What are the common symptoms of peptic ulcers. How are peptic ulcers diagnosed and treated. What role do H. pylori and NSAIDs play in ulcer development. When should you see a gastroenterologist for ulcer pain.

Understanding Peptic Ulcers: A Comprehensive Overview

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. While these ulcers are not uncommon, their prevalence can vary based on factors such as age, gender, medical history, medication use, and geographical location. Interestingly, it’s possible to have a peptic ulcer without experiencing any symptoms, though stomach pain is a frequent complaint among those affected.

In some cases, peptic ulcers may go undetected until complications arise, such as bleeding or perforation of the stomach or intestinal lining. This underscores the importance of regular check-ups and prompt medical attention when experiencing persistent digestive discomfort.

Recognizing the Symptoms: When to Suspect a Peptic Ulcer

While some individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms, others may encounter a range of discomforts that could indicate the presence of a peptic ulcer. Common symptoms include:

• Burning or gnawing pain in the abdomen, particularly between meals or at night
• Feeling of fullness, bloating, or belching
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Dark, tarry stools (indicating possible gastrointestinal bleeding)

Is heartburn always a sign of peptic ulcers. While heartburn is often associated with peptic ulcers, it’s important to note that this symptom can be related to various digestive issues. A proper medical evaluation is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.

The Culprits Behind Peptic Ulcers: H. pylori and NSAIDs

Two primary factors are responsible for the majority of peptic ulcer cases: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Understanding these causes is essential for effective treatment and prevention.

H. pylori: The Bacterial Culprit

H. pylori is a bacterium that can colonize the mucous layer covering the stomach lining. While its presence doesn’t always lead to health problems, it can trigger inflammation of the stomach’s inner layer, potentially resulting in ulcer formation. Diagnostic tests such as stool or breath tests, as well as biopsies taken during endoscopy, can help determine if H. pylori is present.

How is H. pylori infection treated. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics taken for 10 to 14 days to eradicate the bacteria. It’s crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics and undergo follow-up testing to ensure the infection has been successfully eliminated.

NSAIDs: The Double-Edged Sword

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including common over-the-counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen, can irritate or inflame the lining of the stomach and small intestine. This irritation can lead to the development of peptic ulcers. Additionally, taking NSAIDs in combination with other medications such as steroids, anticoagulants, or anti-platelet agents can impair ulcer healing or exacerbate complications like bleeding.

What should you do if NSAIDs are causing ulcer problems. If medication is suspected to be the cause of your ulcer, your healthcare provider may recommend switching to an alternative that is less likely to irritate the stomach and intestinal lining.

Diagnosing Peptic Ulcers: The Role of Endoscopy

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of peptic ulcers. The gold standard for diagnosis is a procedure called endoscopy. During this test, a gastroenterologist passes a small tube with a camera (endoscope) down the throat and into the esophagus, stomach, and upper portion of the small intestine.

What can endoscopy reveal about peptic ulcers. Endoscopy allows for direct visualization of peptic ulcers, assessment of their size and location, and the opportunity to take biopsies if necessary. This comprehensive examination helps healthcare providers determine the best course of treatment.

Treatment Approaches: Healing Ulcers and Addressing Root Causes

The treatment of peptic ulcers typically involves a two-pronged approach: addressing the underlying cause and promoting ulcer healing. Here’s a breakdown of common treatment strategies:

1. Eradicating H. pylori: If H. pylori infection is detected, a course of antibiotics is prescribed to eliminate the bacteria.
2. Acid reduction: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are often prescribed to reduce stomach acid production, allowing the ulcer to heal.
3. Medication adjustment: If NSAIDs are contributing to ulcer formation, alternative pain management strategies may be recommended.
4. Protective medications: In some cases, medications that protect the stomach and intestinal lining may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and support healing.

How long does it take for a peptic ulcer to heal. With appropriate treatment, most peptic ulcers heal within several months. However, the duration can vary depending on factors such as the size and location of the ulcer, as well as the individual’s overall health and adherence to treatment.

The Importance of Specialist Care: When to See a Gastroenterologist

While primary care physicians can manage many cases of peptic ulcers, there are situations where consultation with a gastroenterologist is beneficial. These specialists have extensive training in disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and can provide comprehensive care for complex cases.

