What Causes Pain on the Left and Right Sides of the Abdomen?

Pain is a perception of our body, and it occurs when our body is stimulated by external factors. However, when we experience pain on the left or right side of our abdomen without any external injury, it is necessary to consider the possibility of certain diseases. For instance, pain on the left side of the abdomen may be caused by appendicitis or chronic cholecystitis.

Causes of Abdominal Pain on the Left and Right Sides

1. Pain in the upper left abdomen may indicate problems with the stomach or spleen. In most cases, it is not severe and may be caused by minor irritation or inflammation. However, it is important not to overlook it and seek medical attention promptly to avoid worsening the condition.

2. Lower left abdominal pain is often associated with issues such as the fallopian tubes or ureters, especially in women. These issues are commonly caused by inflammation due to bacteria.

3. Left-sided abdominal pain in women may be related to post-coital discomfort, which is likely caused by gynecological inflammation.

4. Pain in the upper left abdomen may indicate liver disease, such as hepatitis B. However, this is only a speculation, and specific causes need to be identified through medical examination.

5. Male patients may experience pain on the left side of the abdomen due to prostatic inflammation or acute and chronic prostatitis, which can cause localized pain.

6. Left-sided lower abdominal pain in men may also be caused by acute cholecystitis, which is primarily located in the right upper or lower abdomen. The pain may radiate to the right shoulder and be accompanied by symptoms such as fever and vomiting.

7. Acute appendicitis can also cause abdominal pain and can occur at any age. Therefore, when experiencing unbearable pain, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

Treatment for Abdominal Pain

1. Patients with acute abdominal pain should not be given strong analgesics or narcotic analgesics such as morphine or pethidine before a definitive diagnosis is made, as this may mask the condition or delay diagnosis. Analgesics or antispasmodics can only be used after a preliminary diagnosis is established to alleviate the patient's discomfort.

2. If abdominal pain is confirmed to be caused by gastrointestinal perforation, the patient should be fasting, supplemented with energy and electrolytes, and promptly treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics to lay a solid foundation for timely surgical intervention.