The child has colitis in the left side. Pathologies of the pancreas and stomach. Girdle pain, which is combined with unpleasant sensations on the left

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Pain in the left hypochondrium

General information

Why the left side hurts can be explained by the development of many diseases and pathologies. Discomfort and painful sensations associated with diseases of those organs located in the left hypochondrium. These are the spleen, the left part of the diaphragm, part of the stomach, pancreas, intestinal loops, pole of the left kidney. When the functions of these organs are impaired, cramps, spasms and pain occur in this area.

Pain in the left side of the abdomen - what is it like?

Initially, you should determine the boundaries of the hypochondrium area. This left-hand side abdomen - the left quadrant at the top, which is located under the ribs. Accordingly, what exactly hurts in this part of the abdomen in a man, woman or child, and which doctor needs to be contacted, can be determined by the nature of the pain, the period and circumstances of its occurrence. If the pain manifests itself in the upper part of the abdomen in the center and radiates to the left side, we can talk about the development of various diseases.

Stitching pain that occurs during exercise

Those who are interested in why it stings when running, and whether it is dangerous, should take into account that a similar symptom is also observed in healthy people. If tingling only periodically develops during movement, that is, during active physical activity, then this phenomenon can be considered normal. Such symptoms quickly disappear and they only indicate that the adult or child did not warm up enough before starting sports and moved very abruptly.

Before starting classes, it is necessary to conduct a thorough warm-up so that the body gradually adapts to the activation of blood circulation. Stitching pain sometimes develops when walking too actively, which can be prevented by slowing down the pace.

This condition is not dangerous if it hurts only during exercise and this happens to healthy people who do not suffer from heart disease. However, even healthy people that are straining too much, when such sensations develop, you need to stop and relax, breathe deeply. As you exhale, you should press your palm on the place where the pain develops and sharply lean forward. You can repeat these steps several times.

It is also important to ensure that when the lesson is taking place, breathing is deep, since shallow breathing causes small excursions of the diaphragm.

Strong sharp pain on the left can also be noted if a person started training after eating. It is important that at least an hour and a half pass after eating before starting classes, as the digestive system must cope with the digestion process.

Dagger sharp pain

If the burning sensation develops suddenly and is not associated with exercise, then you should seek medical help. A sharp burning sensation under the ribs, as well as a burning sensation in the lower abdomen, may indicate a rupture of the spleen, renal pelvis, perforation of the stomach wall and loops small intestine. Also likely in this case acute pancreatitis and abdominal variant of myocardial infarction.

Acute pain after injury

If the occurrence of pain in this area is noted when inhaling after an injury, accident, or fall, then there is a possibility that the person’s internal organs are seriously damaged. In this case, it is important to immediately contact specialists, as there is a possibility of a threat to life.

Dull aching pain in the left side

Diffuse, aching pain, which manifests itself over a long period of time and occurs periodically, may be a sign of the development of a chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract. There is likely inflammation in the stomach - gastritis, as well as pancreatitis, cholecystitis, etc. To determine what may hurt in the left side, or to exclude the development of pathologies, it is important to consult a gastroenterologist, conduct tests and studies. Also nagging pain in the left hypochondrium develops with certain blood pathologies, bacterial infections, sepsis, systemic diseases.

It's a dull pain

If there is constant aching and tugging in the hypochondrium, then the causes of heaviness under the ribs may be associated with the development of duodenitis or sluggish colitis. If the patient immediately experiences nausea and vomiting, then we can talk about the likelihood of a gastric ulcer.

If the pain is not associated with problems in the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, a pre-infarction condition, angina pectoris, or coronary heart disease can be assumed.

Causes of pain in the hypochondrium on the left

Thus, answering the question of what may hurt in the left hypochondrium, the following reasons should be mentioned:

cardiomyopathy, heart damage, heart attack;
gastrointestinal diseases - cholecystitis, ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis, duodenitis, colitis;
intercostal neuralgia;
enlargement or rupture of the spleen;
tumors internal organs;
splenic infarction due to arterial thrombosis;
rheumatic manifestations;
diaphragm injury, diaphragmatic hernia;
left-sided pleurisy, as well as left-sided pneumonia developing in the lower part of the left lung.

Organs abdominal cavity

It is necessary to take into account what is in a person’s hypochondrium area, as well as the nature of the pain (radiating to the back, aching, stabbing, just heaviness or discomfort) as well as factors that could determine the development of such pain (after eating, when inhaling during physical exercise and etc.).

The hypochondrium in front of a woman may hurt during pregnancy. In this condition, pain in the left hypochondrium from behind from the back also appears due to strong pressure enlarged uterus on internal organs. Sometimes expectant mothers complain that there is a periodic tingling sensation in their side.

Pain in the left hypochondrium in the front can also be associated with previous injuries - in this case, you may feel discomfort in the front or a dull pain in the front, as well as severe, diffuse pain. In this case, the reasons should be immediately determined by a doctor.

Pain in the left side under the ribs, mechanism of occurrence

Why it hurts on the left side under the ribs also depends on the mechanism of development of such pain. This indicator serves as an additional sign in the diagnostic process, when the doctor tries to determine what hurts in the left side under the ribs, what is on the right and causes such sensations.

The following division of pain in this area is known:

They develop due to intestinal spasms or in case of impaired gastric motility.

Also, visceral pain is characteristic of a stretched state. muscle fibers gastrointestinal organs. A person may complain that his stomach hurts; if the disease progresses, pain can be felt in the center, as well as on the right side. The patient sometimes complains that there is gurgling in the stomach, pulling on both sides.

In case of flatulence, a dull aching pain may be noted in the left and right sides.

In case of intestinal colic - cramping pain, moreover, a person may have complaints that it stings in other, nearby areas of the body - between the ribs in the middle, on the side, etc.

Despite the nature of the pain, what can cause such attacks under the ribs must be diagnosed by a doctor. When determining the causes, the specialist, first of all, takes into account what is located on the left under the ribs and is interested in the nature and mechanism of pain. It also finds out some important points - for example, is there pain in the ribs when coughing, does the rib hurt when pressed. Which organ is located in this area and where the pain develops will be determined by studies prescribed by a specialist.

Pain in front of the left hypochondrium

If pain is felt in the left side at waist level, then most likely we are talking about damage to the spleen or stomach tissue. However, if pain occurs at the waist level, the doctor makes a differential diagnosis with myositis, myocardial infarction, or colitis. If the pain shifts upward and it manifests itself in the center, then it is likely that diseases of the stomach are combined with diseases of the duodenum and gall bladder.

When the pain is behind

If a person complains that the left side of the back hurts, and this part hurts constantly, then there is probably a lesion in the left kidney. In this case, the pain from the back is strong.

If your kidney hurts, the symptoms may bother you constantly. What to do in such a case is determined by the doctor after making a diagnosis. Signs of the disease can be determined by ultrasound, and urine and blood tests also need to be performed.

It also hurts under the left shoulder blade at the back or a little lower with osteochondrosis. The causes of pain in the posterior scapula may be associated with palpation of the paravertebral processes. Discomfort on the side of the scapula may occur with myositis.

Girdle pain, which is combined with unpleasant sensations on the left

A nagging girdle pain that appears where the left lower rib is located, moves from the back to the front abdominal wall, then you can suspect that the pancreas is inflamed and pancreatitis is developing. As a rule, with pancreatitis, the girdle pain in the stomach and back intensifies when inflammation develops. Then it is sharp, radiating to the back. It becomes a little easier for a person to sit or lean forward.