When should you seek care from a gastroenterologist for peptic ulcers. Consider consulting a gastroenterologist if:

• Your symptoms persist despite initial treatment
• You experience complications such as bleeding or perforation
• You have a history of recurrent ulcers
• There’s uncertainty about the underlying cause of your ulcer
• You require specialized diagnostic procedures like endoscopy

A gastroenterologist can help identify the root cause of your ulcer, develop a tailored treatment plan, and monitor your progress to ensure optimal healing and prevent recurrence.

Potential Complications: Why Prompt Treatment Matters

While many peptic ulcers can be effectively managed with proper treatment, leaving them untreated can lead to serious complications. These may include:

• Internal bleeding: Ulcers can erode blood vessels, causing slow blood loss or sudden, severe bleeding.
• Perforation: A hole can form in the stomach or small intestine wall, allowing digestive juices and food to leak into the abdominal cavity.
• Obstruction: Ulcers can cause swelling and scarring, potentially blocking the passage of food through the digestive tract.
• Peritonitis: If a perforated ulcer allows stomach contents to spill into the abdominal cavity, it can lead to a dangerous infection of the abdominal lining.

Can peptic ulcer complications be life-threatening. Yes, severe complications from untreated peptic ulcers can be life-threatening, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Lifestyle Modifications: Supporting Ulcer Healing and Prevention

While medication plays a crucial role in treating peptic ulcers, certain lifestyle modifications can support healing and help prevent future ulcers. Consider incorporating these strategies:

• Stress management: While stress doesn’t cause ulcers, it can exacerbate symptoms. Engage in stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga.
• Dietary adjustments: Avoid foods that trigger discomfort and opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine: These substances can increase stomach acid production and irritate the digestive tract.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can interfere with the protective lining of the stomach and small intestine, slowing ulcer healing.
• Mindful NSAID use: If you require NSAIDs for other health conditions, work with your healthcare provider to find the lowest effective dose or explore alternative pain management strategies.

How effective are lifestyle changes in preventing peptic ulcers. While lifestyle modifications alone may not prevent all cases of peptic ulcers, they can significantly reduce risk factors and support overall digestive health.

Understanding peptic ulcers, their causes, and treatment options is crucial for anyone experiencing persistent digestive discomfort. By recognizing the symptoms, seeking timely medical attention, and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals can effectively manage peptic ulcers and prevent potential complications. Remember, while ulcers can be a source of significant discomfort, with proper care and treatment, most cases can be successfully resolved, allowing you to return to a pain-free, healthy life.

Mayo Clinic Q and A: How is a peptic ulcer treated?

• By

  Cynthia Weiss

  May 23, 2022

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Last year, I was diagnosed with heartburn due to a peptic ulcer. My doctor suggested that I see a specialist. Who should I see, and what type of treatment is available?

ANSWER: Many people will note that they have “heartburn,” and it is important to know that such a symptom could be related to one of several issues in the digestive tract, including peptic ulcer disease. This is where visiting with a health care professional who specializes in disorders of the gastrointestinal tract — a gastroenterologist — can help.

Once diagnosed and treated, ulcers usually heal within several months. But a gastroenterologist can help you find the underlying cause of your ulcer and decide on the best treatment going forward.

A peptic ulcer is an open sore on the inside lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. Peptic ulcers are not rare, and their frequency can depend on age, gender, other medical issues, medications and geography.

It’s possible to have a peptic ulcer and not have any symptoms, although they may cause stomach pain. In some people, a peptic ulcer isn’t identified until they experience symptoms related to a complication from an ulcer, such as bleeding or a hole in the lining of the stomach or bowel.

Before treatment, it is important to diagnose an ulcer definitively. Typically, peptic ulcers are diagnosed using a procedure known as endoscopy. For this test, your physician passes a small tube with a lens at the tip, called an endoscope, down your throat and into your esophagus, stomach and upper portion of the small intestine. This exam looks for peptic ulcers, and biopsies are taken if necessary.

Once a peptic ulcer has been identified, the underlying cause must be assessed. Two of the most common causes of these ulcers are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, which include medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and other related products, or an infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori. Other causes for peptic ulcers are rare.

H. pylori is a bacterium that can live in the mucous layer covering the lining of the stomach. It doesn’t always lead to health problems, but it can sometimes trigger inflammation of the stomach’s inner layer, producing an ulcer.

