Upper Left Side of Stomach Swollen
Free Symptom Checker
with Physician-supervised AI
Worried about your symptoms?
Start the test with our free AI Symptom Checker.
This will help us personalize your assessment.
By starting the symptom checker, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Try one of these related symptoms.
Left lower rib swelling
Region below my left ribs feels swollen
Area below my left chest feels bigger
Left upper abdomen swelling
Left upper tummy swelling
Left hypochondriac region swelling
About the Symptom
The upper left area of the stomach is where the spleen is located. Other organs in the vicinity are the stomach, colon (part of the large intestine), and pancreas.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Swelling under left lower ribs
Possible Causes
Generally, Upper left side of stomach swollen can be related to:
- Portal Hypertension
A condition observed in advanced liver disease. Liver scarring compresses the blood vessels running through it and reduces their blood flood.
- Adult Still's Disease
A rare systemic inflammatory disease characterized by high fevers, a pink rash, sore throat and body aches that persist for weeks. The exact cause is unknown but is thought to be triggered by an infection. Some patients will have only one episode of it, while others may have several recurrent episodes.
- Liver Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis refers to scarring of the liver which results in abnormal liver function as a consequence of chronic (long-term) liver injury. There are many different causes including infections, alcohol abuse, inherited disorders, and fatty liver.
- Castleman's Disease / TAFLO Syndrome
- Alcohol-related liver disease
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Upper left side of stomach swollen may be related to these serious diseases:
- Infective Endocarditis
Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection of the heart muscle's inner lining (endocardium) caused by germs (bacteria, fungus) that then enter the bloodstream. Sometimes clumps of germs and blood clots can lead to damage of other organs throughout the body.
- Acute HIV Infection
- Acute Hepatitis
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Does the area below your left lower ribs feel stretched or swollen?
- How has the swelling sensation below your left lower ribs changed?
- How long have you felt stretching or swelling below your left lower ribs?
Reviewed By:
Samantha Nazareth, MD (Gastroenterology)
Board-certified gastroenterologist. Experience managing gastrointestinal conditions (GERD, IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s, celiac disease, NASH) within healthcare organizations (three ambulatory surgical centers, single-specialty practice, multi-specialty practice and solo practice).
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
Was this page helpful?
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
Just 3 minutes.
Developed by doctors.
Try Free Symptom QuizHow Ubie Can Help You
With a free 3-min quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
Your symptoms
Our AI
Your report
Your personal report will tell you
✔ When to see a doctor
✔︎ What causes your symptoms
✔︎ Treatment information etc.
People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Left hypochondriac swelling
Find Similar Symptoms
Similar symptoms or complaints
Symptoms from similar body parts
Symptoms treated by the same specialty
FAQs
Q.
How can I differentiate between muscle pain and organ-related pain in the left hypochondriac region?
A.
Muscle pain in the left hypochondriac region often worsens with movement and pressure, while organ-related pain may come with other symptoms like digestive issues or fever.
References:
Ecanow JS, & Gore RM. (2015). Evaluating Patients with Left Upper Quadrant Pain. Radiologic clinics of North America, 26526430.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26526430/
Loffeld RJ. (2002). [Painful rib syndrome: a cause of pain complaints that often .... Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde, 12382362.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12382362/
Morimoto D, Isu T, Kim K, Matsumoto R, & Isobe M. (2011). Unexplained lower abdominal pain associated with .... Journal of Nippon Medical School = Nippon Ika Daigaku zasshi, 21869561.
Q.
What diagnostic tests are used to investigate swelling in the left upper abdomen?
A.
Swelling in the left upper abdomen can be investigated with imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans, as well as blood tests to understand the underlying cause.
References:
Chand M, Thomas RJ, Dabbas N, Bateman AC, & Royle GT. (2010). Soft Tissue Metastases as the First Clinical Manifestation .... World journal of oncology, 29147193.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29147193/
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.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11525092/
Singh S, Singh A, Bhagat S, & Singh B. (2015). Retrograde Jejuno-gastric Intussusception. Nigerian journal of surgery : official publication of the Nigerian Surgical Research Society, 25838773.
Q.
What preventive measures can be taken to avoid swelling in the left upper abdomen?
A.
Preventing swelling in the left upper abdomen can be challenging without specific causes, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking medical advice when needed can help.
References:
Carvalho C, Milheiro A, Manso AC, & Castro Sousa F. (2013). Haemoptysis and left upper quadrant abdominal pain. BMJ case reports, 23420734.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23420734/
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.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11525092/
Singh S, Singh A, Bhagat S, & Singh B. (2015). Retrograde Jejuno-gastric Intussusception. Nigerian journal of surgery : official publication of the Nigerian Surgical Research Society, 25838773.
Q.
At what age does swelling on the upper left side of the stomach typically occur?
A.
Swelling on the upper left side of the stomach can happen at any age, but the cause can vary. It's important to see a doctor to find out why it happens.
References:
Lankisch PG. (1990). The spleen in inflammatory pancreatic disease. Gastroenterology, 2403954.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2403954/
Altenwerth FJ. (1994). [Treatment of an intermittent stomach volvulus using .... Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift (1946), 7988366.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7988366/
Joo YE, Kim HS, Choi SK, Rew JS, Kim HR, Cho CK, & Kim SJ. (2002). Internal hernia presenting as obstructive jaundice and .... Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology, 12229977.
Q.
Can stress contribute to left upper abdominal swelling?
