How common is upper left abdominal swelling and what are the typical causes?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Upper left abdominal swelling is often caused by splenic infarction, which occurs when blood flow to the spleen is blocked, leading to tissue damage. Other potential causes include an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), stomach issues like gastritis, pancreatitis, kidney problems, or a hernia. Symptoms may include localized pain, tenderness, bloating, or fullness.

Because the causes of upper left abdominal swelling vary widely—from mild digestive concerns to serious conditions requiring urgent care—it's important to identify what's driving your symptoms before deciding on next steps. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you better understand possible causes and guide you toward the right level of care.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Upper left abdominal swelling is not very common, but it can happen. One possible cause is a splenic infarction, which means that part of the spleen doesn't get enough blood and gets damaged. This can lead to pain and swelling in the upper left side of the belly. Another case showed that pain in this area could be linked to other symptoms like coughing up blood, which might suggest a more serious condition.

Possible Causes of Upper Left Abdominal Swelling:

Splenic Infarction: This happens when the spleen doesn't get enough blood. It can cause pain and swelling in the upper left belly.
Associated Symptoms: Sometimes, upper left abdominal pain can come with other symptoms like coughing up blood, which could point to a more serious health issue.

If you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine whether you should seek immediate medical care.

(References)

Carvalho C, Milheiro A, Manso AC, & Castro Sousa F. (2013). Haemoptysis and left upper quadrant abdominal pain. BMJ case reports, 23420734.
Lawrence YR, Pokroy R, Berlowitz D, Aharoni D, Hain D, & Breuer GS. (2010). Splenic infarction: an update on William Osler's observations. The Israel Medical Association journal : IMAJ, 20928991.
Pragt-Weijer ME, Thunnissen RJ, de Langen ZJ, & Boomsma JH. (2001). [Abdominal pain and vomiting: a 4-year old boy with .... Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde, 11525092.

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