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Published on: 4/7/2025

When Should I Worry about Upper Left Abdominal Pain?

Seek medical attention for upper left abdominal pain if it's severe, persistent, or accompanied by concerning symptoms such as fever, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

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Explanation

Pain in the upper left abdomen typically stems from the stomach but may also be related to the spleen, colon, pancreas, or muscles. While the pain in this area is often mild and not serious, you should be concerned if it becomes severe, constant, or worsens over time. Pay close attention if you develop additional symptoms like high fever, vomiting, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or breathing difficulties. These warning signs could indicate an infection or organ injury—particularly to the spleen. If you've recently experienced trauma to your side and develop this pain, it may signal internal bleeding. Additionally, seek immediate medical attention if the pain interferes with daily activities or causes severe weakness. For your safety, have a doctor evaluate these symptoms, conduct necessary tests, and determine appropriate treatment.

(References)

  • Keenan CR, Dhaliwal G, Henderson MC, Bowen JL. A 43-year-old woman with abdominal pain and fever. J Gen Intern Med. 2010 Aug;25(8):874-7. doi: 10.1007/s11606-010-1372-3. PMID: 20440575; PMCID: PMC2896582.

  • Macaluso CR, McNamara RM. Evaluation and management of acute abdominal pain in the emergency department. Int J Gen Med. 2012;5:789-97. doi: 10.2147/IJGM.S25936. Epub 2012 Sep 26. PMID: 23055768; PMCID: PMC3468117.

  • Yew KS, George MK, Allred HB. Acute Abdominal Pain in Adults: Evaluation and Diagnosis. Am Fam Physician. 2023 Jun;107(6):585-596. PMID: 37327158.

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