Causes associated with diaphragm pathologies

Heaviness and constant pain develops with pathologies of the diaphragm, as well as with diaphragmatic hernia. A hole in the diaphragm separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. If the muscle tissue that regulates this opening weakens, the lumen widens and the upper part of the stomach ends up in the chest cavity. Accordingly, the contents of the stomach are thrown into the esophagus, as a result of which this area constantly ache - an aching, dull pain develops, nausea, and heartburn.

Diaphragmatic hernia develops during pregnancy, in people with overweight, during intense physical exertion. Also, such diseases often occur in older people due to weakening of the muscular system. In some cases, pinching of the stomach occurs, then there is a sharp cutting pain in the stomach and in the left hypochondrium, sometimes pain in the stomach radiates to the back.

Pain due to intercostal neuralgia

As neurological diseases develop, irritation or compression of the intercostal nerves may occur. When nerve cells are affected, in patients with intercostal neuralgia the pain sensations can have a very wide range: cramping, pulsating, piercing, sometimes sharp or aching, dull or burning pains develop. A person complains that there is pressure, tugging, numbness, aching, and burning in the lumbar region, under the ribs. Such sensations intensify when breathing - sighing, when inhaling, exhaling, as well as when coughing, pressing on certain points on the back, chest, spine, when tense, changing body position.

During attacks of neuralgia, there is tingling under the chest, periodic muscle twitching, pallor or redness of the skin, and severe sweating.

Patients with neuralgia often ask doctors what is on the left side of a person, since the pain often radiates under the shoulder blade, is felt under the heart, in the abdominal area from above, in the upper back under the shoulder blade, and also in other places when pressed. There is a feeling that it is cutting, “getting in the way” and twitching in different places.

Painful sensations appear at any time of the day, and in those places where they were damaged nerve pathways, numbness is noted.

Pain on the left with cardiac pathologies

In the area of the heart, burning pain is not always associated specifically with cardiac pathologies, because a person may be bothered by organs located under the heart. However, if aching pain appear on the left, under the left nipple, simultaneously with shortness of breath, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and this occurs both during exercise and at rest, the development of heart disease can be suspected. The patient may feel heaviness and burning under the sternum. Similar symptoms may appear with coronary heart disease. If the coronary arteries are damaged, the blood supply to the heart muscle is disrupted, causing the development of ischemia.

What hurts in the left side below the ribs is also of interest to those who suffer from cardiomyopathy. This is a series of diseases in which heart function is impaired, but is not noted arterial hypertension, pathology of the valve apparatus, heart vascular diseases. In patients with cardiomyopathies, the heart muscle changes structurally. As a result, a person becomes more tired, colic and a feeling of pain develop during physical activity.

Pain on the left in diseases of the spleen

If pain occurs on the left side, one may suspect that the person’s spleen is bothering him.

Where is this organ located and how does it hurt? The spleen is fragile and ruptures easily, so pain develops with any pathological condition this organ. If the spleen hurts, symptoms of its slight enlargement are difficult to detect, especially in overweight people, since the spleen in humans is located deep in the hypochondrium on the left.

Location of the spleen in the human body

Splenomegaly (that is, enlargement of the spleen) is noted when infectious mononucleosis and other diseases, the causes of which are infectious lesions. But with this disease, the patient also exhibits fever, muscle pain, intoxication, enlarged lymph nodes and liver.

In the body, the spleen performs different functions, being the largest lymph node, the thinnest blood filter and the largest conglomerate of reticuloendothelial tissue.

Hypertrophy of the spleen occurs if it performs its functions in an enhanced mode due to infectious diseases, hemolytic anemias, immune complex diseases. Its increase in size as a result of this is sometimes the answer to the question of why a person’s spleen hurts.

In addition, there are other reasons why the spleen hurts. The reasons for this may be tumor, trauma, infiltration, developmental defects. The most acute pain occurs after an injury or blow, which leads to rupture of this organ. What to do if this happens, the doctor should determine as soon as possible. When the spleen ruptures, the skin near the navel is also blue, and the pain radiates to the back area. Once such symptoms have been noted, emergency assistance must be called immediately.

Pain on the left in diseases of the pancreas and stomach

It should be remembered: if the left side of the abdomen hurts, it may also be a symptom of ailments of the stomach and pancreas.

Location of the pancreas in the human body

Manifestations of gastritis occur in most people. The gastric mucosa is very sensitive to the action of irritants, of which modern foods contain very large quantities.

With gastritis in the hypochondrium area, aching pain, belching, nausea develops, sometimes the stomach growls, seethes, and pulsation is felt. Epigastric pain, vomiting, a feeling of pressure, and heaviness develop. The listed signs appear in children and adults most often after eating. With gastritis, the patient is also concerned about pallor, dry mouth, feeling of weakness, constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating.

For gastric ulcers

The symptoms of this disease are similar to those of gastritis. Signs depend on how severe the disease is. But with a stomach ulcer, pain usually occurs after eating.

With an ulcer, the patient is worried not only by severe colic, but also by vomiting, loss of appetite, belching, heartburn, rumbling and gurgling in the stomach.

With a perforated ulcer, colic in the lower abdomen and in the hypochondrium area turns into a sudden dagger pain, why does a person may lose consciousness.

For diseases of the pancreas

What is located in a person’s left side under the ribs also worries people suffering from pancreatitis. With this disease, strong girdling pain appears on the left under the ribs above and slightly below. This condition is characterized by vomiting with bile, bitterness in the mouth, and nausea. Sometimes the pain is so intense that a person has to sit bent over. The stool may become lighter and the urine may become darker.

If the disease progresses to chronic form, pain mainly occurs after the abuse of junk food and alcohol. Oncological processes in the pancreas are very difficult to establish, since at the beginning of the disease the symptoms are almost invisible.

For oncological diseases of the digestive system

In the early stages, oncological processes can occur with mildly expressed symptoms. Therefore we should be wary different symptoms, especially if they develop frequently or occur in older people. Periodic tingling - if it pulsates and tingles in the lower abdomen or above, weakness, constant lack of appetite, anemia, rapid satiety, constant seething and periodic pain in the stomach, regular alternation of diarrhea and constipation - all this is a cause for concern. It is also necessary to immediately consult a doctor if a lump or lump appears in this area.

But if any of these symptoms appear constantly, only a doctor should draw conclusions about the disease and prescribe treatment.

Pain in the hypochondrium in women

Unlike men, in women such sensations may be a consequence physiological processes. Sometimes it stings in the left side during pregnancy, in the period before menstruation.

Why it hurts in the left side of the lower abdomen during pregnancy can be easily explained by physiology expectant mother. A number of organs located in the left side of the lower abdomen are subject to pressure from the enlarging uterus. Therefore, during pregnancy, especially in the last stages, periodic pain is observed, both in the upper and lower parts of the hypochondrium. Sometimes the pain intensifies when the fetus moves. But, as a rule, it is easy. Rumbling in the intestines may also bother you, and your stomach often rumbles.

It happens that before the onset of menstruation, women produce a lot of sex hormones in their bodies, resulting in a spasm of the bile ducts. The woman notes nausea and bloating, pain in the left side of the abdomen. In this case, you need to consult a gynecologist.

What should you do if you experience pain?

If pain in the left hypochondrium bothers the patient, and the diagnosis has not yet been established, you should initially contact a therapist who can determine which specialist should be contacted next.

Sometimes it takes a challenge emergency care and subsequent hospitalization. This should be done in the following cases:

with sudden acute pain;
for aching pain that does not go away within one hour;
with stabbing pain during movement that does not go away for about 30 minutes;
at dull pain and vomiting with blood.

Self-medication is unacceptable. It is especially important not to warm the hypochondrium with a heating pad, as such actions can aggravate the course of the disease. Drugs that relieve spasms can disrupt the overall picture and complicate the diagnosis. A cold compress can be used.

