What is in a person’s left side and what can hurt there? Aching pain in the left side. Why does my left side hurt? Possible methods of diagnosis and treatment

Aching pain in the left side is a quite serious symptom. And you need to treat discomfort responsibly. After all, the sources of pain can be problems in the pancreas, spleen, liver, stomach, gall bladder and many other internal organs. Therefore, it is necessary to find out exactly what caused the aching pain in the left side.

Causes of the phenomenon

It is quite obvious that the aching pain in the left side is caused by certain dysfunctions of the internal organs. Unfortunately, too many different factors can cause this discomfort. Only a doctor can determine the true cause of pain. Therefore, you should not independently diagnose and attribute non-existent diseases to yourself. Go to see a doctor to sort out the unpleasant situation.

Most often, aching pain in the left side is caused by diseases of the stomach, spleen, pancreas, diaphragm or intestines. And, therefore, in a patient experiencing excruciating discomfort, pathologies may be detected:

• stomach;
• spleen;
• pancreas;
• intestinal loops;
• left area of ​​the diaphragm.

Stomach problems

With gastritis or functional dyspepsia, any irritant to the mucous membrane will certainly cause pain. Discomfort can be caused by:

• poor quality food;
• alcohol;
• excessive use of the drug "Aspirin".

With stomach diseases, the patient feels aching pain in the left side of the abdomen, in the upper region. Sometimes discomfort is not the only symptom that worries the patient. A person may experience nausea and vomiting.

If the culprit of the pain is gastritis, then the patient experiences significant relief after taking antacid medications that can reduce the acidity of the gastric environment.

But if the pain does not stop, then mandatory Go to the doctor to rule out serious pathologies such as ulcers or cancer.

Spleen disease

Very often, aching pain in the left side under the ribs is provoked by this organ. After all, the spleen is located in the upper region of the peritoneum and is localized very close to the surface.

Pain may be caused by an enlarged spleen. In addition, after trauma to the peritoneum or certain infectious pathologies, the organ may be susceptible to rupture. The spleen is extremely vulnerable because it is located very close to the surface of the body. Sometimes, as a result of infectious pathologies (for example, mononucleosis), the organ greatly increases in size and softens in consistency. In this case, the risk of its rupture increases even without external influence.

Symptoms characterizing the pathology:

• severe abdominal pain;
• high sensitivity in this area;
• blueness of the area around the navel due to a large accumulation of blood.

Diaphragmatic hernia

Pain in the left side, in the front, in the upper abdomen may indicate sufficient unpleasant phenomenon. The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the abdominal cavity and the chest cavity. Its structure implies a certain opening through which the esophagus is connected to the stomach. If muscle tissue weakens, the hole may become larger. As a result, the upper part of the stomach begins to protrude from the peritoneum into the chest cavity. This pathology is called diaphragmatic hernia.

The dull pain that occurs with this pathology is often perceived as discomfort in the heart area, since the patient may experience discomfort high in the chest.

It is quite easy to distinguish between these pathologies. The pain caused by a hernia of the diaphragm increases significantly during bending or lying down. Cardiac discomfort “does not respond” to any movement of the body.

However, do not forget that only an experienced specialist can make a true diagnosis.

Intestinal pathologies

Discomfort in the left side can be caused by inflammatory processes in the lower parts of the large intestine. Most often, patients experience more than just pain. The disease is accompanied by other symptoms:

• bowel dysfunction;
• bloating.

If intestinal inflammation is suspected, the patient should avoid:

• fresh fruits and vegetables;
• spicy, hot seasonings;
• black bread;
• milk.

As a rule, after a few days the patient's condition improves significantly. But if your health does not improve, even despite fully following the recommended diet, you should definitely consult a doctor.

You may need to undergo a course of medical therapy.

Pancreas

Quite often, pain in the left abdominal region provokes pancreatitis. This is an inflammation of the pancreas. This organ can give discomfort to central region, right side. The reasons for such prevalence of painful symptoms lie in the very structure of the gland. The pancreas extends throughout the upper abdomen.

This organ is very often exposed to various inflammatory processes (pancreatitis). In addition, pancreatic cancer is common.

Pathology in this organ can be suspected by the nature of the pain:

• left side stings;
• with pancreatitis, the discomfort is extremely sharp;
• it can be encircling and even radiate to the back.

