Left Side Stomach Pain: Causes, Symptoms & When To See A Doctor

Experiencing pain on the left side of your stomach can be worrying, especially when you’re unsure of the cause. While it’s often linked to minor issues like gas or indigestion, it can sometimes point to other conditions that may need medical attention. 

Knowing the possible reasons behind this discomfort and knowing when to seek help can ease your concerns. This guide will walk you through the common causes, related symptoms, and signs that suggest it’s time to see a doctor—helping you feel more informed and at ease.

Left Side Stomach Pain, Warning Symptom For Which Conditions?

Feeling discomfort on the left side of your stomach can make you wonder what’s going on inside your body. While many causes are not serious, sometimes abdominal pain on the left can be a warning sign of underlying conditions.

Here are some conditions that might be associated with pain on the left side of the abdomen:

• Diverticulitis: One of the most common causes, especially in adults over 40. It involves small pouches (diverticula) in your colon becoming inflamed or infected. You may notice pain in lower left abdomen with changes in bowel habits, fever, or nausea.
• Kidney stones or infections: These can cause sharp or cramping pain, often radiating to your back or groin. You may also notice pain during urination, blood in urine, or a frequent urge to urinate.
• Constipation: A very common issue that can result in discomfort or lower left side abdominal pain. If your bowel movements are infrequent or hard, pressure can build up and lead to cramping sensations.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This long-term digestive condition can cause abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and alternating diarrhoea and constipation. The pain may often be on the left side.
• Ovarian cysts or ectopic pregnancy (in females): Pain on one side of the lower abdomen could relate to gynaecological issues. If you suspect this, seek prompt medical advice.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis): These chronic conditions can cause inflammation in your digestive tract, leading to left side stomach pain reason, fatigue, and weight loss.
• Gas or bloating: Often a harmless cause, trapped gas in the intestines may result in crampy or sharp pains.

If your pain is persistent or worsens, don’t ignore it. Recognising early signs and understanding the left side stomach pain reason may help you decide when to take the next steps.

What Organs Are On The Left Abdomen?

Understanding which organs are located on the left side of your abdomen can help you make sense of your symptoms. The left side contains a mix of digestive, reproductive, and urinary organs, any of which can be responsible for discomfort or pain.

Here’s a closer look at the organs found in the upper left abdominal pain and lower left region:

• Stomach: Most of your stomach lies on the left side. Conditions like gastritis, ulcers, or indigestion can cause upper left abdominal pain.
• Spleen: Positioned just beneath your rib cage, the spleen helps filter blood. It can become enlarged due to infection or injury and may lead to pain or tenderness.
• Left kidney: Located towards the back of your abdomen, the kidney can be a source of abdominal pain if there’s a stone, infection, or injury.
• Left ureter: This narrow tube carries urine from your kidney to your bladder. Obstructions like kidney stones may cause sharp, radiating pain in the lower left region.
• Descending colon and sigmoid colon: These parts of your large intestine are located on the left side and play a role in the final stages of digestion. Issues like constipation, diverticulitis, or IBS can lead to pain in lower left abdomen.
• Pancreas (tail): Though most of the pancreas lies centrally, its tail extends into the left side and may cause discomfort if inflamed (pancreatitis).
• Ovary and fallopian tube (in females): On the lower left, reproductive organs can be affected by cysts, ovulation pain, or infections, resulting in lower left side abdominal pain.

Knowing where each organ lies helps you relate certain types of abdominal pain to possible internal causes. While it’s not always easy to pinpoint, understanding your anatomy is a helpful first step.

9 Causes Of Left-Sided Stomach Pain

Feeling pain on your left side can have several explanations, and most of them vary in severity. Here are 9 possible causes of left side stomach pain reason:

1. Diverticulitis
   This is a common cause of pain in lower left abdomen, especially in older adults. It results from inflammation or infection in small pouches of the colon.
2. Constipation
   One of the most frequent reasons for lower left side abdominal pain. If stools are hard or infrequent, you may feel cramping or fullness in the left abdomen.
3. Trapped gas
   Gas can get stuck in your digestive tract and lead to sharp or shifting pains. Often linked to diet or swallowing air.
4. Kidney stones
   A sharp, intense pain that may move toward your groin. This type of abdominal pain can come suddenly and feel severe.
5. Urinary tract infection (UTI)
   A UTI that spreads to the kidneys or lower urinary tract may cause left-sided discomfort, especially if there’s burning during urination or urgency.
6. Gynaecological conditions (in females)
   Ovarian cysts, ovulation, or pelvic infections may cause lower left side abdominal pain, particularly during your cycle.
7. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
   IBS can lead to long-term abdominal pain that’s often relieved by passing stool or gas. Pain is often crampy and may shift from side to side.
8. Hernia
   A hernia may cause discomfort or a bulge in the abdomen. It might become more painful when you bend, lift, or cough.
9. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
   Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis often result in left side stomach pain reason, diarrhoea, fatigue, and weight loss.