The left side hurts under the ribs in front - what to do? For what reasons can the left side hurt under the ribs in front?

Abdominal pain is ubiquitous in medical practice.

Rhythm modern life, features of the human diet cause all sorts of malfunctions in the functioning of organs gastrointestinal tract.

In other cases, there are pathological processes affecting the female reproductive system.

It is not easy for the average person to understand the causes of discomfort: they are too numerous.

The more difficult it is to distinguish harmless conditions from pathologies, life-threatening and health.

In order to identify dangerous manifestations of various conditions in time and not get confused when the question concerns further actions, you need to arm yourself with some knowledge.

Left side hurts under the ribs in front: causes

Pain in the left side is an informative symptom. However, it can be due to a huge number of reasons. In the vast majority of cases, we are talking about problems with the gastrointestinal tract. In women, the situation is more complicated: pathologies of the reproductive system cannot be ruled out. What reasons can we talk about:

Stomach diseases. First of all, we are talking about the notorious gastritis. Gastritis is an inflammatory lesion of the gastric mucosa. The pain syndrome with gastritis is intense, discomfort is localized in the epigastric region (in the center, just below the chest) and the left side. Gastric ulcers have similar manifestations. They can only be distinguished using endoscopic examination.

Diseases of the large intestine. First of all, this is “fashionable” irritable bowel syndrome. Strictly speaking, IBS is not organic lesion intestines. It is conditioned psychosomatic reasons, but is accompanied by a lot of discomfort. Often the pain is localized in the area sigmoid colon(on the left under the ribs). Intense pain accompanies inflammation of the sigmoid colon (sigmoiditis), colitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the colon), neoplasms of the organ (not always malignant), colic, etc.

Pancreatitis. Inflammation of the pancreas. It is not always easy to distinguish pancreatitis from gastritis, however, pain with inflammatory damage to the gland is much stronger.

Kidney pathologies. Left kidney located in anatomical proximity to the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, so the localization of pain cannot always be accurately determined. Kidney pathologies can cause referred pain. Among them: glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, urolithiasis, etc.

Pneumonia. It may seem strange, but pneumonia (especially lower lobe) is accompanied by pain in the left side.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system. Dull or burning pain in the left side and behind the sternum may indicate a heart attack, an attack of angina, or the development of coronary heart disease.

As you can see, the list is impressive. In women, there are even more reasons why the left side hurts under the ribs in front. Many problems with the reproductive system are characterized by pain:

Ovarian lesions. Inflammation, ovarian rupture, torsion. All ovarian lesions are accompanied by intense nagging pain (if the left ovary is affected, the pain radiates to the left side).

Endometriosis. It is the growth of tissue of the endometrial layer of the uterus beyond the organ. It occurs mainly in older people.

For obvious reasons, it is impossible to independently understand the sources of the problem. You need to have special medical knowledge. However, it is necessary to know how certain diseases manifest themselves and severe conditions to react in time.

Left side hurts under the ribs in front: associated symptoms

You need to listen carefully to your own body so as not to miss important signals. Fortunately, pain is never without companions. This facilitates diagnosis and gives the patient the opportunity to determine that something is wrong with the body.

Stomach diseases are almost always accompanied by dyspeptic symptoms: heaviness in the stomach, indigestion, heartburn, and belching. Pain in diseases of the stomach is pressing, bursting. Stool disorders are rare. However, distinguishing a stomach ulcer from gastritis, as already mentioned, is not easy.

Intestinal pathologies. Accompanied characteristic manifestations. The leading manifestation is stool disorders. In this case, there may be both diarrhea and constipation (and sometimes their alternation). The stool may contain streaks of blood, white ribbon-like mucus, or pus. Flatulence occurs without stool disturbances, but with intense release of gases. Unfortunately, the only thing that can be done when such symptoms are detected is to detect problems in the intestines. A specific disease can only be determined using endoscopic examination.

Kidney diseases. It is difficult to determine them because renal pathologies in the early stages they can masquerade as other diseases. Accompanied by urinary disorders.

Pain radiating to the jaw left hand- this is a reason to be wary. This is how heart disease manifests itself (including heart attack).

Pain in the left side under the ribs in front: diagnosis

The first thing a patient should do when discovering discomfort in the left side is to consult a doctor. You can only suppress the symptoms on your own, but not cope with the root cause. In case of high-intensity pain, if the pain is “dagger-like” in nature, you should not hesitate to call an ambulance: it could be a heart attack, perforated ulcer, acute pancreatitis, etc. Many conditions pose a direct threat to life and are fraught with death. In all other cases there is no urgency, but it is recommended to see a doctor at the first opportunity. Who to contact:

Therapist (the first person to contact).

The diagnostic strategy is developed by the doctor based on the symptomatic complex.

In general, diagnostics includes:

Anamnesis collection (patient interview). The doctor asks standard questions regarding the patient’s well-being, his complaints, etc. Taking an anamnesis is especially important when diagnosing gynecological diseases, so you should not hide anything: this is not a case when you can be shy, embarrassed, etc. The doctor must know about the patient’s condition All.

Palpation. The doctor “probes” potentially problematic areas to identify pain reaction, determining the size and structure of organs.

Contrast radiography of the stomach and intestines.

Endoscopic studies. FGDS to assess the condition of the gastric mucosa (allows you to accurately exclude gastric neoplasms, determine the degree and nature of damage to the organ mucosa). Colonoscopy is the only possible and most informative method for diagnosing intestinal pathologies (from colitis to tumors). Laparoscopy - prescribed for suspected ectopic pregnancy (only if indicated).

Ultrasonography. It is used to assess the condition of organs in all possible diseases.

Laboratory research. A general blood test makes it possible to detect the presence of a focus of inflammation: leukocytosis and increased ESR are characteristic of almost any inflammation, eosinophilia accompanies autoimmune (including allergic) processes. In children allergic reactions may appear intestinal disorders, therefore, a general blood test is especially important in examining young patients. Also, a general blood test makes it possible to distinguish an ectopic pregnancy from other types of pathological processes: pregnancy is not characterized by an increase in the level of leukocytes and ESR. A general urine test and blood biochemistry are necessary to assess the condition of the kidneys, liver and pancreas.

Cardiogram, ECHO KG.

Left side hurts under the ribs in front: treatment

If the left side hurts under the ribs in front, it is not the pain that should be treated, but its cause. It is in the hands of the patient to help himself, but it is important not to overdo it: pain can be relieved with antispasmodics (No-shpa, Drotaverine, Duspatalin, etc.). In exceptional cases (if the pain does not go away), you can take an analgesic. But this will not solve the problem. Treatment should be carried out by a specialized specialist.

Depending on the specific disease, treatment can be either conservative or surgical.

Conservative treatment consists of taking several groups of medications:

Antispasmodics. They are used to relieve spasm (muscle contraction) of the smooth muscles of the organ. Among them: Maksigan, Baralgin, Spazgan, No-shpa, Duspatalin, etc. Self-administration is acceptable (within reasonable limits).

Analgesics. Designed to relieve pain: Maxicold, Colfarit, Novalgin, etc. It should not be taken uncontrollably.

Anti-inflammatory drugs. Appointed when inflammatory lesions internal organs: Ketorolac, Nise, etc.

Antibacterial drugs. They are used if the disease is caused by an infection. Specific names are selected by a specialist.

Antacid drugs. The task of antacid drugs is to reduce acidity gastric juice with gastritis. Some names: Gastrofarm, Gastal, Rutacid, etc.