Often the pathology is accompanied by hyperthermia, nausea, and vomiting.

Patients suffering from:

• chronic alcoholism;
• asthma;
• diabetes mellitus;
• oncology;
• arthritis.

For people's relief pain syndrome You must follow a strict diet for several days. But in any case, to prevent recurrent attacks, it is important to consult a doctor about the course of treatment.

Discomfort in the back

Pain in the left side can spread to various parts of the body. Sometimes discomfort occurs in the back area. In this case, unpleasant sensations may appear in the morning or disturb for quite a long time. But there are times when the pain in the left side from the back becomes simply unbearable. Such discomfort does not allow you to work or rest.

So, why does the left side from the back hurt? Sources of discomfort may be:

1. Pathologies of the respiratory system (pneumonia, pleurisy, lung or bronchial cancer, pneumothorax).
2. Heart disease (angina pectoris, aortic aneurysm, myocardial infarction, pericarditis).
3. Diseases of the urinary system (retroperitoneal hematoma, renal colic, arterial thrombosis).
4. Pathologies of the nervous system and spinal cord.

The true cause of the pain can only be determined after an examination.

Types of pain

In addition, pay attention to the characteristics of unpleasant sensations:

1. Prolonged pain under the ribs may indicate damage to the kidney structures.
2. The pulsating nature of the discomfort, which intensifies with inspiration, is a symptom of damaged lung tissue.
3. Dull pain may indicate an inflammatory process in the kidneys or spleen.
4. Intense girdle discomfort in the epigastric zone, radiating to the scapula, heart or bottom part sternum - symptoms of pancreatitis.
5. Acute pain, significantly intensifying during exhalation, most often signals osteochondrosis or intercostal neuralgia.
6. Constant burning sensations in the sternum, periodic “lumbago” may indicate an aortic aneurysm.
7. Shooting, projective pain is often a sign of damage to the spinal cord and nervous system.

Male diseases

Quite often, representatives of the stronger sex experience excruciating pain. The left side, lower abdomen in men, is an area in which quite a few unpleasant diseases. There can be many reasons for such discomfort. It is quite difficult to independently determine the source that provokes aching discomfort in the left side, so you should not postpone a visit to the doctor.

Let's look at what causes unpleasant pain. The left side, lower abdomen in men can be bothersome as a result of a number of factors. Enough serious reasons discomfort is a hernia, inflammation of the testicles, cyst, rough food or inflammation of the pancreas.

Strenuous exercise can also cause unpleasant discomfort in the left side. In this case, there is no need to worry too much. Such pain indicates shaking that is unusual for the internal organs. As a rule, the discomfort is tingling and pulling. You need to stop and catch your breath a little. Better yet, skip one lesson.

A very common cause of pain in men is inflammation of the testicles. This pathology is caused by colds, sitting on cold benches or infection.

Causes of pain in women

Often similar discomfort pregnant women experience. In this case, aching pain in the left side of women appears from the 8th week. Peculiar sensations are associated with fetal growth. At the same time, the ligaments increase. Such reasons can cause abdominal discomfort.

So, pain in women is most often caused by the following factors:

1. Stretched ligaments cause discomfort. This phenomenon is quite natural. The woman experiences aching pain. As a rule, discomfort goes away on its own after a certain time. No painkillers should be used.
2. Left-handed painful discomfort may indicate impaired stomach function. Very often, pregnant women become extremely selective in their taste preferences. Expectant mothers eat a lot of food and quite often. At the same time, they manage to combine completely incompatible products. Of course, it is better to try to be more picky in your diet.
3. Sometimes pain during pregnancy is caused by a malfunction of the pancreas. This is typical for women who do not follow a diet, are overly fond of fatty and meat foods, smoke or drink alcohol. In such a situation, you must immediately rush to the doctors. These disorders can have a detrimental effect on the baby’s health.
4. The source of pain in the left side can be very serious. This discomfort is one of the symptoms of placental abruption. Only timely diagnosis can save the baby. In this case, miscarriages often occur.

If a pregnant woman experiences pain, she should immediately contact her gynecologist, carefully describing all the painful symptoms. An excellent solution would be an ultrasound. This will make sure that the baby is not in danger.