Certain tests, such as stool or breath tests, or biopsies taken when the ulcer is diagnosed, can help your health care professional determine if you have H. pylori. If you do, you must take antibiotic medications. To cure the infection completely, you must take the full course of antibiotics — usually for 10 to 14 days. In this situation, it is also important to be tested after the treatment is complete to ensure the bacterium has been eliminated.

NSAIDs can irritate or inflame the lining of your stomach and small intestine, leading to a peptic ulcer. Taking other medications along with NSAIDs, including steroids, anticoagulants or anti-platelet agents, can affect ulcer healing or worsen ulcer complications, such as bleeding. If medication may be to blame for your ulcer, your health care professional may recommend that you switch to a medication that is less likely to irritate your stomach and intestinal lining.

In addition to addressing the underlying cause of the peptic ulcer, you’ll also need medication to help the ulcer heal. That usually involves taking a proton pump inhibitor. These medications help promote healing by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes. Most people who have a peptic ulcer need to take a proton pump inhibitor for at least six to eight weeks, depending on the size, location and presumed cause of the ulcer.

While other medications, such as histamine receptor blockers, antacids and products that protect your stomach and intestinal lining, can be used to alleviate some symptoms caused by peptic ulcers, they typically are not enough by themselves to eliminate a peptic ulcer.

Make an appointment for a gastroenterologist to evaluate your condition. If left untreated, peptic ulcers can lead to serious complications. In most cases, though, these ulcers can easily be managed. — Dr. Amy Oxentenko, Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

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Upper Left Abdominal Pain | What You Need to Know

Drugs and medications

Many drugs can cause left upper quadrant pain and associated damage with chronic use. A few are listed here:

• Aspirin: High doses can cause stomach bleeding and pain.
• NSAIDs: These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen.
• Oral antibiotics
• Opioids: Pain may be due to the side effect of chronic constipation.
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Cocaine

Cancer

Cancer is considered a rare cause of pain in the upper left abdomen.

• Localized tumor: A cancerous growth anywhere in the left upper quadrant can cause pain. There may or may not be a lump in the vicinity of the pain.
• Blood cancers: These will affect the entire body and cause symptoms in the organs of the left upper quadrant.

Chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that does not improve, but slowly gets worse over time.

Causes include alcoholism; a blocked pancreatic duct; autoimmune disease, where the body’s natural defenses turn against itself; and possible genetic factors.

Chronic pancreatitis is most common in men from age 30 to 40 with a history of alcoholism and a family history of the disease, but anyone can be affected.

Symptoms include severe pain in the back and abdomen, especially with eating; weight loss; nausea and vomiting; and diarrhea with oily-appearing, pale-colored stools.

The pancreas is vital for blood sugar control and for secreting certain digestive enzymes. If not treated, chronic pancreatitis can lead to permanent pancreatic damage, diabetes, malnutrition, and chronic pain.

Diagnosis is made through patient history, physical examination, and imaging such as x-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound.

Treatment involves pain management through both medication and surgical procedures. Lifestyle improvements through diet, exercise, and stress management can also be very helpful.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: fatigue, abdominal pain (stomach ache), nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain that comes and goes

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Stomach ulcer

A peptic ulcer or gastric ulcer is an open sore that forms when inflammation occurs in the stomach lining.

This stomach inflammation is caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and by prolonged use of pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Chronic inflammation allows acid to damage the stomach lining and an ulcer may form.

Smoking, drinking alcohol, stress, and spicy foods may aggravate ulcers, but do not cause them.

Symptoms include burning pain in the stomach; heartburn; nausea; and bloating.

The pain may be worse between meals or at night. Antacids will only work for a short time. There may be dark red blood in the vomit or stools.

Left untreated, ulcers may bleed and cause anemia. They may perforate the stomach and cause peritonitis (serious infection of the abdominal cavity.)

Diagnosis is made through physical examination and by testing breath and stool for H. pylori. Endoscopy is sometimes used.

Treatment involves a course of antibiotics to kill the bacteria, and medication to block excess acid and heal the stomach.

Rarity: Uncommon

Top Symptoms: fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, moderate abdominal pain, abdominal cramps (stomach cramps)

Symptoms that never occur with stomach ulcer: pain in the lower left abdomen

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Normal abdominal pain

The complaint of abdominal pain and discomfort, with no apparent cause, is one of the most common in medicine. It is a primary reason for patients to visit a medical provider or the emergency room.