Carminatives. Designed to combat increased production of intestinal gases. The problem of flatulence is especially relevant for children and people suffering from gastrointestinal diseases. Prescribed: Almagel, Espumisan, etc.

Diuretics. Otherwise called diuretics. They are prescribed for confirmed kidney pathologies. Self-administration of diuretics is unacceptable: side effects develop frequently and are dangerous.

Surgical treatment is prescribed in a limited number of cases:

For tumors (benign, malignant).

If the cause of pain is a hernia (for example, a hernia of the diaphragm).

With a majority gynecological pathologies(ovarian torsion, ectopic pregnancy). In addition to traditional abdominal operations In recent years, endoscopic, minimally invasive interventions have been increasingly practiced.

In case of violation of the anatomical integrity of an organ (rupture of the spleen, stomach, perforated ulcer, etc.).

Pain in the left side under the ribs in front in children

The causes of pain in children are the same as in adults. There are no major differences in either diagnosis or treatment strategy. However, according to medical statistics, pain in children is caused by three leading reasons:

Development of appendicitis (oddly enough, in children pain often radiates to the left side).

Other reasons are less common, but they cannot be excluded. Fortunately, many gastrointestinal diseases in patients younger age are easier and are more often treated on an outpatient basis.

There are many diseases that provoke pain in the left side. Many are life-threatening. Without special medical knowledge, there is no chance to understand such a variety of pathologies, so you cannot do without the help of a doctor. Timely contact with a specialist is the key to a favorable outcome for any, even the most serious, illness.

Why does my left side hurt?

The pain that bothers you on the left side can strike at the most unnecessary moment. What is this symptom? Our internal organs are constantly exposed to bad environmental factors - ecology, junk food.

When your left side hurts, it is first important to identify all the accompanying symptoms, and from them find out what exactly is bothering you.

There are many organs and tissues on the left, so it is impossible to clearly establish the cause. To understand why it appeared, you need to establish its specific location. It happens that discomfort can occur in several areas at once, for example, the ribs and lower abdomen. It depends on where the pain occurs and what its nature is, which organ is affected. Often this is the stomach, or pancreas, or liver, or intestines. We do not exclude other organs at all.

There is severe pain for completely different reasons:

pathologies of the genitourinary organs;
spleen diseases;
damage to the respiratory organs;
heart pathologies;
diseases of the peritoneal organs;
hernias;
nervous diseases;
blood pathologies;
endocrine disorders.

In pregnant women

During pregnancy, it is necessary to react to this immediately. Pregnant women should urgently visit a doctor if:

acute attack of pain against the background wellness;
if the discomfort lasts more than thirty minutes;
if pain increases;
if it is accompanied by pallor, lethargy, fainting, and bleeding from the uterus.

All of the above symptoms in pregnant women may indicate a threat of pregnancy failure. In the first weeks of pregnancy, such minor pain can be caused by the growth of the uterus, which is trying to move neighboring organs. For example, the neighboring intestines may hurt. However, it is best to discuss this with your doctor.

Stomach diseases that can manifest themselves this way:

For him, nagging pain, gag reflexes, nausea, and attacks of heartburn are possible. Signs are felt more strongly in the acute form. With this disease, there may be pain on the left side, often after eating or during eating. Then a feeling of compression and heaviness of the stomach appears in the stomach, belching. The following series of general symptoms appears: lethargy, nervousness, irregular heartbeat, drowsiness, increased sweating after eating, anemia, decreased sensitivity of the limbs.

The strength and severity of symptoms depends on the duration of the disease. The ulcer makes itself felt in the event of heartburn with sour belching. Patients may notice weight loss and may vomit or feel sick after eating. A perforated ulcer poses a particular threat. When it is present, a hole appears in the wall of the stomach. This situation requires emergency medical attention.

In the early stages of the disease there are no symptoms. Then chronic pain appears, but it is not associated with snacking. A tumor can be suspected if there is no appetite, an aversion to meat appears, weight loss occurs, anemia occurs, satiety occurs too soon, constant feeling overeating.

The most harmless problem of all listed. Occurs more often from overeating.

If the left side of the abdomen hurts, it is important to consider that the abdomen is not a separate body, rather denotes an anatomical part of the body. Inside there are many organs and various tissues, so any of them could be the causative agent.

When a person begins to experience sharp, intolerable pain in the left abdomen, you need to take this seriously. The person urgently needs medical help, as there is a threat to his life. There are hollow organs of the peritoneum. As a result of their damage, inflammation, complications of patency, organs will become clogged or, on the contrary, rupture. Without medical assistance in this case, the patient may die. Therefore, if acute pain on the left or in the entire abdominal area does not go away within thirty minutes, you should urgently call an ambulance.

Even if the patient has own versions reasons why his stomach may be hurting are best discussed with a doctor or in an ambulance. Such pain can be a symptom of acute surgical diseases of the peritoneal organs and require emergency surgery.

In the lower abdomen in women

This symptom is common to many women's diseases. Its nature can be sudden or physiological. You need to take it especially seriously if it has been going on for a long time or if the acute pain has arisen suddenly, or a feeling of “acute abdomen” has appeared. Each of these signals in a woman is alarming and requires immediate consultation with a doctor. It is urgently necessary to undergo an ultrasound scan of the abdominal organs and female reproductive system.

The location and image of pain play a significant role in establishing the correct diagnosis. The attack can be acute and also aching. In men, this can spread to the entire peritoneum, back and genitals. The left groin can be bothersome due to inflammation of the genitourinary system, renal colic, tumors in genitourinary system, intestinal obstructions.

Urolithiasis can also cause similar pain.

As with left-sided pain, from below in women, the problem may be with the gastrointestinal tract, problems with the genitourinary system. In other cases, attacks and sharp pains in the groin area may indicate lead poisoning or disorders of the body's lipid metabolism.

Left back pain is one of the most recurring symptoms. Sometimes it is provoked by both problems of the spine and pathologies of internal organs. They are primary and secondary. Primary attacks cause problems with the spine.

The causes of secondary pain can be attacks:

angina pectoris
pneumonia,
pleurisy,
aneurysms,
pancreatitis,
renal colic,
pyelonephritis,
diseases of the reproductive system.

There are quite a lot of diseases accompanied by this symptom. Some can be life-threatening. Therefore, you should not take painkillers, it is better to consult a therapist and identify the true cause.

This kind of pain after eating under the rib warns of problems with the heart, stomach, pancreas, and spleen. It can be cutting, dull, sharp, spasmodic. It is important to determine character and strength. Such information will help the doctor make the correct diagnosis. There are also understandable causes of pain on the left after eating:

More serious reasons such pain after eating;

gastritis;
peptic ulcers;
acute pancreatitis;
chronic pancreatitis;
dysfunction of the diaphragm.

Frequent attacks after snacks indicate problems in the patient’s lifestyle, this is a consequence of his bad habits and constant stress. To prevent them from happening again, you should eat well and take care of your health.

What to do? Pain in the left side may be the sum of all conditions that could cause pain in this area. All of them require urgent medical attention, especially if it occurs in a child. You shouldn't even try to cure it yourself.

Self-medication can be not only useless, but also life-threatening.

What can cause pain in the left side in men?

There are situations when even the stronger sex of humanity encounters painful sensations in the left side, which is quite exhausting and unsettling. The causes of pain can be banal overeating or not entirely healthy eating, abuse of alcoholic beverages and sedentary lifestyle life. If the intensity of the unpleasant sensations constantly increases, the cause is likely to lie in a serious illness that requires immediate treatment. Why can the left side and hypochondrium hurt in men, what pathologies is this associated with, and in what situations requires immediate attention? medical assistance, we will analyze further.