Conclusion

If pain occurs in the left abdominal area in an adult or child, you should definitely consult a doctor. After all, any pathology, even appendicitis, can become a source of discomfort. Don't delay your visit to the doctor. Remember: a negligent attitude towards your health and the condition of your loved ones has never led to good things. Therefore, if pain occurs, do not rush to take analgesics or antispasmodics. Go to a doctor to find out the real reason that is causing such unpleasant sensations.

Take care of yourself and your family!

Pain in the left side is observed in women more often than in men due to the structural features of the genitourinary system.

Discomfort may occur with different frequencies and severity, depending on the type of developing pathology or the individual location of internal organs.

If the left side of the abdomen hurts, it is necessary to establish the causes and carry out certain tests.

Pain syndrome is caused by many diseases, ranging from problems with the gastrointestinal tract, spine, genitourinary organs, to disorders of the cardiovascular system.

Since abdominal pain can be associated with a large list of ailments, it is simply impossible to determine with great accuracy the true cause of the disorder on your own.

Any manifestations of pain in women in the abdominal area indicate an early visit to the doctor.

Causes of pain

Most often, the causes of discomfort in women on the left side are pathologies of the genitourinary system.

But there is a list of diseases that relate to other organ systems and can cause severe pain in the left abdominal area.

Gastrointestinal tract:

1. Autoimmune disorders. They have a negative impact on the entire digestive system. The pain can radiate throughout the abdomen. It can especially get worse in the side some time after eating.
2. Education in the kidneys. These include malignant and benign tumors, stone deposits, cysts.
3. Irritable bowel. Causes discomfort in the abdomen and may have causes such as nervous excitability.
4. Pathologies of the spleen. Neoplasms and organ infarction cannot be ruled out.
5. Intestinal diverticulitis. Represents inflammatory foci of the inner layer of the intestines. It may be a sign of poor nutrition and the presence of a large number of pathogenic bacteria in the stomach.
6. Development of inflammation in the urinary system.
7. Ulcerative colitis.

Spine:

1. Displacement and curvature of the vertebrae. Pain from the left side radiates to the back or lower back.
2. Formation of intervertebral hernias. The back hurts and radiates to the abdomen and lower back.
3. Pinched nerve roots. In this case, the stomach often hurts, the discomfort radiates to the sides, and the patient may misinterpret his symptoms.

The cardiovascular system:

1. Heart attack and pre-infarction condition.
2. Severe tachycardia.

All listed diseases may cause pain in the left side or radiate to the stomach. Most often they are encircling in nature. In the first place among the female population are pathologies of the genital organs.

Common female pathologies

Many women regularly experience pain in the left side of the abdomen. Symptoms cannot be explained by a specific disease without proper diagnostic measures.

The reproductive organs require special attention and timely treatment in case of problems.

If the left side hurts, this may be a sign of an inflammatory process in the left part of the abdomen.

Systematic pain

According to statistics, every second woman suffers from systematic pain in the left side during the menstrual cycle or ovulation.

Symptoms caused hypersensitivity the body during hormonal changes and the launch of certain physiological processes.

If a doctor’s examination does not reveal any health abnormalities, then no additional intervention or drug therapy is required.

IN extreme cases You can take painkillers or antispasmodics. The pain syndrome will stop after the completion of the next stage of the physiological process.

Oncology

The left side may hurt as cancer develops. These include:

• Uterine tube cancer.
• Uterine cancer.
• Cervical cancer.
• Cancer of the vaginal walls.
• Ovarian cancer.

The oncological process is characterized by the degeneration of ordinary cells of organs or tissues into pathological ones, which the body cannot eliminate on its own.

This leads to widespread proliferation of abnormal cells, causing pressure on nearby organs and pain on the left side of the abdomen. The causes of formations in the abdomen are decreased immunity and the influence of harmful factors.

It is very difficult to detect a malignant process at an early stage.

It is necessary to pay attention to your well-being during periods of menstruation and ovulation, since discomfort in the abdominal area during this period can signal serious illnesses.

That is why it is necessary to visit a doctor if systematic pain occurs and find out the reasons why the stomach on the left hurts.

Aching pain, as a rule, occurs already from the 2nd stage of the malignant process.

Ectopic pregnancy

When planning a pregnancy, some disruptions in the process are possible. A weakened egg, which has already passed the stage of fertilization, for some reason cannot reach the uterus to fully settle in its cavity.

As a result, the egg may implant in the fallopian tubes and cause pain in the side.

