Upper Left Abdominal Pain: Causes, Symptoms & When to Seek Care

At-a-Glance

• Upper left abdominal pain can stem from digestive issues, spleen problems, or other organ-related conditions
• Common causes include gas, gastritis, constipation, and muscle strain
• More serious causes may involve the spleen, pancreas, kidney, or heart
• Seek immediate care if pain is severe, sudden, or accompanied by fever, vomiting blood, or difficulty breathing
• Many cases can be managed with dietary changes, over-the-counter remedies, and lifestyle modifications

What It Feels Like

Upper left abdominal pain is discomfort located in the upper left quadrant of your belly, roughly beneath your lower left ribs. The sensation can vary widely depending on the cause:

Types of pain:

• Dull ache - A constant, mild to moderate discomfort
• Sharp or stabbing - Sudden, intense pain that may come and go
• Cramping - Squeezing or gripping sensations
• Burning - A hot, uncomfortable feeling, often related to stomach acid
• Pressure or fullness - A sensation of something pressing from inside

The pain might stay in one spot or radiate to your back, shoulder, or chest. It may worsen with eating, breathing deeply, or certain movements.

Common Causes

Gas and Bloating

Trapped gas in your colon's splenic flexure (the bend near your spleen) is one of the most common causes of upper left abdominal discomfort. This is often accompanied by bloating and may improve after passing gas or having a bowel movement.

Signs it might be gas:

• Pain that comes and goes
• Relief after burping or passing gas
• Bloating or feeling of fullness
• No fever or other concerning symptoms

Gastritis

Gastritis is inflammation of your stomach lining. It can cause pain in the upper abdomen, often on the left side, especially after eating or when your stomach is empty.

Signs it might be gastritis:

• Burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling full quickly when eating
• Pain that improves or worsens with food
• History of NSAID use (like ibuprofen) or excessive alcohol consumption

Constipation

When stool builds up in your colon, it can cause pain and discomfort, including in the upper left abdomen where the descending colon is located.

Signs it might be constipation:

• Infrequent bowel movements (fewer than 3 per week)
• Hard, difficult-to-pass stools
• Bloating and abdominal fullness
• Relief after a bowel movement

Muscle Strain

Straining your abdominal muscles through exercise, heavy lifting, or even severe coughing can cause localized pain that may feel like it's coming from inside your abdomen.

Signs it might be muscle strain:

• Pain that worsens with movement or touching the area
• Recent physical activity or injury
• Tenderness when pressing on the abdominal wall
• No digestive symptoms

Spleen Issues

Your spleen sits in the upper left abdomen. An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) or, rarely, a ruptured spleen can cause pain in this area.

Signs it might be spleen-related:

• Feeling full quickly when eating (the enlarged spleen presses on your stomach)
• Pain that radiates to your left shoulder
• Recent infection or history of blood disorders
• Recent abdominal trauma (for rupture)

Kidney Problems

Your left kidney is located in the upper left back area, but kidney stones or infection can cause pain that radiates to the front of your abdomen.

Signs it might be kidney-related:

• Pain in your back or side that wraps around to the front
• Painful urination or blood in urine
• Fever and chills (if infection)
• Nausea and vomiting

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas typically causes pain in the upper central abdomen, but it can radiate to the left side and back.

Signs it might be pancreatitis:

• Severe, constant pain that may radiate to your back
• Pain that worsens after eating, especially fatty foods
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• History of gallstones or heavy alcohol use

Heart-Related Issues

Sometimes, heart problems can cause pain that feels like it's in your upper abdomen, particularly on the left side.

Signs it might be heart-related:

• Pain or pressure in your chest
• Pain radiating to your arm, jaw, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness
• Risk factors for heart disease

Self-Care & Next Steps

For Mild, Occasional Pain

Dietary adjustments:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid foods that trigger gas (beans, cruciferous vegetables, carbonated drinks)
• Limit fatty, fried, and spicy foods
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol
• Stay hydrated with water

Lifestyle changes:

• Don't lie down immediately after eating
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques
• Exercise regularly to promote healthy digestion
• Maintain a healthy weight

Home remedies:

• Apply a warm compress to the painful area
• Try gentle abdominal massage
• Practice deep breathing exercises
• Ensure adequate fiber intake for regular bowel movements

Over-the-Counter Options

For gas and bloating:

• Simethicone (Gas-X) can help break up gas bubbles
• Activated charcoal may reduce gas (consult a pharmacist first)

For acid-related pain:

• Antacids (Tums, Rolaids) for quick relief
• H2 blockers (famotidine/Pepcid) or proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole/Prilosec) for longer-lasting relief

Important cautions:

• Don't use NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) if you suspect gastritis, as they can worsen stomach lining irritation
• Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new medication, especially if you have other health conditions
• Don't exceed recommended doses
• If over-the-counter remedies don't help within a few days, see a doctor

When to See a Doctor

Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if:

• Pain persists for more than a few days
• Pain is recurrent or worsening
• You have unexplained weight loss
• You notice changes in bowel habits lasting more than a week
• You have persistent nausea or vomiting
• You see blood in your stool or vomit
• You have a fever that doesn't resolve
• Over-the-counter treatments don't provide relief
• You have a history of digestive disorders, liver disease, or other chronic conditions
• The pain interferes with your daily activities or sleep

What to expect at your appointment:

Your doctor will likely:

• Ask detailed questions about your pain (location, intensity, timing, triggers)
• Perform a physical examination, including palpating your abdomen
• Review your medical history and medications
• May order tests such as blood work, urinalysis, ultrasound, CT scan, or endoscopy depending on suspected causes

Frequently Asked Questions

References

This article is based on information from the following reputable sources:

1. MedlinePlus - Abdominal Pain: https://medlineplus.gov/abdominalpain.html

2. Mayo Clinic - Abdominal Pain: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/abdominal-pain/basics/definition/sym-20050728

3. Cleveland Clinic - Gastritis: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10349-gastritis

4. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) - Pancreatitis: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/pancreatitis

5. American College of Gastroenterology - Irritable Bowel Syndrome: https://gi.org/topics/irritable-bowel-syndrome/