Causes of pain in the left hypochondrium

There are two groups of factors that provoke pain in the left side:

External reasons that are sufficient long time have a detrimental effect on the body, causing pain and discomfort. These include:

frequent smoking;
poor nutrition and abuse fatty foods, which is harmful to the pancreas and liver;
working in a hazardous enterprise where there is direct contact with toxic substances;
a sedentary lifestyle, as a result of which obesity develops and the load on the entire body increases.

Pathological diseases that cause acute shooting pain in the left side have the following causes:

pancreatitis;
gastritis;
peptic ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract;
inflammatory processes in the kidneys;
cirrhosis of the liver;
cholecystitis;
acute appendicitis;
oncological diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
diseases of the cardiovascular system;
hernias of various etiologies.

At initial examination The doctor palpates the patient, assessing the location of the pain, as well as the body’s reaction to a certain pressure force. Because the common reasons Since the occurrence of painful sensations in the side is found in the reference literature more often, we will not dwell on them, having examined in more detail purely male diseases that provoke pain in the left side.

The main diseases of men that provoke pain

Among the “purely male” diseases that can provoke pain and discomfort in the left side, there are 10 most common ones. Let's look at them in more detail.

Acute prostatitis

This disease is characterized by the presence of an inflammatory process of the prostate gland, caused by an infectious lesion, which results in the formation of pustular lesions that provoke pain. There are several types of prostatitis, differing from each other in the nature of infection and location.

The patient may experience symptoms such as:

dysfunction of urination: it is difficult or completely absent due to extensive inflammation and swelling of the prostate;
pain in the perineum during bowel movements;
increased body temperature;
symptoms of intoxication;
shooting, cutting pain in the lower abdomen, which radiates to the left hypochondrium;
sexual dysfunctions, lack of erection.

The following categories of men are at risk for acute prostatitis:

leading a predominantly sedentary, sedentary lifestyle;
having chronic diseases of the genitourinary system of an infectious nature;
do not have a regular sexual partner;
with hormonal dysfunctions due to the development of obesity or diabetes.

Prostatitis on early stages can manifest itself in the form of minor pain in the lower abdomen, which many men tend to endure and wait until it “goes away on its own.” But in some cases, when the inflammatory process of the prostate has reached its climax, the pain becomes unbearable, after which the strong half of humanity goes to the doctor for help.

Chronic prostatitis

The disease develops against the background of progressive prostatitis, which remains for a long time without proper treatment. The inflammatory process becomes chronic, periodically exacerbating. At chronic prostatitis pain can occur suddenly, having previous factors: hypothermia of the body, respiratory diseases, rare sex life. There is an aching, pulling pain in the lower abdomen, as well as in the perineum. The pain during defecation intensifies and can also radiate to the left hypochondrium. Most often it is the left side that hurts.

The danger of the chronic stage of this disease is that the inflammatory process can spread to all organs of the genitourinary system, causing widespread pain. Therapy in this case is intensive, aimed at destroying pathogenic microflora of the urinary tract.

Inflammation of the testicles

The inflammatory process in the testicles, called orchitis, is a consequence of the presence of extensive infection of the genitourinary system. Most often, orchitis develops against the background of other infections: mumps, gonorrhea, typhus, influenza, the causes of which are varied (from infection to weakened immunity).

There are also secondary causes for the development of orchitis:

trauma to the genitals and lower abdomen;
hypothermia of the legs and penis;
allergic inflammatory processes;
genetic predisposition if the father has chronic infections genitourinary system.

The primary symptoms of orchitis are as follows: the patient notes mild pain in the scrotum, which intensifies with palpation. After a few hours, during an acute course, the scrotum acquires a bluish tint and increases in size. All this is accompanied by acute shooting pain not only in the testicles themselves, but also in the lower abdomen and left hypochondrium. The left side hurts more than the right. Body temperature increases, general weakness and a feeling of fullness in the genitals are observed.

In the absence of timely treatment, orchitis can develop into a testicular abscess, in which the inflammatory process partially affects the lymphatic drainage system, after which irreversible processes, requiring complete or partial removal of the scrotum.

The inflammatory process in the testicular area itself is difficult to treat, so if primary signs and pain in the scrotum appear, you should immediately consult a doctor and begin treatment as early as possible.

Testicular torsion

Occurs due to volvulus spermatic cord, as a result of which the natural blood flow of the testicle is disrupted. In this case, the patient notes acute severe pain in the scrotum, which spreads throughout the entire abdominal cavity, extending to the left lobe.

Testicular torsion in most cases occurs suddenly and is characterized by an acute course with the following symptoms:

a sharp increase in body temperature;
pronounced pain syndrome;
pain in the hypochondrium, as well as in the lumbar region (lower left);
redness or blueness of the scrotum and penis;
swelling and swelling of the testicles;
pain shock.

In the first hours of the onset of the disease, it is important to provide medical assistance, which in most cases consists of surgical intervention. A small incision is made on the scrotum, through which the spermatic cord is truncated, normalizing the local blood supply. In the case where the torsion is insignificant, it is eliminated using external manual detorsion. Experienced surgeons, under the control of an ultrasound machine, use their hands to carry out certain manipulations to return the cord to its anatomical position.

People in the following categories are at risk for developing this pathology:

those who frequently experience genital trauma;
with existing inguinal hernias;
with oncological diseases in the peritoneum and hypochondrium;
with a predisposition and congenital pathologies(extended cord).

There are several types of torsions, which differ in severity from each other. Minor torsion or its primary signs, when the blood supply to the scrotum is only partially impaired, provokes moderate pain, which tends to intensify in the first hours. It is important not to endure the pain and drown it out with painkillers, but to go through full diagnostics and establish the causes of such sudden pain in the genital organs, which can radiate to the area of the left hypochondrium.

Inflammation of the epididymis

The disease is called epididymitis, characterized by the presence of an inflammatory process in the epididymis. This is accompanied by the following symptoms:

swelling and spastic throbbing pain in the scrotum (radiating to the left side);
increase in size of one testicle relative to the other (asymmetry);
hyperemia skin in the scrotum area and their cyanosis.

General symptoms may also occur:

increase in body temperature;
general weakness;
diffuse pain in the left side;
sometimes painful shock (with rapid inflammation).

Inflammation of the epididymis occurs against the background of the development of an active inflammatory process of the genital organs: ureaplasmosis, gonorrhea and syphilis. For patients with tuberculosis, this disease in most cases is chronic, constantly causing relapses.

The danger of the disease is that it completely disrupts reproductive functions, making men infertile. This disease can also cause sepsis, a blood poisoning that can lead to death if left untreated.

Inflammation of the spermatic cord

Pain in the scrotum is caused by extensive inflammation of the spermatic cord, which is provoked by bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms that enter here along with the blood. In most cases, funiculitis is the result of an extensive inflammatory process of the entire scrotum, which remained untreated for a long time, or has a chronic course.

The patient experiences aching pain in the scrotum itself, as well as in the lower abdomen. If the inflammation is ascending (through the penis up the urinary canals to the kidneys), shooting sharp pains may occur on the left side of the abdominal cavity. The nature of the pain directly depends on the severity of funiculitis. Chronic funiculitis provokes constant, but less pronounced pain.

The disease is marked by inflammation of the seminal vesicles located near the prostate. The role of these bubbles in the body is enormous. They are a kind of reservoir for storing prostate secretions, which in turn, during ejaculation, combines with sperm, providing sperm motility. The blisters are located deep in the prostate, so their inflammation occurs extremely rarely. The main reason is extensive inflammation of the prostate or the presence oncological diseases, against the backdrop of progression of which they decrease protective functions body.

