Left side abdominal pain can range from mild discomfort to a serious medical emergency. While some cases may be related to indigestion, constipation, or muscle strain, others can be caused by conditions that require immediate medical attention, including kidney stones, diverticulitis, bowel obstruction, infections, internal bleeding, or problems involving the spleen.
At Medco ER Plano, our board-certified emergency physicians evaluate adults and children experiencing abdominal pain 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Using advanced on-site CT scans, X-rays, ultrasound, laboratory testing, and emergency diagnostics, we can quickly identify the cause of your symptoms and begin treatment without delay.
Abdominal Pain Emergency?
Visit Medco ER Plano immediately if abdominal pain is severe, worsening, accompanied by fever, vomiting, dizziness, blood in stool, or difficulty breathing.
Open 24/7 • Little to No Wait Time • Board-Certified Physicians
Table of Contents
- What Causes Left Side Abdominal Pain?
- Upper Left Abdominal Pain
- Lower Left Abdominal Pain
- Kidney Stones
- Diverticulitis
- Constipation and Digestive Causes
- When Left Side Pain Is an Emergency
- Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
- Emergency Diagnosis and Testing
- FAQs
What Causes Left Side Abdominal Pain?
The left side of the abdomen contains several important organs, including portions of the stomach, colon, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and intestines. Pain can develop from inflammation, infection, blockage, injury, or reduced blood flow affecting these structures.
Common causes include:
- Diverticulitis
- Kidney stones
- Urinary tract infections
- Constipation
- Gas pain and bloating
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Spleen disorders
- Pancreatitis
- Bowel obstruction
- Internal bleeding
- Abdominal infections
Upper Left Abdominal Pain
Pain located beneath the left rib cage may be related to the stomach, pancreas, spleen, or upper portion of the colon.
Possible causes include:
- Gastritis
- Stomach ulcers
- Acid reflux
- Pancreatitis
- Spleen enlargement
- Spleen injury
- Pneumonia affecting the lower lung
Upper left abdominal pain that becomes severe, causes difficulty breathing, or follows trauma should be evaluated immediately.
Lower Left Abdominal Pain
Lower left abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek emergency medical care.
Common causes include:
- Diverticulitis
- Constipation
- Kidney stones
- Urinary tract infections
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Bowel obstruction
- Abdominal infection
Persistent lower left abdominal pain should not be ignored, especially when accompanied by fever, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool, or worsening symptoms.
Kidney Stones and Left Side Abdominal Pain
Kidney stones commonly cause severe pain on one side of the abdomen or back. The pain often comes in waves and may radiate toward the groin.
Symptoms may include:
- Sharp abdominal pain
- Back or flank pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in the urine
- Painful urination
- Frequent urination
Large kidney stones can obstruct urine flow and require emergency treatment.
Diverticulitis: A Common Cause of Left Lower Abdominal Pain
Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the colon become inflamed or infected. It is one of the most common causes of lower left abdominal pain in adults.
Symptoms may include:
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal tenderness
Untreated diverticulitis can lead to abscesses, perforation, or serious infection.
Constipation and Gas Pain
Constipation and trapped gas can cause discomfort throughout the abdomen, including the left side. While often less serious, severe constipation can sometimes lead to bowel obstruction or significant complications.
Seek medical care if constipation is associated with severe pain, vomiting, abdominal swelling, or inability to pass stool or gas.
Can Left Side Abdominal Pain Be Serious?
Yes. While many cases are mild, some causes can be life-threatening.
Emergency conditions include:
- Internal bleeding
- Bowel obstruction
- Severe infection
- Sepsis
- Spleen rupture
- Pancreatitis
- Complicated diverticulitis
- Kidney obstruction
When Should You Go to the Emergency Room?
You should seek emergency medical attention immediately if left side abdominal pain occurs with:
- Severe or sudden pain
- High fever
- Persistent vomiting
- Blood in stool
- Black stools
- Blood in urine
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Abdominal swelling
- Pain following injury or trauma
How Medco ER Plano Diagnoses Abdominal Pain
Determining the cause of abdominal pain often requires advanced testing.
At Medco ER Plano, we provide:
- CT scans
- Digital X-rays
- Ultrasound imaging
- Comprehensive laboratory testing
- Urinalysis
- IV fluids
- Pain management
- Emergency physician evaluation
Our goal is to quickly identify serious conditions and begin treatment without the long wait times often experienced elsewhere.
Why Choose Medco ER Plano?
- Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Little to No Wait Time
- Board-Certified Emergency Physicians
- Advanced Diagnostic Imaging
- On-Site Laboratory Testing
- Pediatric and Adult Emergency Care
- Serving Plano and North Texas Communities
Areas We Serve
Medco ER proudly serves patients from:
- Plano
- Frisco
- Allen
- McKinney
- Richardson
- Murphy
- Parker
- North Dallas
Frequently Asked Questions
What organ is located on the left side of the abdomen?
The left side contains portions of the stomach, spleen, pancreas, colon, small intestine, and left kidney.
Can kidney stones cause left side abdominal pain?
Yes. Kidney stones commonly cause severe pain in the side, abdomen, back, or groin.
Can constipation cause pain on the left side?
Yes. Constipation and trapped gas may cause discomfort or cramping throughout the abdomen.
Is left side abdominal pain an emergency?
It can be. Severe, sudden, worsening, or persistent pain should be evaluated immediately, especially if accompanied by fever, vomiting, blood in stool, or dizziness.
Does Medco ER Plano treat abdominal pain?
Yes. We provide 24/7 emergency evaluation and treatment for abdominal pain using advanced imaging and diagnostic testing.
Visit Medco ER Plano Today
If you are experiencing severe or persistent left side abdominal pain, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen.
Medco ER Plano
3960 Legacy Dr.
Plano, TX 75023
Phone: (469) 392-4000
Open 24 Hours a Day • 7 Days a Week
Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you are experiencing severe abdominal pain or believe you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.
