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Published on: 8/20/2026
Left-sided abdominal pain has several possible causes, including diverticular disease, constipation, kidney stones, gas, ovarian cysts, or in rare cases, left-sided appendicitis. The location, intensity, and accompanying symptoms (like fever, nausea, or changes in bowel habits) can help narrow down the cause. Because some conditions require prompt treatment, it's important to have a doctor evaluate persistent or severe pain to determine the exact cause.
Not sure if your symptoms warrant a doctor's visit? Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be behind your left-sided abdominal pain and guide your next steps. It takes just a few minutes, is developed with physicians, and gives you personalized insights to share with your healthcare provider — empowering you to make informed decisions about your health.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026
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There are a few different reasons why you might feel pain on the left side of your belly. One common cause is diverticular disease, where small pouches called diverticula in the colon become inflamed, causing pain that is often moderate to severe and lasts a long time. Sometimes, even though the appendix is found on the right side in most people, there are rare cases of left-sided appendicitis that can cause pain on the left. In older people, other conditions related to the bowel, such as constipation or changes in the gut, might also be involved. Pain in this area might also be accompanied by changes in how your bowel works or discomfort during daily activities. Since many conditions can cause pain in the left side of the abdomen, it is best to keep track of your symptoms and talk with a doctor. To help identify what might be causing your discomfort, you can start by taking a free symptom checker test before your appointment. They can perform tests like imaging studies to understand what is happening and decide on the best treatment to help you feel better.
(References)
Akbulut S, Ulku A, Senol A, Tas M, Yagmur Y. Left-sided appendicitis: review of 95 published cases and a case report. World J Gastroenterol. 2010 Nov 28;16(44):5598-602. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i44.5598. PMID: 21105193; PMCID: PMC2992678.
Tursi A, Elisei W, Picchio M, Giorgetti GM, Brandimarte G. Moderate to severe and prolonged left lower-abdominal pain is the best symptom characterizing symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease of the colon: a comparison with fecal calprotectin in clinical setting. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2015 Mar;49(3):218-21. doi: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000000094. PMID: 24583746.
Sim SS, Sun JT, Huang SY. Elderly Man With Left-Sided Abdominal Pain. J Acute Med. 2020 Dec 1;10(4):165-166. doi: 10.6705/j.jacme.202012_10(4).0007. PMID: 33489742; PMCID: PMC7814206.
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