Men experience dull, diffuse pain in the lower abdomen and perineum, which intensifies with palpation of the perineum and defecation. The pain may radiate to left side peritoneum and hypochondrium, since the prostate itself is densely dotted with nerve endings that are articulated with the nerve endings of the abdominal cavity.

Varicocele

It is characterized by varicose veins of the spermatic cord, in which there is a violation of natural blood flow. As a result, one testicle appears larger in appearance than the other. This pathology is not fatal, and can also accompany men throughout their lives. The pain, which occurs suddenly, is of a restrained nature, localized strictly in the scrotum area. In rare cases, when the varicocele is large in size, the pain may radiate to the peritoneum, mainly to the left side.

Prostate stones

Determine with precision why stones form in prostate gland impossible. Several factors influence their formation:

chronic inflammatory processes in the prostate;
congestion in the pelvic organs due to prolonged sitting in one place;
systematic use of medications of the sulfonamide group.

The symptoms of the disease are completely similar to those of prostatitis: moderate pain, aching, sometimes with colic. The only difference is the presence of bloody inclusions in the semen, which arise due to injury from ureteral stones.

The first sign of prostate stones is difficulty urinating, which is accompanied by severe pain. Immediate treatment is required as the stones can move through the channels with difficulty, but still block them.

Prostate cancer

Malignant tumors appear in the prostate, which disrupt the activity of the prostate gland. Moderate pain occurs, which spreads to the lower abdomen and can radiate into the abdominal cavity. Analgesics and antispasmodics do not reduce pain, so if you have difficulty urinating and pain in the genitals, you should immediately seek help from specialists.

Diagnostics

You cannot endure pain, therefore, at the first signs and suspicions of disease, you should immediately contact a urologist who will assess the condition men's health, and will also find the causes of illnesses using several research methods:

palpation and external examination;
Ultrasound of the prostate;
smear for culture from the urethra;
ejaculate examination;
cystoscopy.

Early diagnosis of pain in the hypochondrium and genitourinary system will help to avoid chronic diseases, and will also speed up the chances of a full recovery.

In most cases, if the disease is diagnosed in acute stage, conservative treatment methods can be used: drug therapy and physical therapy. At chronic course there is a high probability of surgical intervention. Recipes traditional medicine, which help eliminate the inflammatory process, are appropriate only as an auxiliary agent (but not the main one) in complex therapy. High probability of development adverse reactions indicates the need preliminary consultation with a specialist.

Judging by the fact that you are now reading these lines, victory in the fight against diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is not yet on your side.

Have you already thought about surgery? This is understandable, because the stomach is a very important organ, and its proper functioning is the key to health and well-being. Frequent abdominal pain, heartburn, bloating, belching, nausea, bowel dysfunction. All these symptoms are familiar to you firsthand.

But perhaps it would be more correct to treat not the effect, but the cause? Here is the story of Galina Savina, about how she got rid of all these unpleasant symptoms. Read the article >>>

Almost all parents are familiar with the situation when a child’s left side hurts or a stabbing sensation occurs in the left side of the abdomen. The syndrome is considered harmless when the child performs physical exercises - long runs after the ball, fast walking or active exercises. Short-term one-time events should not be a cause for concern. But if pain in the side occurs systematically, they require parental attention and medical consultation.

Physiological explanation of side pain

The physiological cause of discomfort in the left side is spasm of the abdominal muscles. An unpleasant feeling arises from oxygen starvation diaphragm. In case of shortage sufficient quantity nutrient the muscular septum cannot fully function, so the child says that he has pain in his left side. In other words, discomfort is caused by spasmodic tension and relaxation of the abdominal muscles or diaphragm.

You can prevent side pain during sports by doing a preliminary warm-up. Benefit muscular system will bring exercises that help stretch the fibers, strengthen them and increase elasticity. It is very important that physical activity is a constant hobby for the child, and not a one-time event that causes pain.

It is better to develop the optimal training program with an experienced instructor or physical education teacher. Exercises should be appropriate to the child’s age and abilities and not cause overwork.

Functional disorders leading to pain

In addition to the physiological factor, the answer to the question of why a child may have pain on the left side is diseases of the internal organs. On the left side of the body lie such important organs as the spleen and pancreas, as well as intestinal loops and part of the diaphragm. When a child complains of colic or pain in the left side, parents will not be able to identify the “culprit” themselves. The diagnosis will be made only by a doctor who will examine the baby as a whole, manually examine the problem area and study the test results.

Heart. Pain in the left side of the back, radiating to the arm or under the shoulder blade, indicates problems with the cardiovascular system. A cardiologist is involved in solving them.
Stomach and adjacent gland. If a child points to the center of the abdomen and says that there is colitis near the navel on the left side of the cavity, the symptom should be considered as a signal of dysfunction of the stomach or pancreas. Pain and colic due to gastrointestinal abnormalities are accompanied by heartburn, flatulence, nausea, and belching. The diagnosis is confirmed by ultrasound and other studies of the gastric pouch.
Ovaries. Pain in the lower abdomen on the left indicates diseases of the reproductive system in girls or the body’s preparation for menstruation. Hypothermia in childhood is fraught with adnexitis - inflammation of the ovaries. The gynecologist will give recommendations on health improvement.
Kidneys. Painful sensations at the waist level on the left side of the body warn of renal disorders. The paired organ becomes inflamed, filled with stones or sank. The disease is diagnosed by ultrasound and urine analysis.
Spleen. If you fall from a height and/or strong impact on the left side, the child may suffer from acute sharp pain associated with rupture of a delicate organ. Blue skin around the navel is a sign of hemorrhage.
Intercostal neuralgia. The occurrence of pain under the ribs is associated with compression or irritation of the nerves running in the left hypochondrium. The nature of the discomfort is varied. The pain can be sharp, burning, shooting, dull, etc.

Symptoms of pain in young children

Newborns, infants and children who cannot speak will not talk about their problems. Parents just have to carefully monitor their behavior and record any changes in their well-being. What external signs Will they help you understand what the baby has a tingle in the left side? The following points will definitely attract the attention of caring parents:

vomit;
diarrhea;
refusal to eat;
disturbing sleep;
causeless crying and moodiness;
lethargy or low physical activity.

Soreness forces the child to take atypical positions that alleviate the condition. Usually children curl up, pulling their knees towards their stomach or chest.

Famous doctor talks about abdominal pain in a child

Abdominal pain often occurs in children. Many questions cause parents to experience painful sensations in their babies in the left side under the ribs, which can be expressed as acute attacks or prolonged discomfort.

Sometimes these symptoms are accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. How to understand why your baby has pain in his side? What actions should be taken to relieve pain? Every adult should know that treating children without preliminary diagnosis can cause irreparable harm to their health.

Possible causes of pain in the left side in children

If a child has pain in the left side or lower abdomen, then first of all the cause of the pain should be determined. The most common source of discomfort can be muscle spasms belly. Babies often experience unpleasant painful sensations when malfunctions of the diaphragm occur. It makes movements during the respiratory act, but in case of insufficient oxygen supply, the work of the diaphragm is disrupted. At the same time, the baby feels sharp pain in the left or right side under the ribs. Most often it occurs as a result of intense physical activity, for example, after exercise or jogging.

No treatment is required for pain symptoms that occur during sports. To prevent the occurrence of diaphragm spasms, you need to warm up before starting classes.

Sports activities should be carried out daily, this will significantly reduce the likelihood of cramps in the right side, left or lower abdomen. Constant training helps develop and strengthen muscles. In this case, the level of physical activity should correspond to the age of the child.