The cause of abdominal pain can be difficult to find, because it can just be a completely normal abdominal pain or come from many different sources: the digestive tract, the urinary tract, the pancreas, the gall bladder, or the gynecologic organs.

The pain may simply be caused by overly sensitive nerves in the gut. This hypersensitivity can occur after repeated abdominal injury and/or it may have an emotional cause due to fear of the pain itself.

Diagnosis is made through physical examination, patient history, and simply ruling out any other condition. CT scan is often requested, but can rarely find a specific cause. The benefits must be weighed against the risks of radiation.

Treatment first involves making any needed lifestyle improvements regarding diet, exercise, work, and sleep, in order to reduce stress. In some cases, counseling, hypnosis, mild pain relievers, and antidepressants are helpful.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: abdominal pain (stomach ache), vaginal discharge, fever, nausea

Symptoms that always occur with normal abdominal pain: abdominal pain (stomach ache)

Symptoms that never occur with normal abdominal pain: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, severe abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss, vaginal discharge

Urgency: Self-treatment

Kidney stone

A kidney stone, also called renal lithiasis or nephrolithiasis, is a solid deposit that forms inside the kidney. Stones may form if the urine becomes too concentrated for any reason, allowing the minerals in it to crystallize.

There are several possible causes:

• Not drinking enough water.
• Family or personal history of kidney stones.
• Diets high in protein, salt, or sugar.
• Obesity.
• Digestive diseases and conditions, including gastric bypass surgery.
• Urinary tract infection.
• Metabolic conditions and/or hereditary disorders.

Symptoms include severe pain in the side, back, and abdomen; pain on urination; urine that is pink, red, brown, and/or foul-smelling; nausea and vomiting; and sometimes fever and chills.

Diagnosis is made through blood test, urine test, and imaging.

For smaller stones, the patient may only need to drink extra water and take over-the-counter pain relievers. Medication may be given to help pass the stone. Larger stones may require the patient to be hospitalized for surgical procedures.

Prevention involves drinking more water and restricting certain foods, including animal protein, calcium, and salt. Sometimes prescription medications will be used.

Indigestion (dyspepsia)

Indigestion, also called upset stomach, dyspepsia, or functional dyspepsia, is not a disease but a collection of very common symptoms. Note: Heartburn is a separate condition.

Common causes are eating too much or too rapidly; greasy or spicy foods; overdoing caffeine, alcohol, or carbonated beverages; smoking; and anxiety. Some antibiotics, pain relievers, and vitamin/mineral supplements can cause indigestion.

The most common symptoms are pain, discomfort, and bloating in the upper abdomen soon after eating.

Indigestion that lasts longer than two weeks, and does not respond to simple treatment, may indicate a more serious condition. Upper abdominal pain that radiates to the jaw, neck, or arm is a medical emergency.

Diagnosis is made through patient history and physical examination. If the symptoms began suddenly, laboratory tests on blood, breath, and stool may be ordered. Upper endoscopy or abdominal x-ray may be done.

For functional dyspepsia – “ordinary” indigestion – treatment and prevention are the same. Eating five or six smaller meals per day with lighter, simpler food; managing stress; and finding alternatives for some medications will provide relief.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: nausea, stomach bloating, dyspeptic symptoms, bloating after meals, vomiting

Symptoms that always occur with indigestion (dyspepsia): dyspeptic symptoms

Symptoms that never occur with indigestion (dyspepsia): vomiting (old) blood or passing tarry stools, rectal bleeding, bloody diarrhea, fever

Urgency: Self-treatment

Heart attack in a woman

Most heart attacks happen when a clot in the coronary artery blocks the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. Often this leads to an irregular heartbeat – called an arrhythmia – that causes a severe decrease in the pumping function of the heart.

Call 911 and seek emergency care immediately

Acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which creates and releases insulin and glucagon to keep the sugar levels in your blood stable. It also creates the enzymes that digest your food in the small intestine. When these enzymes accidentally get activated in the pancreas, they digest the pancreas itself, causing pain and inflammation.

