What Is Lower Left Abdominal Pain?

Lower left abdominal pain occurs below the belly button and into the left side of your abdomen. This area contains many vital organs, so pain can have many possible sources. If you notice lower left abdominal pain when I cough, it may be due to pressure on muscles, intestines, or even a developing hernia.

Common Causes of Lower Left Abdominal Pain

The left side of the abdomen contains multiple organs and tissues. Pain may come from:

• Left kidney and ureter
• Colon and large intestine
• Stomach and pancreas
• Spleen
• Left ovary and fallopian tube (in women)
• Muscles, nerves, and blood vessels
• Urinary bladder and part of the aorta

Sometimes, pain is not abdominal in origin. Lung or heart problems may radiate discomfort to this region.

Conditions That May Cause Lower Left Abdominal Pain

1. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

A bulging or rupture in the aorta can cause sudden, severe pain. This requires emergency medical treatment.

2. Bowel Cancer

Colon cancer on the left side may cause chronic lower left abdominal pain. Other symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, and bowel changes.

3. Bowel Obstruction

An obstruction leads to cramping, nausea, and inability to pass stool or gas. It can worsen quickly without treatment.

4. Constipation

Chronic constipation often causes bloating and lower left abdominal pain. Increasing dietary fiber usually helps.

5. Crohn’s Disease

This long-term inflammatory disease can affect the sigmoid or descending colon, leading to pain and digestive problems.

6. Ulcerative Colitis

Another inflammatory bowel disease, it causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.

7. Diverticulitis

Inflamed pouches in the colon can cause pain. Mild cases respond to diet changes, while severe cases may need antibiotics.

8. Food Poisoning

Pain with vomiting, fever, or diarrhea may signal food poisoning. Staying hydrated is essential for recovery.

9. Kidney Stones

Stones moving through the ureter can cause sharp waves of pain. Medical treatment is often necessary.

10. Kidney Infection

Pyelonephritis can cause deep, aching pain along with fever and painful urination. Antibiotics are the usual treatment.

11. Psoas Abscess

This rare complication causes severe pain, night sweats, and appetite loss. It requires medical treatment.

12. Hernia

A hernia occurs when part of the intestine pushes through muscle tissue. It can cause lower left abdominal pain when I cough because of added pressure in the abdomen.

13. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS often leads to bloating, diarrhea, or constipation along with left-sided abdominal discomfort.

14. Lactose Intolerance

Pain after eating dairy may indicate lactose intolerance, which causes bloating and cramps.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if:

• Your lower left abdominal pain is persistent or severe.
• You have lower left abdominal pain when I cough that worsens or spreads.
• Pain is accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, or rectal bleeding.

A doctor can order tests to find the cause and provide the right treatment plan.

Conclusion: Understanding Lower Left Abdominal Pain

Lower left abdominal pain can result from many conditions, ranging from constipation to kidney infection or hernia. If you notice lower left abdominal pain when I cough, it may signal a muscle strain or a more serious issue. Always consult a healthcare professional if pain persists or worsens.