The source of discomfort in the lower abdomen or side can be not only physiological factors. Acute or aching pains sometimes flare up when the structure of internal organs is abnormal, their activity is disrupted, or there are infectious lesions.

The following important internal organs are located on the left side of the abdominal cavity:

pancreas;
diaphragm (its left lobe);
spleen;
part of the intestine.

To identify the cause of pain symptoms in the abdomen, you need to examine the baby. To do this, the doctor must examine the patient using the palpation method and prescribe necessary tests. Medical diagnostics allows you to detect:

If adults understand that the baby’s side hurts not due to physical activity, then he should be shown to a doctor. Only a medical examination will help determine the real cause of the pain in the left side. Special attention need to pay attention to pain:

does not go away after bowel movement;
accompanied by an increase in temperature;
intense, paroxysmal in nature;
not disappearing for three hours.

Diagnostic methods

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To correctly determine the source of pain in the left side, you need to take the baby to the nearest clinic or hospital, where he will undergo a comprehensive diagnosis. Results only medical examination may serve as a basis for diagnosis.
The doctor prescribes a general blood and urine test for the child, and conducts an ultrasound of the internal organs located in the abdominal cavity. A visual examination of the baby allows you to assess the condition of his skin and mucous membranes. The doctor uses palpation to analyze the location of pain and its intensity. For a final diagnosis, examination by other specialists is sometimes required:
gastroenterologist;
gynecologist;
nephrologist;
surgeon

In some cases, a CT or MRI examination, as well as endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract, is prescribed. When determining examination methods, not only the symptoms of diseases are taken into account, but also the age of the baby.
Treatment options for your child
After a comprehensive examination of the patient, the doctor determines what treatment is necessary. If the pain is due physiological factors, then there is no need for treatment, in this case the doctor can only prescribe an analgesic to relieve the pain symptom.
However, the causes of abdominal pain in a boy or girl aged 5-10 years can be more serious. Depending on the nature of the pathology and the source of the problems, the baby may be prescribed one of the following types medical assistance:
When diagnosing chronic pathologies The doctor recommends that the child visit the sanatorium annually. General recommendations for serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are to limit physical activity, change the baby’s diet and daily diet, and avoid stressful situations and overexertion. Systematic walks in the fresh air will also bring benefits.
How to relieve pain in the left side?
Before starting treatment for pain in the left abdominal area, you need to examine the child to find out what causes these symptoms. Self-prescribing medications to your baby without diagnosis can worsen his condition, so self-medication in this case is strictly prohibited. If the stomach hurts so much that the child is unable to bear the pain, then the mother can give him a medicine that will reduce the pain. After this, you should immediately seek medical help.
Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will determine which type of treatment is most appropriate for the baby in this situation. Sometimes surgery may be required, in other cases it will be sufficient conservative treatment, which consists of a course of taking medications. The following can be used to treat a baby:
In addition to medications, physiotherapy methods can be used to treat pain in a child’s left side, physiotherapy, massage.
If the diagnosis shows that the baby has a hernia, then surgery is necessary. Surgical intervention is also required in the detection of benign and cancerous tumors and disturbances in the structure of internal organs.
Treatment with folk remedies can be used as auxiliary methods. For example, for gastritis, it is recommended to eat green apples; if there are liver pathologies, then corn silk will help; to treat the spleen, an infusion based on propolis is used.
After the course of treatment, pain should disappear. If the pain continues to bother the child, is present constantly or occurs periodically, then parents should contact the doctor again so that he can conduct additional diagnostics. A full examination of the baby may be required in a hospital setting.
What can't you do?
Parents should be aware that some of their actions in this case can seriously harm the child. If you have pain symptoms in the left side of the abdomen, it is prohibited to:
apply a heating pad and make a warm compress on the stomach, as there is a risk of developing peritonitis;
use medications that relieve pain and reduce fever, as this will complicate further diagnosis;
use an enema to cleanse the intestines;
give the child medications to soften the stool;
give any food or drink (the baby can only drink water), since if emergency surgery The child's stomach and intestines must be clean.

Only a doctor can determine the source of pain in the left side, so if the baby complains of abdominal discomfort, you should immediately contact your local pediatrician or call an ambulance. The specialist will examine the child, identify the source of discomfort, determine the need for additional diagnostics and prescribe appropriate treatment.

No parents are immune from the fact that their child may suffer from pain in the left side. Most often this manifests itself during various physical activities, for example, when running. If such cases are isolated, there is no reason to worry. But if the pain in the side is systematic, you should definitely contact a medical facility. After all, only a doctor, after a thorough examination of the child, can determine its causes. You may need to undergo necessary tests.

Symptoms

Quite often it appears in children who have not yet begun to speak and are not able to say what is bothering them. To determine this, parents should know the signs of this negative manifestation.

If a child has pain on the left side, the symptoms are as follows:

anxiety;
sudden crying for no apparent reason;
low mobility and lethargy;
diarrhea or vomiting;
poor sleep and refusal to eat.

In addition, if a child has pain in the lower left side, he can take a position in which the pain stops or becomes less severe. In particular, this is the “curl” position, when the baby sits with his knees tightly pressed to his stomach or chest.

Symptoms of pain in the left side also include protruding cold sweat, pale skin, muscle weakness abdominals. The last one is most important! If parents notice that their child's abdominal muscles are weak, they should immediately call an ambulance.

It is necessary to clearly understand that if a child regularly has pain in his left side, he should definitely contact the appropriate specialist. After all, in order to cope with it, it is necessary to accurately determine its causes and undergo a course of treatment.

What organs are located on the left side?

The left side contains the lung, heart, pancreas, diaphragm, spleen, part of the stomach and other important organs. If one of them malfunctions, pain may occur.

Of course, it is impossible to find out exactly which organ has the pathology without conducting appropriate medical research. This can only be determined by passing tests prescribed by your doctor.

Causes of pain

If a child has pain on the left side, then you need to not only know the location of the pain, but also its nature. There are three main types:

chronic;
acute;
false.

Chronic pain in the side is characteristic of any disorders digestive system. In particular, diarrhea, gastroduodenitis, gastritis. Similar pain may be associated with various stressful situations. For example, with overeating or starvation of a child, a change in diet or time of feeding. In such cases, the pain is short-lived. Parents are required to carefully monitor how many times a day and at what time the child eats.

Acute pain can be paroxysmal and sharp. It can be caused by various injuries, infections or pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

If the cause is a problem with the gastrointestinal tract, then stretching or compression of the intestinal muscles occurs, and the child has pain in the left side of the lower abdomen. This phenomenon is a direct signal to immediately contact a medical institution for surgical intervention. Of course, before this we should put accurate diagnosis. Please note that you should under no circumstances hesitate in such a situation, as the baby’s condition may worsen in a short time.

If a sharp pain in the baby's left side is caused by an infection, you should immediately consult a doctor. Its cause may be a hernia, colitis, or diverticulitis. Quite often the latter is typical for children with excess weight. This is due to the fact that the intestines are capable of “getting confused.” This can happen unexpectedly, for no apparent reason. It also stops suddenly. After pain in the left side caused by infection, the baby may experience loose stool and vomiting.

False pain in the side is associated with problems with organs located in the abdominal cavity. It can also be called “mirror” or reflex. If a child has pain on the left side, this may be a sign of pyelonephritis, pleurisy, diabetes mellitus, various diseases of the esophagus or an insect bite.

Pain in left side after eating

Quite often it can appear after eating. If in a child, this may be caused by pancreatitis, gastritis with low acidity, or a stomach ulcer. When parents and their child visit a doctor, they will need to describe in as much detail as possible exactly when the pain appears. For example, it can be caused by food intake, physical activity, hunger. This information is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.

