A number of pain sensitive structures lie in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen. Pain can arise from the colon, urinary tract, reproductive organs, vascular system and or abdominal wall muscles. Sudden pain can be more of a concern and depends on both the gender and age of a person. Knowing the causes for sharp pain in the lower left abdomen beforehand can help you better deal with the condition.
Causes and Treatments of Sharp Pain in Lower Left Abdomen
1. Bladder cancer
Risk for bladder cancer increases with age, smoking and certain occupations that utilize aniline dyes and radiation.
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Symptoms |
Sharp lower abdominal pain bloody urine back pain pain in urination |
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Treatments |
Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy can be used to treat bladder cancer. Remember that early diagnosis and treatment is always for the best. |
2. Ectopic pregnancy
Left (or right) lower abdomen pain in any pregnant female is a cause for concern. Ectopic pregnancy is a health complication during pregnancy which occurs when the fertilized egg is implanted in other parts of the female reproductive system other than the uterus. Seek prompt medical attention.
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Symptoms |
Sudden, sharp or intense left lower abdomen pain Vaginal bleeding Blood loss causes weakness, dizziness and fainting |
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Treatments |
Prompt diagnosis is essential in this cause. Surgery or methrotrexate (drug) therapy can be applied for selected cases |
3. Kidney stone
A variety of types of stones can occur. Certain factors such as heredity, dehydration and diet can predispose to developing kidney stones.
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Symptoms |
Sudden onset of excruciating pain Pain may radiate from flank to lower left (or right) abdomen Bloody or pink urine |
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Treatments |
Smaller stones can be treated with pain control and hydration. Larger stones may require surgical removal or destruction using lithotripsy (sound waves) or laser destruction. |
4. Irritable bowel syndrome
This common condition results in sharp pain in lower left abdomen and the exact cause is unknown. An underlying dysfunction of the intestinal tract generates the symptoms.
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Symptoms |
Abdominal cramps and bloating Pain while passing stool Left lower abdominal pain Constipation and diarrhea |
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Treatments |
Stress management, diet modification, exercise are common remedies, which can also reduce future risk of developing IBS. Medication therapy if needed for severe constipation or diarrhea. |
5. Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infections or UTI is a medical condition where infection occurs in the bladder, urethra or kidneys. Bacteria are the usual cause and as they grow and multiply, symptoms quickly develop.
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Symptoms |
Sharp pain in the left lower abdomen or bladder region Urinating frequently and in smaller amounts Strong smelling or cloudy urine Burning pain when urinating |
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Treatments |
Drink plenty of water to flush the urinary tract Antibiotic medication from a physician Cranberry juice or pills to ease symptoms |
6. Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is an inflammatory disorder which affects the diverticula in the digestive tract.
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Cramping, aching, sharp pain in the left lower abdomen Blood in stool Nausea, and fever Severe pain as condition progresses |
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Treatments |
Mild cases treated with antibiotics, pain control and diet modification. Avoid nuts, seeds and popcorn |
7. Intestinal gas
Gas is among the most common reasons for left lower abdomen pain. Gas builds up causes distention and the stretching of the intestine is perceived as pain. Most of us generate up to 4 pints of gas each day and expel it on average of 14 times a day.
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Symptoms |
Left lower abdomen pain Bloating and gas Nausea, belching & flatus |
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Treatments |
Expel gas as it builds up OTC anti-gas medications Diet modification to avoid trigger foods Exercise |
8. Other causes
A number of potential other causes can result in left lower abdominal pain. Vascular catastrophes such as blockage or rupture of a blood vessel are the most serious and immediately life threatening. A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm can result in sudden pain radiating to the left lower abdomen and back. Any severe or sudden cause of pain in the left lower abdomen that is accompanied by a feeling of passing out mandated emergent medical attention.
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Both sex |
Bladder infection, kidney infections, colon cancer, muscle injuries, hernia, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm |
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Males only |
Epididymitis, testicular torsion, prostate infection |
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Females only |
Ovulation, menstruation, ovarian torsion, tubo-ovarian abscess, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis |
How to Deal with Sharp Pain in Lower Left Abdomen
Always use common sense when confronted with abdominal pain. Severe pain, fever and ongoing vomiting are potential signs of a more serious problem.
Follow these general guidelines:
- Seek medical evaluation when severe abdominal pain occurs with nausea, vomiting, and difficulty passing urine or bloody urine or fever.
- Passing out due to severe abdominal pain requires calling 911, particularly in elderly persons.
- Severe abdominal pain and bleeding in a pregnant person requires emergent evaluation
- Do not take pain medication without first consulting with a health care provider.
- Avoid herbal or natural remedies unless the exact cause of left lower abdominal pain is known.
- Whenever in doubt, seeking evaluation by a medical professional is the safest option when experiencing abdominal pain.