A rapidly developing embryo does not fit into the small size of the fallopian tube, which is physiologically incapable of fully fulfilling the role of the uterus.

There is often a misconception regarding the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy.

In the absence of a doctor's examination, women consider pain in the left abdomen to be signs of an inflammatory process.

The true causes are established already in the case of bleeding. After a fallopian tube ruptures, a woman's life is in great danger and urgent medical attention is required.

Pathology can occur and cause pain for the following reasons:

1. The use of intrauterine devices.
2. Obstruction of the fallopian tubes.
3. Regular hormonal imbalances.
4. The presence of oncology in the area close to the uterus.
5. Obesity.

Pathology in women has the following symptoms:

• Increased body temperature.
• Weak blood discharge from the genital tract, which occurs at any time other than menstruation, causes abdominal pain.
• Severe toxicosis.
• Sharp pain in the left or right side.

With the occurrence of cracks, micro-tears and complete rupture of the fallopian tube, pain in the left side of the abdomen increases significantly, forming more and more bloody discharge. The stomach on the left also hurts after the accumulation of purulent masses.

Ovarian rupture

The disease in women occurs as a result of destructive processes in the ovarian area. If the symptoms are erased or there is no timely medical care, the organ ruptures.

An acute girdle pain appears in the abdomen, depending on which side the ovary is damaged, that side will hurt.

The risk of heavy bleeding increases, since large blood vessels are simultaneously damaged when ruptured. During this period, one can note an increase in the abdomen and wild pain on palpation.

Patients with low pain threshold may lose consciousness or experience painful shock.

Ovarian rupture occurs for the following reasons:

1. Advanced ovarian pathologies, which were provoked by taking hormonal drugs or a violation of the general hormonal background.
2. Injuries to the left side of the abdomen from below.
3. Inflammatory processes of a chronic nature of the genitourinary area.
4. Powerful hormonal imbalance.

The first signs of pathology are often confused with inflammation of the appendix.

The pain manifests itself in pulsating acute attacks, starting from the left side and radiating to the entire abdominal area and lower back. The difference is that with appendicitis the pain is on the right side.

If severe pain occurs in the left side, you must call an ambulance. There is a high probability of death due to large loss of blood and its accumulation in the abdominal cavity.

Ovarian cyst

A cyst is a benign formation that is located on the ovary and consists of pathological fluid.

Pain manifests itself differently, depending on the location of the tumor. If it hurts in the left part of the abdomen, then most likely it is this ovary that is affected.

During the stage of active and rapid development of cysts in women, the following symptoms are observed:

1. The menstrual cycle becomes unusually long.
2. Severe aching pain appears in the left side of the abdomen.
3. The pain radiates not only to the left side, but also to the hip.
4. The menstrual cycle is accompanied by severe pain.

Abdominal pain in women reaches its maximum at the time when the cyst grows to large sizes and starts to break out.

The main feature of this stage is sharp pain on the left side heat bodies.

Among the causes of the development of cysts and pain in the left side of the abdomen, the following factors stand out:

1. Scarring of tissue after surgical interventions on the pelvic organs.
2. Inflammatory processes of a chronic nature in the area of ​​the uterus and ovaries.
3. Frequent disruptions in menstruation due to hormonal imbalance.
4. Taking highly toxic medications.
5. Early abortions and frequent miscarriages.
6. Disturbances in the process of follicle maturation.

The disease requires diagnosis and a decision on treatment. Depending on the stage of the pathology, conservative or surgical treatment is used.

Pathologies of the female reproductive system in the early stages cause aching pain in the left side of the abdomen.

Torsion of the ovary and uterine tubes

IN medical practice torsion is a complicated pathological condition of internal organs in which changes in the normal location of the fallopian tubes and ovaries occur.

Pipes, under the influence of certain factors, are capable of changing their correct anatomical position, deviating from their axis and being pressed. Aching or sharp pain in the left abdomen may occur.

The disease is subject to emergency surgical intervention and observation in a hospital setting. Pathology causes serious violations in the bloodstream and nutrition of the ovaries.

There is a possibility of necrosis of the affected and nearby tissues and severe inflammation. Such consequences are eliminated by complete removal of the reproductive organs (ovaries and uterus).