A.
Stress is not directly linked to left upper abdominal swelling, but issues like spleen problems can cause swelling there.
References:
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.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20928991/
Shian B, & Larson ST. (2018). Abdominal Wall Pain: Clinical Evaluation, Differential .... American family physician, 30252418.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30252418/
Arora N, & Dhawan S. (2024). Splenic Abscesses in the Pediatric Population: A Literature .... Cureus, 39205713.
Q.
What are the risk factors for developing swelling in the left side of the upper abdomen?
A.
Swelling in the left side of the upper abdomen can be due to various causes like abdominal pathology or complications from surgery.
References:
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.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11525092/
Carvalho C, Milheiro A, Manso AC, & Castro Sousa F. (2013). Haemoptysis and left upper quadrant abdominal pain. BMJ case reports, 23420734.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23420734/
Chatterjee S, Nam R, Fleshner N, & Klotz L. (2004). Permanent flank bulge is a consequence of flank incision .... Urologic oncology, 14969802.
Q.
What are the warning signs that left upper quadrant swelling requires medical attention?
A.
If you have swelling in the left upper part of your belly, it could be a sign of a spleen problem or an issue with another organ in your abdomen.
References:
Lankisch PG. (1990). The spleen in inflammatory pancreatic disease. Gastroenterology, 2403954.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2403954/
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.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20928991/
Chand M, Thomas RJ, Dabbas N, Bateman AC, & Royle GT. (2010). Soft Tissue Metastases as the First Clinical Manifestation .... World journal of oncology, 29147193.
Q.
What medical conditions can cause my upper abdomen to swell?
A.
Swelling in the upper abdomen can be caused by conditions like bloating due to various conditions.
References:
Chang L, Lee OY, Naliboff B, Schmulson M, & Mayer EA. (2001). Sensation of bloating and visible abdominal distension in .... The American journal of gastroenterology, 11774947.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11774947/
Ebert EC. (2010). The thyroid and the gut. Journal of clinical gastroenterology, 20351569.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20351569/
Diehl AK. (1992). Symptoms of gallstone disease. Bailliere's clinical gastroenterology, 1486206.
Q.
What organs are located in the left hypochondriac region that could cause swelling?
A.
Swelling in the left hypochondriac region can be caused by issues with the spleen, stomach, descending colon or left kidney
References:
Chaudhry SR, Luskin V, & Panuganti KK. (2025). Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Spleen. Unknown Journal, 29489170.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29489170/
Ecanow JS, & Gore RM. (2015). Evaluating Patients with Left Upper Quadrant Pain. Radiologic clinics of North America, 26526430.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26526430/
Fujishita T, Akagawa N, Tsuji M, Miwa N, Mizushima Y, & Kobayashi M. (1994). [A case of subperitoneal tuberculosis revealed by abdominal .... Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai zasshi, 7807760.
Q.
What should I do if my upper left abdomen consistently feels swollen?
A.
Swelling in the upper left abdomen might be related to issues like irritable bowel syndrome and other pathologies. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.
References:
Corsetti M, & Whorwell PJ. (2015). Managing irritable bowel syndrome in primary care. The Practitioner, 26455114.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26455114/
Fernández-Bañares F, Rosinach M, Esteve M, Forné M, Espinós JC, & Maria Viver J. (2006). Sugar malabsorption in functional abdominal bloating. Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland), 16410032.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16410032/
Misery L, Duboc H, Coffin B, Brenaut E, Huet F, & Taieb C. (2019). Irritable bowel and sensitive skin syndromes. European journal of pain (London, England), 30076662.
Q.
When should I be concerned about pain in the left hypochondriac region?
A.
Pain in the left hypochondriac region can be caused by various conditions, some of which may require medical attention. If the pain is severe, persistent, or associated with other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider.
References:
Ecanow JS, & Gore RM. (2015). Evaluating Patients with Left Upper Quadrant Pain. Radiologic clinics of North America, 26526430.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26526430/
Aiyegbeni B, Jonnalagadda S, Creedon L, & Teibe A. (2021). Rare Cause of Left Upper Abdominal Pain. Prague medical report, 34137686.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34137686/
Bhattarai P, Pierr L, Adeyinka A, & Sadanandan S. (2014). Splenic Infarct: A Rare Presentation in a Pediatric Patient. JNMA; journal of the Nepal Medical Association, 26982903.
Q.
Why might the left side of my stomach appear more bloated than the right?
A.
The left side of your stomach might look more bloated due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or due to post surgical changes.
References:
Chatterjee S, Nam R, Fleshner N, & Klotz L. (2004). Permanent flank bulge is a consequence of flank incision .... Urologic oncology, 14969802.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14969802/
Corsetti M, & Whorwell PJ. (2015). Managing irritable bowel syndrome in primary care. The Practitioner, 26455114.
Ubie is supervised by 50+ medical experts worldwide
Our symptom checker AI is continuously refined with input from experienced physicians, empowering them to make more accurate diagnoses.
Ubie is recognized by healthcare and tech leaders
“World’s Best Digital
Health Companies”
Newsweek 2024
“Best With AI”
Google Play Best of 2023
“Best in Class”
Digital Health Awards 2023 (Quarterfinalist)
Which is the best Symptom Checker?
Ubie’s symptom checker demonstrated a Top-10 hit accuracy of 71.6%, surpassing the performance of several leading symptom checkers in the market, which averaged around 60% accuracy in similar assessments.
Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1