Q: I wonder what chronic pain in my lower left abdomen could be the result of. Could I have strained a muscle and it hasn’t completely healed yet?
A: Left lower abdominal pain has numerous possible causes, including a pulled muscle, diverticulitis, an intestinal obstruction, Crohn’s disease, kidney infection or stones, an inguinal hernia, ulcerative colitis, and more. I will mention a few possibilities but there are so many from which to choose that I would be hard pressed to zero in on just one.
For example and while unlikely, a urinary tract infection (UTI) could cause severe lower left abdominal pain in both men and women. That pain may be accompanied by fever, frequent urination with a burning sensation, and blood or pus in the urine.
Diverticulitis is an inflammatory disorder of the digestive tract. It often presents with severe pain in the left lower portion of the abdomen and may be accompanied by constipation or diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Kidney stones are hardened minerals and acid salts in the kidneys. Pain is common in the left lower quadrant but can also be present in the groin, side, or lower back. It may be accompanied by painful urination, nausea, vomiting, and discolored urine from blood.
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel condition. Signs and symptoms may include loss of appetite and weight, fatigue, fever, arthritis, eye or liver inflammation, and bloody stool. Ulcerative colitis affects the digestive tract as an inflammatory bowel disorder. Severe lower left abdominal pain may be present and may be accompanied with constipation, bloody diarrhea, fatigue, cramps, and weight loss.
For women, causes of lower left abdominal pain can include ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and other gynecological issues.
Intestinal obstruction can prevent food from passing through the digestive tract, causing intermittent lower left abdominal pain. Abdominal tenderness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and an inability to pass gas are but a few of the symptoms.
Then there’s an inguinal hernia, aortic aneurysm, and numerous other possibilities.
You need to be seen by a health care professional who can take a complete medical history, perform an examination, and perhaps order some imaging testing and lab work in an attempt to rule out some medical issues and concentrate on others. The testing is not as complex as it appears but the key to diagnosing abdominal pain is to identify the underlying cause for it. Your explanation of when the pain occurs, what precedes it and precisely where it is will help narrow the field. If your physician deems it appropriate, he or she may refer you to a specialist. Clearly you need help so don’t delay. Make an appointment now so you can either put the issue behind you or take steps to have it remedied.
Readers who would like related information can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Diverticular Disease” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order payable to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
