone can be associated with pathology of the large or small intestine, kidneys and urinary tract, genital area, as well as injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system.

With pathologies of the small intestine, pain in the left side is concentrated in the navel. In addition, bloating and seething of the abdomen, as well as spastic contractions, can indicate the disease. If the pain is associated with the work of the large intestine, then it can be caused by dysbacteriosis, colitis, inflammatory diseases of the rectum and adjacent organs, hemorrhoids, venous congestion in the pelvic organs, etc. Symptoms depend on the specific disease.

Kidney disease is characterized by local and general symptoms. Pain in the left side corresponds exactly to the location of the kidney, while there may be swelling in the lumbar region, and the skin over the projection of the kidneys may turn red. Usually you can observe changes in urine - darkening, the appearance of bloody inclusions, etc., as well as frequent urge to urinate, discomfort or burning when trying to go to the toilet. In addition, general weakness and fatigue, poor appetite, headache, swelling of the eyelids in the morning, high blood pressure and pale skin color can indicate kidney disease.

If the reason that the left side hurts below lies in the diseases of the genital area, other symptoms, which depend on the nature of the disease, join the discomfort. Discomfort in women is caused by inflammatory processes in the fallopian tubes and ovaries, ectopic pregnancy. In men, this may be due to vesiculitis, prostatitis, epididymitis, orchitis, etc. As a rule, these diseases of an inflammatory nature are accompanied by an increase in temperature.

We hope that the recommendations we have described will help you understand the origin of pain in your left side and contact a specialist in a timely manner. Remember, in order to make an accurate diagnosis, in most cases it is necessary not only to determine exactly where it hurts, but also to make a series of tests. These recommendations cannot be the basis for self-treatment - only a doctor can determine the exact cause of pain and prescribe adequate treatment.

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