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Pain in the left hypochondrium

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Burning pain in the left hypochondrium can be evidence of a variety of diseases.

Disorders of organs such as the heart, stomach, pancreas and   spleen, can often cause severe pain in the left upper quadrant and pain in left side . The nature of pain is different: they can be sharp, dull, cutting. The functional activity of each of these organs could fail, causing painful sensations in the left hypochondrium. In the presence of such symptoms, it is first necessary to determine what is causing the pain: the pathology of the organ itself, or it is its reaction to systemic disease.

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Pain in the left hypochondrium in diseases of the stomach

The role of the stomach in the digestive tract of the human body cannot be underestimated, because it is through a stomach that a person receives the necessary vital energy. The emergence of pain in the left hypochondrium just may be the first symptom, which signals the malfunction of this organ. The most common disease of the stomach, causing pain, it is a plague, gastritis, cancer and polyps. Overeating, constipation, alcohol abuse and injury can also be a source of severe pain.

The nature of the pain depends on the degree of neglect of the disease of the stomach. For example, during gastritis, a person is usually plagued with dull and burning pain that occurs when eating, if the acidity is higher than normal, or on an empty stomach, if the acid level is too low. The aching pain, nausea, and stomach perception of food speaks of a stomach ulcer. In case of such diseases, antacids, but-shpa and proper diet will help to alleviate the suffering of the patient.

Pain in the left hypochondrium can also be the result of gastric ulcer or stomach cancer, which are very serious ailments that require medical intervention.

The cause of painful symptoms in the left hypochondrium can also be a diaphragmatic hernia, located in the upper left abdominal segment. The diaphragm separates the abdominal and thoracic cavities and has an opening through which the esophagus stretches to the stomach. Muscles that restrain the contours of the hole in the required dimensions can be weakened, as a result of which the diameter of the hole increases and the stomach falls from the abdominal cavity to the chest. Hemorrhage in the chest cavity, accompanying the process of transition of the stomach from one area to another, and causes pain in the left hypochondrium.

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Pain in the left hypochondrium in diseases of the spleen

The spleen could be the source of pain in the hypochondrium, namely, any of its pathologies. This human organ is located very close to the surface of the body. The spleen is a kind of filter of the body that not only cleans the blood of bacteria and chemical "garbage", but also participates in the "creation" of new blood cells. Pathological changes in the body, its inflammation and ruptures often lead to serious diseases. One of the symptoms of spleen malfunction is pain in the left hypochondrium, which can move towards the back. The occurrence of acute pain when inhaling indicates a rupture or injury to the spleen.

The spleen covers the blood "ball", splits it and sends the remains to the bone marrow, where the formation of new blood cells. If any disease occurs, the spleen capsule increases in size, and this causes pain in the left hypochondrium.

The proximity of the spleen to the surface of the body provides a greater likelihood of organ rupture due to infectious mononucleosis or various injuries. Pathologies of the spleen bring it into a soft, enlarged to large sizes state. The walls of the body are stretched, which, of course, increases the likelihood of rupture of this part of the body, even with a slight pressure on it. There are cases when the spleen burst on its own. A ruptured organ makes itself felt bluish focus around the navel (this indicates a collection of blood), as well as pain in the left hypochondrium and sensitivity when touching the area where the spleen is.

With these symptoms, the correct diagnosis will help put the endocrinologist.

To soften the pain will help the ice, which must be applied to the left side.

Whatever factors may be the source of pain in the left hypochondrium, one cannot tolerate and test one's willpower. An exact diagnosis of the disease on the basis of the tests handed over to the patient and after a series of studies can only be done by a doctor, so you should not postpone a visit to a gastroenterologist, cardiologist, infectious diseases specialist. Only a doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment.

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Pain in the left hypochondrium in heart disease

Ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction can become sources of pain in the left hypochondrium. The heart performs the most important function in the body - it is a kind of motor that drives blood through the body throughout the day. Any violation of its proper operation can lead to pain in the left hypochondrium, as well as other disorders in the circulatory system, including death. Doctors have noted several main reasons why the heart’s malfunctioning causes the corresponding pain .

  • Cardiomyopathy. In this case, unpleasant sensations in the left side in the area of the ribs, as well as increased fatigue and “downed pulse” occur during heavy loads on the body as a whole.
  • Myocardial infarction can cause pain in the left hypochondrium, and the pain can “flow” from the heart to the shoulder blades, left arm and neck. All this is accompanied by nausea, fever, chills, excessive sweating, darkening of the eyes.
  • Coronary heart disease causes dull, burning pain in the left hypochondrium and heaviness in the chest, increased heart rate, emetic urge, difficulty breathing.

If any of these symptoms occur, you should contact your cardiologist as soon as possible.

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Pain in the left hypochondrium in diseases of the pancreas

The pancreas catalyzes all the digestive processes in the body, and is also an important organ involved in metabolism.

Diseases of the pancreas can be accompanied by symptoms such as lack of appetite, vomiting, abdominal distension, upset digestion, nausea, pain in the left upper side of the abdomen, etc.

Pancreatitis, cancer and other pancreatic diseases can cause pain in the left hypochondrium. The most serious disease of the pancreas is pancreatitis - inflammation of the organ. The pain in the left hypochondrium caused by pancreatic pathologies increases in a couple of hours after the meal or at night, causing the patient to wake up from painful torment. Since the organ is sufficiently sensitive to the influence of external negative factors, such as excessively fatty foods, alcohol, and foods high in sugar, the treatment must be started immediately, otherwise the consequences may vary from diabetes to cancer. The nature of pain in diseases of the gland, in particular, in pancreatitis - shingles, is localized in the upper part of the abdominal cavity. In such situations, doctors recommend taking festal or panzinorm.

trusted-source[18], [19]

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