The development of pathology occurs for the following reasons:

1. High motor activity of the digestive organs.
2. Individual features of the structure of the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Changes in the structure and size of the ovary. The addition of cysts and tumors causes additional stress on the ligaments, and the normal position of the ovary becomes impossible.
4. Sprains that relate to the fallopian tubes.

With pre-crust there is compression of the blood vessels, nerve fibers, which is the cause of severe pain.

A woman suffers from acute girdling pain in the left side of her abdomen, radiating to the lumbar region.

The left side may swell from swelling and bleeding of internal organs. The breathing process is aggravated, an increased heart rate and an increase in blood pressure may occur.

Endometriosis

The development of the disease is characterized by excessive growth of the epithelium, which over time affects with its vastness not only the uterine cavity, but also nearby organs, causing pain in the left part of the abdomen.

Despite the highly developed medical field of science, experts have not established the exact cause of the formation of endometriosis.

The following factors are considered precursors to the development of the pathological process:

1. Long-term inflammation in the genital area.
2. Diabetes and obesity.
3. Autoimmune pathologies.
4. Persistent immune disorders, high incidence of viral diseases. Inability of the immune system to reject excess epithelium.
5. Repeated procedures for cauterization of the cervix.
6. Early abortions age stages(up to 18 years of age).
7. Individual predisposition of the body to endometriosis, heredity.
8. Hormonal disorders in which the hormone estrogen is produced in large quantities, and progesterone in low quantities and is not able to neutralize the course of the pathological process and pain.

In the early stages of the disease, a woman may feel nagging pain in the left abdominal region.

Increased pain occurs during menstruation or ovulation. An advanced disease causes chronic infertility.

The main symptom of endometriosis is profuse bleeding during the menstrual cycle, the presence of severe pain and low blood pressure.

If the body is individually sensitive to the pathological process, loss of consciousness, a feeling of weakness and weakness are possible.

Uterine ligament rupture

The ligaments of the uterus can be damaged during polyhydramnios or multiple pregnancies or labor.

The growth of the fetus and its development creates a large weight load on the uterus, thereby provoking stretching or rupture of the ligaments ( connective tissue uterus).

A predisposing factor to weak ligaments is a deficiency of elastin and collagen.

These substances give muscles and ligaments special elasticity, preventing the likelihood of their rupture.

Such ligament injuries often occur in athletes who engage in weightlifting. Rupture of the uterine ligaments causes acute pain in the left side of the abdomen, which radiates under the ribs and lower back.

This pathology can cause severe bleeding and pain even during pregnancy and requires urgent surgery.

Inflammation of the uterine appendages

Adnexitis is an inflammatory process that affects the ovaries and fallopian tubes and causes severe pain. The development of inflammation occurs rapidly, capturing increasingly large areas of tissue.

To get inflammation of the appendages it is not necessary to have any disease.

The structure of the female reproductive system is such that its mucous membrane initially contains opportunistic microorganisms that can actively reproduce during periods of decreased immunity. It is this factor that contributes to the development of inflammation.

Factors causing inflammation of the appendages:

1. Hormonal changes and taking inappropriate oral contraceptives can also cause pain and inflammation.
2. Wearing a hormonal intrauterine device. The pain has a pulling or cutting character.
3. Frequent abortions (from once a year).

The disease can become chronic, relapse from time to time and have acute symptoms.

If the pathology develops in the acute stage, then there is severe pain in the lower abdomen on the left side. Re-inflammation occurs against the background of a sharp decrease in immunity, hypothermia or viral infections.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnostics is necessary to clarify the nature of the disease, the degree of its complexity and purpose necessary treatment against pain and inflammation.

Diagnostic measures consist of the following manipulations:

1. Inspection and palpation. If severe pain is present, palpation may cause the patient to lose consciousness.
2. Ultrasound and MRI studies.
3. Collection of blood and urine for laboratory tests.
4. Consultation with one or more specialized specialists: surgeon, proctologist, gynecologist, gastroenterologist.

Every gynecological disease requires mandatory treatment. The method of treatment depends on the severity of the disease. There are several types of treatment:

1. Surgical. It is used in case of a serious threat to the life and health of women.
2. Conservative. Includes the use of medications, herbal remedies, and the implementation of all specialist recommendations.
3. Physiotherapeutic. Restoration of the reproductive system using special medical equipment.

Physiotherapy is possible only after eliminating severe inflammatory lesions.