Bottom line

If a child has pain on the left side, this may be caused by for various reasons, and its character may be different. If it is not isolated, but regular, you should immediately contact a medical institution for a thorough examination of the child, diagnosis and the necessary treatment.

If a child complains of abdominal pain, this is a reason for parents to be wary. The abdominal region (the area of the body from the lower ribs to the groin) contains about 10 vital organs; and discomfort can be caused by problems with any of them. What measures should be taken caring parents to help the baby? First of all, adults have to find out from the baby where the main focus of his pain is localized - on the right or left.

Causes of abdominal pain on the right or left

Mild periodic pain in the sides and abdomen is the norm for those who play sports and regularly receive physical activity. Sometimes cramps of a similar nature occur when overeating or after taking certain medications.

When a child complains of abdominal discomfort or tingling under the ribs, parents should remember in detail what the child did during the day. If the child has not been overly active, has not overeated or taken medications, adults should be wary. Abdominal pain may indicate problems with internal organs.

Abdominal pain may indicate problems with one of the internal organs

Acute conditions

“Acute” refers to conditions that require immediate medical intervention. This category may include any pathology of the abdominal organs beyond the stage of remission, but most often the cause of the crisis is a recent injury. Symptoms of an “acute abdomen” traditionally include:

cramping pain;
tension of the peritoneal muscles, clearly noticeable upon palpation;
a sharp change in the character of the stool.

What exactly worries the child and what pathology should be suspected in the first place is determined by additional signs. You can get acquainted with them in detail in the specialized medical literature. Young parents should especially carefully study articles about diseases that most often cause acute abdominal pain in children under 8 years of age:

appendicitis and peritonitis (we recommend reading:);
cholecystitis;
acute pancreatitis;
intestinal obstruction (we recommend reading:);
hepatic and renal colic;
urolithiasis in the acute stage.

Chronic diseases

The chronic category usually includes any disease whose symptoms bother a person for 3 months or more. As for pain in the abdominal cavity and in the left or right side under the ribs, there are only a few pathologies that contribute to the long-term manifestation of the symptom:

ulcer;
gastritis;
duodenitis;
cholecystitis.

Each of these diseases requires complex comprehensive treatment and long-term observation by specialists. If you suspect any of these problems, adults should immediately discuss their concerns with their pediatrician.

Neurotic (functional) pain

Children under 5 years of age are more likely to fake pain than actually suffer from any pain. serious illnesses. Why is this happening? By telling them that they have pain in their right or left side, children attract the attention of adults or try to get what they want from them.

Classic example - paroxysmal pain in the lower abdomen and in the scrotum of a boy, spontaneously arising every time the baby does not want to go to kindergarten, and suddenly passing when the parents decide to leave the child at home. Convincing complaints of pain in the left hypochondrium, often mistaken for heart problems, are also not uncommon.

Simulation by a child feeling unwell not always realized. Against the backdrop of stress, many little boys and girls actually begin to experience abdominal pain every time a psychologically traumatic factor appears on the horizon. Fortunately, such neurotic conditions are completely curable. The main thing is to seek help from a qualified child psychotherapist in a timely manner.

Diagnosis of pathologies for abdominal pain

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How are pathologies of the abdominal organs diagnosed? What does the phrase “the child’s left side hurts” tell the doctor? Surprisingly, even such meager information will be enough for an experienced pediatrician to figure out where exactly to look for the problem.
Depending on what hurts the baby - the left or right side or lower abdomen - the baby will be prescribed appropriate tests and additional examinations. If there are difficulties with diagnosis, the doctor may ask the child’s parents for help in collecting anamnesis. Adults will be instructed to keep a diary for a couple of weeks, where they need to describe in detail:
daily routine and diet of the child;
frequency of manifestation and nature of the symptoms of the disease (for example, how often did the left side hurt and did the right side bother you, etc.);
measures taken to alleviate the condition of the baby.

To help doctors make a correct diagnosis, parents should monitor the nature of the pain and frequency of occurrence.
Emergency help for parents
What should parents do if their child complains of unbearable pain in the side under the ribs and clearly cannot wait for a doctor’s visit? Emergency situations when you should immediately call an ambulance will be indicated and discussed in detail below. First, it’s worth talking about folk remedies that can quickly relieve an attack of pain in the abdominal cavity:
Homemade yogurt. Discomfort in the lower abdomen may be a sign of problems with intestinal microflora. Natural fermented milk products will help replenish the number beneficial bacteria in organism. Yogurt is no less useful for those who have a sting in the side. Rich in vitamins and microelements, this product will help the body collect internal resources to fight any infection.
Ginger. The root of this plant stimulates metabolism and is good for pain and heaviness in the intestines caused by overeating. Due to the specific properties of ginger, it is strictly forbidden to give this product to children under 2 years of age. If necessary, it can be replaced with apple cider vinegar that is similar in effect, but safer.
Chamomile tea. The drink should be prepared in the proportions of 1 tablespoon of herb per glass of boiling water. Take a couple of sips three times a day. Chamomile, along with lemon balm and mint, has a relaxing effect and relieves abdominal cramps, regardless of the cause of their occurrence.
Hot water bottle (more details in the article:). Bottle with hot water placed on the stomach will speed up blood circulation and help relax muscles during spasm, and ice can be used for quick pain relief.

Chamomile tea is safe and effective remedy against abdominal pain of various etiologies
Any of these remedies should be used with caution. For example, warm heating pads should not be used for inflammation, but food products or grass, the baby may even be allergic.
“Is it worth the risk using traditional medicine? Isn’t it better to give the child a pharmaceutical analgesic?” - most parents will naturally ask in this situation. “No, not better!” - pediatricians answer.
Using medications to independently get rid of pain in the abdomen is one of the strictest taboos imposed by specialists. At a wrong time taken pill analgesics can create enormous difficulties in further diagnosing the disease, so parents should refrain from giving their child any medications without a doctor’s prescription. The same applies to laxatives used to alleviate the condition of overeating.
Doctors generally do not recommend self-medicating for abdominal cramps. Severe discomfort in the abdominal cavity may indicate the presence of a serious disease (in particular, it is this symptom that reveals colitis and other intestinal problems), requiring immediate contact with a specialist (see also:). It is important for parents not to get too carried away with folk remedies and make an appointment for their child to see a doctor on time.

Even the most effective methods traditional medicine cannot compete with qualified medical care
When is medical attention required?
Pain in the side or abdomen (on any side) is in any case a reason to consult a doctor. Especially if the spasms are sharp, difficult to bear, and the attacks themselves are repeated many times. Which specialist should you make an appointment with such symptoms?
First of all, responsible parents should take their child to the pediatrician. In most cases, the matter will be limited to a one-time examination of a small patient and prescribing appropriate treatment for him. If the doctor suspects the child serious problems with the abdominal organs, he will give the baby’s parents a referral to see another specialist (surgeon, gastroenterologist, etc.).
There are, however, situations when it is not possible to wait for a scheduled visit to the pediatrician. Such cases are classified as emergencies and require an immediate call to an emergency medical service team.
In particular, parents of a preschooler should immediately seek professional help if their child:
the temperature rose sharply;
problems with bowel movements (constipation or diarrhea) and vomiting are observed;
traces of blood can be seen in the stool;
simultaneously with cramps, symptoms uncharacteristic of abdominal problems appear (for example, headache);
I recently had an abdominal injury.

There are also so-called “risk groups”. These patients should immediately receive specialized medical care, even if their abdominal cramps are not accompanied by other symptoms. alarming symptoms. In particular, infants under 3 months of age, as well as children with cancer of all ages may qualify for an immediate call to the emergency services.