Pain on the Left Side of the Body: What it could mean?

Everyone experiences abdominal discomfort at some point. While most causes are harmless and short-lived, certain types of abdominal pain can signal something more serious that requires medical attention. Understanding where the pain is coming from can help narrow down the cause and guide the right response.

What Exactly Is Abdominal Pain?

Abdominal pain refers to any discomfort felt in the area between your chest and pelvis. It can range from dull aches to sharp cramps, and often depends on the underlying issue. While many cases are minor—like indigestion or gas—others could point to infections, inflammation, or even organ problems.

Pain on the Left Side of the Abdomen

Lower Left Side:

The most frequent cause here is diverticulitis, a condition where small pouches in the colon become inflamed. This often results in intense pain and may require antibiotics or other treatments. Another potential cause is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which brings discomfort and changes in bowel habits.

Upper Left Side:

Pain in this region could stem from:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

• Pancreatic cancer

• Enlarged spleen

• Gastritis (stomach lining inflammation)

• Stomach ulcers or cancer

• Bile reflux

• Kidney stones or infections

Sometimes, upper left abdominal pain actually originates in the chest and may be related to:

• Heartburn or acid reflux

• Angina or heart attack

• Pericarditis (inflammation around the heart)

• Pleurisy or pneumonia

• Pulmonary embolism

Pain on the Right Side of the Abdomen

Lower Right Side:

Pain here often raises concern for appendicitis, which can become serious if untreated. In rare cases, it could also be appendix cancer.

Upper Right Side:

This area houses several large organs, and pain could be caused by:

• Liver conditions, including hepatitis and liver cancer

• Gallstones or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)

• Gallbladder cancer

• Kidney infections or stones

• Duodenal ulcers

• Large bowel obstruction

When to Call a Doctor

Reach out to your doctor if:

• The pain is intense, long-lasting, or recurring

• You can’t keep food or fluids down for over two days

• You’re showing signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness)

• You’re unable to have a bowel movement or urinate normally

• There’s pain during urination or increased urgency

Seek immediate medical help if:

• You’re vomiting blood

• Your stool is bloody or black and tarry

• You have persistent vomiting or swelling in your belly

• You’re pregnant and experiencing abdominal pain

• Your skin or eyes are turning yellow

• You’re losing weight without explanation

• You’re having difficulty breathing

There it is.