Herbal medicines are used only as complementary therapy, are not effective when taken alone against inflammation. At the end of therapy, the pain in the left side is eliminated.

Conclusion

Pain in the left side of the abdomen is serious reason to contact a specialist as soon as possible.

Timely diagnosis will not only determine the etiology of the disease, but also save the life of the affected woman.

The most a terrible consequence Unresolved pain in the left side is considered fatal and infertile. In many cases it is required complete removal uterus and appendages.

The earlier help is provided, the less likely it is to make drastic surgical decisions.

The stomach can hurt on the left for various reasons. In any case, sharp, unfamiliar pain on the left side should be diagnosed and eliminated.

An extremely dangerous situation arises if a pregnant woman has a stomach ache. This may be a sign of placental abruption or preterm labor.

Useful video

If such pain is felt, it means that there is a malfunction in the functioning of some organ located on the left side of the abdominal cavity. What to do if there is pain in the left side, read further in the article.

Possible reasons

Pain can be caused by many different factors, but only a doctor can accurately determine its cause. Therefore, there is no point in playing daisy, it is better to understand the situation accurately and quickly once. Such pain in the left side can be caused by diseases of the stomach, pancreas, spleen, intestines, or diaphragm. This means that if you have pain in the left side, you may be concerned about:

spleen,

pancreas,

intestinal loops,

left side of the diaphragm.

Spleen as a source of pain

Causes of pain in the left side caused by the spleen. Because spleen located close to the surface of the body, then pain in the left side of the abdomen is quite often associated with this organ. The spleen performs an important function in the body of recycling dead red blood cells, which are processed in it. The breakdown products of red blood cells from the spleen enter the bone marrow, where they are renewed.

The spleen can increase in size due to various diseases. In this case, the capsule in which it is placed stretches, which causes pain in the side. Any careless, sudden movement, as well as a blow or push, can cause a rupture of the enlarged spleen. These are also possible causes of pain in the left side.

The spleen can rupture on its own. Main sign rupture of the spleen is the so-called cyanosis of the skin around the navel. A rupture of an enlarged spleen due to abdominal trauma or infectious diseases, such as mononucleosis, is dangerous.

Intestines as a source of pain in the left side

In this case, in addition to pain in the side, there will also be diarrhea or constipation, and blood or mucus may be detected in the stool. Body temperature may increase, but only slightly.

Pain of stomach problems

Causes of pain in the left side due to stomach problems. Any irritant to the gastric mucosa for gastritis or functional dyspepsia will definitely cause pain in the side. Irritants may include: alcohol, poor quality food, frequent use of aspirin and more. This type of pain is usually not sharp, most often the pain is aching. In most cases, pain in the left side is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Antacid medications will help greatly. But if the pain does not stop within 1 - 2 days, you should urgently see a doctor, as this is a symptom of a peptic ulcer.

The doctor will prescribe laboratory tests, gastric endoscopy and other procedures that will help exclude or confirm the presence of peptic ulcers or stomach cancer.

Hernia as a source of pain

Pain in the left side associated with the formation hernias The diaphragm is often confused with pain in the heart area, as the pain can rise higher into the chest area. There is a difference. Unpleasant pain on the side of the diaphragm hernia almost always intensifies when bending, as well as laying flat. Whereas heart pain does not respond to such body movements.

What if the pancreas is not working well?

If the pain in the side is sharp, deep, accompanied by fever, nausea and vomiting, then in this case suspicions may fall on pancreas.

A disease of the pancreas is called pancreatitis. Pain in the left side may indicate inflammation of the pancreas. The pain can be felt in the right side and in the center of the abdomen, since the pancreas extends through the entire upper abdominal cavity. Advanced pancreatic disease can develop into cancer.

When the pancreas malfunctions, abdominal pain is quite characteristic. They are very sharp, encircling, radiating to the back. It seems like the pain is somewhere inside. There is also an increase in body temperature, nausea and vomiting.

At risk are people with a history of chronic alcoholism, smokers, people with diabetes, asthma and arthritis. Especially if you have problems with the gallbladder or are taking diuretics or steroid hormones.

The main thing in treatment acute pancreatitis this is alleviation of a painful attack, as well as finding out the cause of pain in the left side, which provoked this attack. The patient must strictly follow a strict diet, excluding fats and carbohydrates from the diet, so as not to provoke a new attack of the disease.