If you’ve also experienced nausea, fever, or changes in bowel habits along with the pain in lower left abdomen, it’s worth discussing your symptoms with a healthcare provider.

How To Treat Left-Sided Stomach Pain?

Treatment for left side stomach pain reason depends on what’s causing it. Some cases are simple and can be managed at home, while others need medical care. Here’s a guide to help you navigate treatment options based on the potential cause:

• Mild Digestive Discomfort (Gas, Bloating, or Indigestion)
  If your upper left abdominal pain is due to trapped gas or indigestion, sipping warm water, walking, and avoiding trigger foods (like beans or fizzy drinks) may bring relief. Over-the-counter antacids or simethicone-based products can help reduce gas.
• Constipation
  Increasing fibre through fruits, vegetables, or supplements can support bowel movements. Drinking more water and being active daily helps. Gentle laxatives may be used occasionally, but avoid long-term dependence.
• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
  Managing IBS involves dietary changes (like low FODMAP diets), stress reduction, and regular meals. Antispasmodic medicines may relieve abdominal pain or cramps.
• Menstrual or Ovulation Pain (in females)
  Heat pads, hydration, and mild pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease lower left side abdominal pain during your cycle.
• Kidney Stones or UTIs
  For kidney stones, drinking plenty of fluids may help small stones pass. Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medicines might be prescribed. UTIs usually require a short course of antibiotics.
• Diverticulitis
  Mild cases may be treated with a liquid diet and antibiotics. Severe or recurrent episodes may need more advanced interventions. If you suspect this as the left side stomach pain reason, seek a medical opinion early.
• Hernias
  Lifestyle changes such as avoiding heavy lifting, wearing support belts, and maintaining a healthy weight can help. Surgery may be needed if pain persists or worsens.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  Requires long-term management through medications like anti-inflammatories, immune suppressants, and dietary adjustments. Medical follow-up is essential here.
• When it’s Not the Left Side
  If you feel symptoms like pain in right side of stomach, the cause may be completely different (such as gallbladder or appendix issues), and treatments will vary accordingly.
• Emergency Situations
  If your pain is sudden, severe, or comes with vomiting, high fever, or you’re unable to pass gas or stool, you should seek immediate care.

Always listen to your body. While most cases of pain in lower left abdomen are not dangerous, it’s important not to ignore symptoms that feel unusual or persist despite home care.

See A Doctor When These Symptoms Manifest

Most left-sided stomach issues resolve with time or simple care. However, some symptoms mean it’s time to get medical advice, especially if they come on suddenly or worsen over time.

Here’s when you should consider seeing a doctor for lower left side abdominal pain:

• Pain lasts more than a few days: Ongoing discomfort that doesn’t ease should be evaluated.
• Sudden, severe pain: Especially if it feels sharp, comes on without warning, or wakes you from sleep.
• Fever or chills: Could signal infection or inflammation such as diverticulitis or a UTI.
• Nausea or vomiting: Frequent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down is a reason to seek care.
• Change in bowel habits: New or lasting diarrhoea, constipation, or blood in your stool should not be ignored.
• Pain during urination: If you have burning, urgency, or cloudy urine, this may suggest a urinary tract issue.
• Unusual vaginal bleeding or severe menstrual pain (in females): If this is not typical for you, get it checked.
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue: These could be signs of a longer-term issue like inflammatory bowel disease.

It’s also important to seek help if you’re unsure about the left side stomach pain reason, especially if it’s affecting your daily life. Even though many causes are minor, getting an accurate diagnosis can ease your worries and start the right treatment.

Conclusion

Left-sided stomach pain can have many causes, most of which are manageable with the right care. If your symptoms continue or seem unusual, getting tested early can make a difference. 

Metropolis Healthcare offers trusted diagnostic services with expert analysis, home sample collection, and accurate reports—helping you take control of your health with confidence and convenience when you need it most.

FAQs

Can stress cause stomach pain?

Yes, stress can trigger muscle tension and is among the causes of lower abdominal pain, often leading to bloating, cramps, or digestive discomfort due to tension and gut sensitivity.

Why does my stomach hurt after eating?

Stomach pain after eating may result from indigestion, food intolerances, overeating, or conditions like gastritis or acid reflux.

Is it normal for stomach pain to come and go?

Yes, intermittent stomach pain can happen with gas, IBS, or minor issues, but persistent patterns should be evaluated professionally.

Can certain foods cause stomach pain?

Yes, spicy, fatty, or dairy-rich foods can irritate your stomach or trigger symptoms, especially with sensitivities or intolerance.

What should I do if the stomach pain is also accompanied by nausea?

Rest, stay hydrated, and eat bland foods. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis.