If you have been researching the internet about “left side stomach pain,” then you are in the right place. Left stomach side pain means that you feel pain in the lower-left side of the abdomen. Show
There are several possible causes of this type of pain, which can be painful for men and women. This article explains why people get stomach pains, the causes, treatment, and when to see a doctor. Why Do People Get Stomach Pain?Let’s be clear; there are numerous reasons why you could be getting stomach pain. Some are very common, and most of us have had them at one point in our lives. However, some injuries are more unusual and can be a cause of concern. For example, a painful or swollen belly is often a sign of a condition called diverticulitis. The pain can be sharp, dull, or a combination of both. A bellyache may be a disease symptom such as an infection or a gastrointestinal (GI) problem, including a GI bleed. What Causes Left Stomach Side Pain?There are several conditions of the digestive tract that may cause pain on the left lower stomach side, including:
Women can experience left stomach side pain for the following reasons;
It is essential to consult a physician immediately if you experience left stomach pain, as it may signify a serious problem. A gastrointestinal disorder such as peptic ulcer disease or gastritis is usually responsible for left stomach left side abdominal pain. An infection in the abdomen or appendicitis could also contribute to left-sided stomach pain. Treatment for Left Stomach Side PainThere are many types of treatment for pain, which will depend on the conditions or diseases causing it. As a remedy for lower abdominal pain caused by diverticulitis, you may need antibiotics and rest. In other cases, such as a hernia or an intestinal blockage, surgery will be necessary. Your doctor may prescribe dietary adjustments and laxatives in severe cases of constipation and gas. Chronic lower abdominal pain, such as Crohn’s or IBS, can be managed better with a more careful diet. Dietary exclusion is sometimes necessary to treat food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance. When to See a DoctorIf abdominal pain goes away and does not return, treatment may not be necessary. You should, however, consult your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain. The following symptoms are chronic:
Keep an eye out for any of these severe symptoms, especially if they persist for more than two to three days. Visit the doctor right away if you notice any of them. You must take left stomach side pain seriously, as the symptoms may indicate other health issues. If you feel pain in the left side of your abdomen, contact us. Most people experience abdominal swelling or bloating at some point, due to various causes. It feels as though the stomach has expanded and stretched, which can be uncomfortable. Having too much to eat or consuming food that causes gas can cause temporary swelling in the stomach. However, if the swelling is frequent, it may indicate a dietary issue or be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Share on PinterestSome common causes of a swollen stomach include IBS and lactose intolerance. Below are some of the possible causes of a swollen stomach, along with their treatment options: Irritable bowel syndromeIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that causes symptoms such as:
According to the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), the cause of IBS is unknown. However, the ACG note that people with IBS tend to have higher levels of sensitivity in the intestines than those who do not have the condition. TreatmentThere is no cure for IBS. However, the following home treatments may help alleviate the symptoms:
Some medical treatment options include:
Lactose intoleranceLactose intolerance is a digestive disorder in which a person is unable to digest the sugar lactose, which is present in milk. A person with lactose intolerance will develop uncomfortable or painful symptoms within a few hours of consuming milk or dairy products. These symptoms may include:
The severity of the symptoms varies depending on how much lactose a person has consumed. TreatmentThe best way to prevent the symptoms of lactose intolerance is to avoid foods and beverages that contain lactose. Alternatively, people can try taking lactase pills or capsules before eating a meal that contains lactose. The enzyme lactase helps the body digest this sugar. Some of the causes of stomach bloating are more serious. They include those below: CirrhosisCirrhosis is a condition in which functioning liver cells become replaced with nonfunctioning scar tissue. Liver scarring can cause increased blood pressure in the blood vessels surrounding the liver. This, in turn, can cause fluid to accumulate in the abdomen. The causes of liver disease range from underlying medical conditions to the long-term overconsumption of alcohol. TreatmentThe treatment approach for cirrhosis depends on its underlying cause. In most cases, it is not possible to cure cirrhosis. However, the following lifestyle changes can help a person manage their symptoms while preventing the disease from progressing:
People can reduce stomach swelling by cutting salt out of their diet. They can also take a diuretic to help fluid drain from the body. Autoimmune diseasesIn people with autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy cells in the body. Autoimmune atrophic gastritis (AAG) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys parietal cells in the stomach. These cells make stomach acid, which the body requires to absorb vitamin B12. In AAG, the gradual loss of parietal cells can lead to iron deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency. The possible symptoms of AAG include:
The cause of AAG is unclear, but people may be at higher risk if they have:
Scientists also believe that the condition might have a genetic factor, as it seems to be heritable. TreatmentThe treatment for AAG involves addressing any nutrient deficiencies. People with iron deficiency may require intravenous iron infusions, while those with vitamin B12 deficiency may require vitamin B12 injections. Congestive heart failureCongestive heart failure (CHF) is a disease that reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood around the body. This impairment causes blood to build up in the chest. The fluid may then seep down into the abdomen, causing stomach swelling. Other possible symptoms of CHF include:
Congestive heart failure generally develops as a result of other conditions, such as high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. TreatmentThe treatment for CHF may involve one or more of the following:
There are many other possible reasons why a person’s stomach might swell. According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, these reasons include:
If a person experiences severe or persistent stomach swelling, their doctor may run one or more of the following tests to identify the cause:
The effective treatment of stomach swelling usually requires the identification and treatment or management of the underlying cause. However, people may also benefit from some general strategies to help ease the swelling. If a person believes that their stomach swelling is related to their diet, they may wish to try the low FODMAP diet. FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. Foods that are high in FODMAPS commonly cause gas or abdominal pressure. By removing high FODMAP foods from their diet, a person may reduce the frequency or severity of stomach bloating. Some medical treatments that may help reduce stomach swelling include:
A person should see their doctor if they experience severe, persistent, or recurrent stomach swelling, especially if other symptoms accompany the swelling. The outlook for a person with a swollen stomach depends entirely on the cause. People can talk to a doctor for information on their individual treatment options and outlook. If the stomach regularly swells after a meal, a person should consider eliminating gas-producing foods from their diet. Foods that cause gas include:
There are many potential causes of stomach swelling. Some are relatively benign and transient and may be related to a person’s diet. Others may indicate an underlying health condition that requires treatment. A person should see their doctor if they experience severe, persistent, or recurrent stomach swelling. A doctor will work to diagnose the cause and provide appropriate treatments. What is the organ on the left side of stomach?Your spleen is an organ that sits just below your left rib cage. Many conditions — including infections, liver disease and some cancers — can cause an enlarged spleen. An enlarged spleen is also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee). An enlarged spleen usually doesn't cause symptoms.
Why is one side of my stomach swollen and hard?When your stomach swells and feels hard, the explanation might be as simple as overeating or drinking carbonated drinks, which is easy to remedy. Other causes may be more serious, such as an inflammatory bowel disease. Sometimes the accumulated gas from drinking a soda too quickly can result in a hard stomach.
Why is half my stomach swollen?Abdominal swelling, or distention, is more often caused by overeating than by a serious illness. This problem also can be caused by: Air swallowing (a nervous habit) Buildup of fluid in the abdomen (this can be a sign of a serious medical problem)
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