In fact, such pain is difficult to diagnose and attribute to a specific disease without some necessary tests.

Causes of pain in women and men in the left side

Most often it hurts on the left side in pregnant women, starting from the 8th week, when the fetus grows, and with it the ligaments increase, and the stomach may begin to hurt.

The ligaments begin to stretch, which is accompanied by pain, and this is quite natural; such pain in the side can be aching, most often it goes away after some time on its own, without the use of painkillers.

Sometimes such pain in the left side appears due to disturbances in the functioning of the stomach. Many pregnant women are quite sophisticated in their taste preferences; they, of course, eat a lot and often, sometimes completely incompatible foods. It is best to follow a diet during a diet and not try to eat everything your heart desires.

Most often, the pancreas during pregnancy causes pain on the sides of the abdomen if the diet is not followed, a large amount of meat and fatty foods makes itself felt, if in addition a woman smokes or drinks alcohol, then she should immediately run to the hospital. After all, such violations can cause irreparable harm to the baby.

Placental abruption during pregnancy

The cause of pain in the left side can be more serious, for example, this symptom appears in pregnant women when placental abruption occurs; only in some cases, with timely diagnosis, the child can be saved, but in most cases a miscarriage occurs. Most often this occurs starting from the 8th week of pregnancy.

The causes of pain during detachment can be quite understandable, for example:

• smoking,
• alcohol consumption,
• taking aspirin,
• high blood pressure.

And for reasons unknown to the doctor. Accidents and frequent travel (shaking) can cause detachment. If it is small, then the woman is prescribed bed rest, she is under constant monitoring doctor

What to do in such a situation? If you experience abdominal pain, immediately consult a gynecologist; it would not be a bad idea to do ultrasonography to make sure that the child is not in danger.

Pain in men

This phenomenon is neither common nor rare. If a man has pain in his left side, it cannot be said that this is a symptom of appendicitis. Rather, pain in the left side is a symptom of male diseases. But there are also rare cases when, with pain on the left side of the abdomen in a man, the tail of the intestine rests on the back.

Pain on the left side of the abdomen can have many causes. And none of them can be ruled out and not think about going to the doctor.

Serious causes of side pain in men can be diseases such as a hernia, cyst, inflammation of the testicles, pancreatitis or rough food.

For those who decide to play sports, you shouldn’t worry about this pain, that’s for sure. When there is pain in the left side of the abdomen in a man, this pain may indicate ordinary unusual shaking for the internal organs and may be accompanied by a nagging tingling pain. IN in this case you should just stop and catch your breath or skip a day of classes.

Inflammation of the testicles is a possible cause of pain in the left side. This disease may be caused colds(cold benches) and infection.

What to do if you have pain in your left side?

As you can see, there can be many reasons, and what exactly provokes the pain in the left side is difficult to understand on your own. To carry out correct and timely treatment, you need to seek advice from a specialist. If you have abdominal pain, first go to an appointment with a therapist, he can refer you to a gastroenterologist, a surgeon, and, perhaps, in women abdominal pain occurs due to “female” problems, then it is better to go to a gynecologist.

If you are a woman in an interesting situation, and you are suffering from pain on the sides of your abdomen, then immediately go to the doctor. A gynecologist knows the condition of your body, the details of fetal development, is familiar with the clinical picture, and after an examination he will be able to tell you how serious this problem is. Most often there is nothing to worry about, and your doctor will reassure you of this.

What should men do if they experience side discomfort?

Of course, the pain can always be muffled with analgesics, antispasmodics, of which there are many in the pharmacy, or you can turn to folk medicine, but you should definitely understand the cause of the pain, since it appeared for a reason and the disease cannot be cured with painkillers.

For example, a disease such as inflammation of the testicles, if left untreated, can lead to the loss of the opportunity to have children. One way or another, a man with side pain should see a doctor and undergo a series of tests. If you contact us in time, the unwanted can be avoided.

If a man has pain on the left side of his abdomen, diseases such as hernia and cyst cannot be excluded. These two factors appear on their own and no one is to blame. What to do with such symptoms? This can be prevented by giving a man vitamins and healthy foods. Also, these factors do not go away without surgical intervention, but since such a situation has already occurred, you should carefully monitor your health.

Be that as it may, it is recommended to always remember about your health and not to forget that neglect of it has never led to anything good, and girls and wives should always remember - if a man has pain in his left side, he should urgently send him to the doctor to avoid unpleasant consequences.