You should go to the ER. There, diagnosis is made by physical examination, imaging, and blood tests. Treatment typically involves intravenous (IV) fluids and medicines to control the pain.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: constant abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, being severely ill, severe abdominal pain, fever

Symptoms that always occur with acute pancreatitis: constant abdominal pain

Urgency: Hospital emergency room

Acute gastritis

Gastritis means inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining, and is “acute” when it comes on suddenly and severely.

Common causes are infection with H. pylori bacteria in the stomach, which also causes ulcers; regular use of pain relievers; and overuse of alcohol. Smoking, stress, and autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease, Hashimoto’s disease, and type 1 diabetes can all contribute to acute gastritis.

Symptoms of acute gastritis include sudden fullness and burning pain in the upper abdomen, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. If the symptoms last more than a week, or there are signs of blood in vomit or stool, medical care should be sought.

If not treated, gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers due to the presence of H. pylori.

Diagnosis for H. pylori is made through blood tests, breath tests, and stool sample tests. Upper endoscopy and/or barium swallow x-ray may also be used.

Treatment includes lifestyle changes concerning use of pain relievers, alcohol, and other stomach irritants; antibiotics to treat the H. pylori; and medications to reduce and/or neutralize stomach acid.

• Have you experienced any nausea?
• Any fever today or during the last week?
• Have you been feeling more tired than usual, lethargic or fatigued despite sleeping a normal amount?
• How would you describe the nature of your abdominal pain?

Self-diagnose with our free Buoy Assistant if you answer yes on any of these questions.

Why does the left side hurt under the ribs

Pain in the left side is typical for diseases of the abdominal organs. Sometimes there are cases when pathologies of the lungs, heart and neuralgia can become the cause of pain. To identify the exact cause, instrumental diagnostics is used using ultrasound, x-rays and radio wave studies. Depending on the cause of pain in the left side, appropriate treatment is prescribed. Below, we will talk in detail about the most common pathologies that cause pain. But it is worthwhile to understand that self-diagnosis and self-treatment are likely to only worsen the condition, so you should contact a qualified specialist for help as soon as possible.

• Diseases of the spleen. The spleen is a hematopoietic organ. With inflammation, a rapid increase in the size of the spleen (splenomegaly) is characteristic, and with injuries, there is a high risk of rupture of the organ capsule with heavy bleeding. In diseases of the organ, arching, pressing pain in the left hypochondrium is characteristic, which does not depend on physical activity and food intake.
• Intestinal diseases. Pathology of the small intestine leads to visceral or referred pain in the left side. The tumor of the left part of the colon in the later stages of the disease causes aching pain, which intensifies 2-3 hours after eating. The pain syndrome occurs against the background of weakness, weight loss, aversion to food.
• Diseases of the stomach. Gastritis and gastric ulcer cause pain in the epigastric region and in the left hypochondrium. In the case of gastritis, the pains are stabbing, boring, shooting, worse after eating spicy and fatty foods. Characterized by a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, belching rotten or sour, heartburn, nausea.
• Diseases of the pancreas. Inflammation of the pancreas is called pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis causes indigestion and periodic pain in the left side. Characterized by diarrhea, fatty stools with lumps of undigested food, flatulence. Pain of a stabbing, arching, shooting character, occurs 1-1.5 hours after eating. Often the pain syndrome becomes shingles – spasmodic pain squeezes the “ring” of the left and right hypochondrium.
• Muscle disease. Muscle inflammation – myositis may be accompanied by pain in the left side. The pain syndrome is shooting and cramping, aggravated by stretching the muscle fibers while bending in the opposite direction. Dull or burning pain develops when food passes through the esophagus and when the body bends after eating.
• Intercostal neuralgia. Inflammation of the intercostal nerves is commonly called intercostal neuralgia. In most clinical cases, the disease develops with herpes zoster. There is an acute burning pain, which is localized in the left hypochondrium, can spread to the back in the region of the shoulder blades and spine. Discomfort is aggravated by tilting towards the lesion.
• Disease of the left lung. Pain in the left side may appear with left-sided lower lobe pneumonia with involvement of the pleura in the pathological process. There is a cutting, stabbing, boring pain in the region of the left hypochondrium, which intensifies at the height of inspiration. Pneumonia is characterized by fever up to 40 degrees, shortness of breath, weakness, dry or productive cough, wheezing when listening to breathing.
• Diseases of the heart. In case of myocardial infarction, the pain syndrome occurs in the left half of the chest, between the shoulder blades, radiates to the arm on the side of the lesion. The atypical course of the disease leads to the occurrence of reflected pain in the left hypochondrium. If you experience pain in the left hypochondrium, you should consult a doctor for examination and treatment. Timely consultation with a specialist reduces the risk of disease progression and complications.

