Complete Care for You: Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pains can appear at any time. While it may just be a cramp, the pain may also be a sign of a more serious illness. If the abdominal pain is on the left side of your body or your left lower quadrant, it may be a number of diseases or conditions.

If the abdominal pain on the left continues, look for symptoms of the following conditions:

Appendicitis

While appendicitis is usually associated with the right side of your body, the initial pain often starts near the belly button and can be misinterpreted as coming from the left. An appendicitis infection can cause serious problems if left untreated. Be on the lookout for pain moving to the right side of the abdomen, fever, nausea and vomiting, and seek medical treatment immediately.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is the inflammation of diverticula pouches in the large intestine. While diverticulitis is not always a serious condition, in some patients with severe infections surgery is required.

If you, or a loved one over 40, are experiencing abdominal pains, fevers and nausea, it may be diverticulitis.

Constipation

Another cause of abdominal pain on the left side of the body is constipation. Constipation is usually caused by dehydration or a diet that is low in fiber. Not all constipation requires a trip to the emergency room, but in some cases the sharp pain may warrant a visit. If the pain does not improve after using over-the-counter products, seek medical attention.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones, or nephrolithiasis, are small deposits of calcium or uric acid that build up in the kidneys. They are incredibly painful when passing through the urinary tract. Common symptoms of kidney stones include abdominal pain, painful urination, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Contact Complete Care

If you, or a loved one, are experiencing abdominal pain in the left side of the body, seek medical treatment at your nearest Complete Care emergency room. With 18 locations across Texas, there is one near you.