Doctors Note Logo

Published on: 8/20/2026

What could be causing my left side abdominal pain?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Left side abdominal pain can stem from a variety of causes, including digestive issues like constipation, gas, or diverticulitis, as well as problems with organs such as the kidneys, spleen, pancreas, or, in women, the ovaries. The pain may be sharp, dull, cramping, or persistent, and identifying the underlying cause is essential for proper treatment.

Because left side abdominal pain can range from minor to serious, understanding your symptoms early can help you make informed decisions about care. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to explore possible causes and get clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

answer background

Quick answers

Frequently Asked Questions

4 answers

The most common questions people search after this page

Concerned about your symptoms?

Start a symptom check

Explanation

Left side abdominal pain can happen for many reasons. It might be due to problems with your digestive system, like constipation or an upset stomach. Sometimes, it could be because of issues with organs like the spleen or kidneys.

Possible Causes:

  1. Digestive Issues: This includes constipation, gas, or inflammation in the intestines.
  2. Kidney Problems: Pain might come from kidney stones or infections.
  3. Spleen Issues: Sometimes, the spleen can become enlarged or injured.

What to Do:

  • See a Doctor: It's important to visit a healthcare provider to find out what's causing the pain.
  • Check Your Symptoms: You can start by using a free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes and understand when to seek care.
  • Tests: The doctor might do tests like an ultrasound to look inside your belly.

Remember, only a doctor can tell you exactly what's wrong, so it's best to get checked out if you're worried.

(References)

  • Hwang JA, Kim SM, Song HJ, Lee YM, Moon KM, Moon CG, et al. (2013). Differential diagnosis of left-sided abdominal pain. World journal of gastroenterology, 24187459.

  • Hollerweger A, Macheiner P, & Gritzmann N. (2003). Acute left lower quadrant abdominal pain. Ultraschall in der Medizin (Stuttgart, Germany : 1980), 12599037.

  • Expert Panel on Gastrointestinal Imaging, Weinstein S, Kim DH, Fowler KJ, Birkholz JH, Cash BD, et al. (2023). ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Left Lower Quadrant Pain. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR, 38040465.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.