Pain in the left side of the abdomen

It is better to consult a doctor, rather than looking for answers on the Internet yourself and wasting your time!

PAIN IN THE STOMACH is a serious signal, and sometimes a “cry” of the body about its problem. This is one of the most common complaints in patients with diseases not only of the gastrointestinal tract, but also of other body systems. Sometimes even specialists find it difficult to immediately find out the cause of the pain. It is important to know that abdominal pain sometimes requires emergency care.

PAIN IN THE LEFT STOMACH – can be associated with a large number of diseases, not only of the gastrointestinal tract, but also of other organ systems. Pain is acute and chronic.

Acute pain in the abdomen comes on suddenly, grows rapidly and becomes so intense and unbearable that it interferes with human activity. These pains are cutting, arching, cramping, stabbing.

“Anxiety symptoms”: if acute pain in the abdomen occurs against the background of “full health”, is of high intensity, increases rapidly within an hour, is accompanied by an increase in heart rate, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal distention, constipation or diarrhea, the appearance of blood in the stool, tension of the anterior abdominal wall, sharp pain when lightly touching the abdomen or pushing the bed – you should immediately consult a doctor, as an examination of the abdomen, blood tests, ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the abdominal cavity and possibly other studies to rule out acute surgical and other severe pathology.

Causes of acute pain in the left side of the abdomen:

• diseases of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis, cancer)

• diseases of the stomach (acute erosive gastritis, peptic ulcer, stomach cancer)

• bowel diseases (acute infectious enterocolitis, intestinal obstruction, strangulated hernia of the anterior abdominal wall, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, intestinal cancer, Makelia-Dvorkin-Biehl syndrome (splenic flexure syndrome of the large intestine with severe accumulation of gases)

• diseases of the spleen (splenomegaly in blood diseases, infectious diseases, cirrhosis of the liver; cysts, tumors, abscess, rupture, perisplenitis, impaired blood supply – spleen infarction)

• damage to the vessels of the abdominal cavity (dissecting aneurysm of the aorta, thrombosis and embolism of the intestinal vessels, thrombosis of the splenic vein, left renal artery)

• diseases of the urinary system (urolithiasis and renal colic, cancer of the left kidney)

• diseases of the genital organs (acute left-sided adnexitis, ovarian cyst, ectopic pregnancy, dysmenorrhea, acute prostatitis)

• diseases of the nervous system (shingles (herpes zoster), damage to the solar plexus)

• diseases of the chest organs (lower lobe left-sided pneumonia, pleurisy, pneumothorax, acute myocardial infarction)

• diseases of the endocrine system (diabetic ketoacidosis)

• rare diseases (acute intermittent porphyria, lead colic, periodic illness)

Chronic abdominal pain disturbs for 3 months or more, may be constant, or periodically increases and decreases (disappears), has aching, dull, bursting, pulling, burning character. Chronic pain may be associated with functional (vegetative, psychogenic) disorders or organic pathology of internal organs.

“Symptoms of anxiety”: if chronic abdominal pain is accompanied by weight loss, fever, loss of appetite, blood in the stool, jaundice, edema development, abdominal enlargement, increasing weakness, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible to exclude severe organic pathology.

Causes of chronic pain in the left side of the abdomen:

• diseases of the stomach and duodenum (functional dyspepsia, chronic gastroduodenitis, peptic ulcer, stomach tumor)

• bowel diseases (irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticular disease, tumors)

• diseases of the spleen (splenomegaly in blood diseases, infectious diseases, liver cirrhosis; cysts, tumors)

• diseases of the vessels of the abdominal cavity (atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta, mesenteric vessels, vasculitis)

• diseases of the genitourinary system (chronic pyelonephritis, tumor of the left kidney, prostatitis)

• diseases of the nervous system (depression, radicular pain due to herniated discs and osteochondrosis)

Doctors of the Gastroenterological Center Expert are engaged in determining the cause of abdominal pain, conducting an examination and differential diagnosis of this condition.