It is hard to determine sometimes whether a pain we are feeling is indicative of a small problem or something serious. If you are having left side stomach pain, here are some things that it might mean.
The majority of the digestive system is located on the left side of the stomach. Hence, pain here is usually associated with digestive trouble of some sort. The pain could be being caused by something as simple as constipation or some other sort of indigestion, in which case it is fairly easily remedied by an over-the-counter medicine.
In some cases, however, your left side stomach pain could be associated with a more serious situation. In this case, the specific location of the pain can help in determining the cause. If your pain is on the upper left side of your stomach, this might indicate a problem with your stomach itself, your pancreas or your spleen. Problems with these organs can be serious, from ulcers of the stomach to spleen abscess. If you suspect any such problem, schedule an appointment with your physician, and he or she can help you determine your best course of action.
If your left side stomach pain is lower on your abdomen, it is most likely an issue with your lower gastrointestinal tract. In people older than 40, this might commonly be diverticulitis, an infection in small pouches in your lower intestine that comes naturally with age. This condition is often treatable with rest and at-home care, but it is best to consult your doctor. If pain in the lower left stomach is accompanied by severe digestive issues such as chronic diarrhea, you might want to get a colonoscopy to determine if your colon and lower intestine are inflamed. Such irritation and inflammation could be an indicator of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
If the pain is chronic or getting progressively worse, please see a doctor. If your left side stomach pain also is accompanied by other distressing symptoms such as bloody stool, urine or vomit, get help immediately. If you have any doubt at all that something might be very wrong with your health, see your doctor.
If you are a pregnant woman and are experiencing left side stomach pain (or any stomach pain, for that matter), see your doctor. Pain on the left side of the stomach in pregnant women can indicate an ectopic or tubal pregnancy and should get attention immediately.
When it comes down to it, use your best judgment in dealing with your left side stomach pain. If it has been a couple of days and you aren’t feeling any better, it is probably best to get checked out. Visiting your doctor can allow you to catch a major problem early and, therefore, treat it with greater efficiency. And if the visit results in your doctor telling you that there is nothing wrong, then you have gained invaluable peace of mind.
