What might cause severe abdominal pain on the left side?

Severe left sided abdominal pain may be caused by several conditions that affect organs and tissues in the left abdomen. Common causes include diverticulitis (inflammation of small pouches in the colon wall), kidney stones, or gastritis (stomach inflammation).

Other conditions that can cause severe left-sided abdominal pain include spleen issues like enlargement or rupture, as well as problems with the descending colon such as inflammatory bowel disease or bowel obstruction. Sometimes, the pain may also be related to musculoskeletal causes like pulled muscles or rib injuries. Some women may experience left-sided pain due to ovarian cysts or other gynecological conditions.

Left-sided appendicitis is an uncommon cause worth considering. While the appendix typically sits on the right side of the body, some people may be born with it on the left side instead. If becomes inflamed and infected (known as appendicitis), the pain will affect the left abdomen instead of the right.

Any severe pain that does not go away should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. To help identify what might be causing your symptoms, you can use our free AI symptom checker to get personalized insights before your medical appointment. Patients who are elderly or have weakened immune systems may be at higher risk for severe complications from conditions causing left-sided abdominal pain, particularly infections or inflammatory conditions. These patients should seek medical attention promptly if they develop severe pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms.