Anyone can experience abdominal pain from time to time due to a variety of reasons. The pain varies from severe to mild, depending on the underlying cause. Usually, in the case of abdominal pain, doctors recommend an abdominal CT scan. It helps indicate the swelling or any other damage in the patient’s abdomen.
What is Left Upper Quadrant Pain?
LUQ stands for the left upper quadrant. The LUQ consists of the abdomen, chest, and diaphragm. An internal injury from a past or post-surgery wound results in causing severe upper left abdominal pain.
Moreover, the LUQ is a section of your abdomen with the following organs:
- Spleen
- Pancreas
- Stomach
- Left Kidney
- Colon (Large intestine)
- Liver smaller part
However, pain in the left upper abdomen is the discomfort happening in the belly region. There can be several reasons behind this pain. Usually, abdominal pain is categorized as a stomachache. However, this pain can result from swelling and discomfort in other organs of the LUQ.
What Causes Pain In Upper Left Abdomen?
Pain in the upper left abdomen is seen in several cases due to various underlying reasons. The abdomen has four quadrants which make identifying issues easier. LUQ stands for the left upper quadrant and consists of the abdomen, chest, and diaphragm.
There are several reasons behind pain in the upper left abdomen. The causes of this pain can vary from person to person. However, the intensity of pain varies from mild to severe. Here is the list of reasons causing pain in the left abdomen:
Abnormalities In Spleen
Spleen is one of the most critical parts of the human body. Reproduction of many essential human blood cells takes place in the spleen. Furthermore, blood filtration is the primary aim of the spleen. Also, storing platelets and newly formed blood cells is the secondary function of the spleen.
The problems with the spleen can also result in causing severe pain in the left side of the abdomen. The enlargement of the spleen is known as splenomegaly. In addition, abnormal spleen enlargement indicates blood-related cancers such as leukemia and lymphomas.
Abnormalities In Stomach
The stomach is the prime organ of the digestive system. In other words, the bowel is the other name of the stomach. However, problems in the stomach result in causing severe pain on the left side of the abdomen. Some of the issues with the stomach are:
- Ulcers
Stomach ulcers are known to cause severe pain under the ribs. In addition, it causes irritation and inflammation in the lower abdomen. However, the pain may worsen when you lay down to rest, mostly at night.
- Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is a digestive problem caused by bacteria. It is widespread and causes vomiting and diarrhea in the patient’s body. As a result of gastroenteritis, severe headaches, stomach cramps, and stomach are common symptoms in the patient’s body.
- Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis is the pouch and bag developed in the digestive system. As the name implies, diverticulitis is the inflammation of these pouches. However, the symptoms of diverticulitis are nausea, frequent urination, abdominal pain, swelling, and irritation.
- Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia is known as indigestion and doctors characterize it as severe and sometimes unbearable pain in the left abdomen. Heartburn and stomach bloating are the symptoms we often associate with indigestion.
- Abnormalities In Pancreas
A healthy pancreas is essential for keeping the digestive working perfectly. However, this is because various digestive chemicals are released that help the pancreas digest food. Besides helping with food digestion, the pancreas is essential in regulating blood sugar levels. Insulin and glucagon are the hormones that aid in balancing the blood sugar level.
- Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas is known as pancreatitis. However, pancreatitis is of two types: acute and chronic. The inflammation caused by the chronic condition is more severe than the acute one. However, the cure for this condition is mostly surgery.
Other Potential Causes Of Pain In Upper Left Abdomen
There can be several reasons for causing unbearable pain in the upper left abdomen. Besides these causes, there are some potential causes of severe pain in the upper left abdomen.
- Pneumonia
Inflammation of the air sacs of the pulmonary system is called pneumonia.
- Pneumothorax
A condition where the air fills in the space between the chest wall and lungs is pneumothorax.
- Pleurisy
A condition in which the pleural wall of the respiratory is damaged is called pleurisy. The pleural wall is made of a thin membrane that protects the lungs.
- Costochondritis
A condition that causes inflammation of the sternum is Costochondritis. The sternum is the wall that connects the ribs to the breastbone.
- Endocarditis
The inflammation of the endocardium of the heart is endocarditis. The endocardium is the inner lining of the heart.
Diagnosis Of Pain In The Upper Left Abdomen?
Left Upper Quadrant composes of some of the most critical vital organs of the body. In order to learn about the causes of pain in the left abdomen, it is essential to get a clear picture of the changes happening in the LUQ.
There are several ways to diagnose the pain caused in the left abdomen of the body. To begin with, the doctor will ask for a physical examination to confirm the location causing the pain. Later, the doctor conducts an abdominal CT scan.
CT scan shows the abdomen’s internal picture, which helps determine the inflammation or swelling. However, there are several other tests can help in diagnosing the reason causing pain in the left abdomen:
- Stool Test
- Urine Test
- X-rays
- Abdominal CT scan
- Ultrasound
- Endoscopy
Final Words
There can be several reasons for causing pain in the upper left abdomen. However, the pain varies in severity. It can be mild and chronic, depending on the cause of the pain. Usually, we mistake the abdominal pain with a stomachache. But, every time it is not the stomach, sometimes the inflammation and irritation in other organs can also cause abdominal pain.
Furthermore, abdominal CT and endoscopy are the most effective ways to diagnose abdominal pain. In contrast, the treatments vary according to diagnosis and the part of the abdomen causing problems.