Video: Causes of pain in the left side

The sternum, in essence, like any other bone of the chest, performs a protective function. It protects organs such as the heart, lungs, great vessels and nerve trunks.

The sternum consists of 3 parts:

• Lever is the uppermost part of the sternum. The handle is shaped like an irregular octagon. The upper edge of the manubrium of the sternum ends with the jugular notch, on the sides of which there are places for attachment of the sternal ends of the clavicles ( clavicular notches). A little lower, on the lateral edges, there are notches for articulation with the first ribs. In addition, just below there are semi-pits that serve as the place of articulation of the sternum with the second rib ( the semi-fossa of the manubrium of the sternum together with the semi-fossa of the body of the sternum forms the articular fossa). The lower edge of the handle is attached to the body of the sternum, forming an obtuse angle. This protrusion can be easily felt through the skin and is located at the level where the second pair of ribs articulates with the sternum. It should be noted that the manubrium is the strongest part of the sternum.
• Body of the sternum 2.5 times longer than the handle, but somewhat narrower. The lateral edge of the body of the sternum is represented by four complete and two incomplete costal notches. These notches serve as the site of attachment of the ribs to the sternum ( for 2 – 6 pairs of ribs).
• xiphoid process is the lower and shortest part of the sternum. The xiphoid process can have different configurations ( pointed, beveled, forked) and magnitude. With age, the xiphoid process completely ossifies and fuses with the body of the sternum.

Ribs

The rib has a bone and cartilaginous part. The bony part of each rib is attached to the thoracic vertebrae at the back. Not reaching 2 - 4 centimeters from the sternum, the bony part of the rib passes into the cartilaginous part. It is the cartilaginous part that is attached to the sternum.

It should be mentioned that only the first seven ribs are attached to the sternum ( they are called "true"). The eighth, ninth and tenth pairs of ribs are attached to the seventh pair, forming a costal arch that limits the chest below. The ends of the last two pairs of ribs are “oscillating” and lie in the muscles of the abdominal cavity.

The lower edge of each rib bears a special groove in which the intercostal vein, artery and nerve lie.

Thoracic vertebrae

It is worth noting that the thoracic vertebrae are larger in size than the cervical ones, but inferior to the lumbar ones. The spinous processes extending from the vertebral arches are directed obliquely and downward.

Muscles

The muscles of the chest cavity include:

• Pectoralis major muscle originates from the inner half of the clavicle, the anterior surface of the body of the sternum, the cartilaginous parts of the ribs, from the rectus abdominis muscle and is attached to the humerus ( in the region of the crest of the greater tubercle). The outer edge of the muscle borders the deltoid muscle of the shoulder and is separated from it by a small groove. The pectoralis major muscle is involved in pronation of the arm ( rotates the upper limb inward), and also leads her to the body. In addition, the pectoralis major muscle, with the arms in a fixed position, is capable of lifting the sternum with the ribs and participating in forced inhalation.
• Pectoralis minor muscle lies directly under the pectoralis major muscle. One end of the muscle is attached to ribs 2–6, and the other to the scapula ( coracoid process). When contracted, the pectoralis minor muscle pulls the scapula down and forward. If the arm is fixed, the muscle is involved in the inhalation process.
• Subclavius ​​muscle passes between the first rib and the collarbone. This muscle is woven into the capsule of the sternoclavicular joint and strengthens it. The subclavian muscle is capable of slightly pulling the collarbone inward and downward.
• Serratus anterior muscle is a superficial muscle that originates from the upper nine ribs and is attached to the inner edge of the scapula. Contraction of the serratus anterior muscle along with some muscles of the back ( trapezoidal and diamond-shaped) pulls the scapula anteriorly and also fixes it. In addition, the serratus anterior muscle, with the shoulder girdle fixed, raises the ribs, participating in forced inhalation.
• External intercostal muscles located in the intercostal spaces and starting from the lower edges of the ribs. Directing obliquely downward, the external intercostal muscles attach to the upper edges of the underlying ribs. Participate in the act of breathing.
• Internal intercostal muscles located directly under the external intercostal muscles. The direction of the internal intercostal muscles is diametrically opposite compared to the course of the external intercostal muscles. These muscles also originate from the upper edge of the underlying rib and are attached to the overlying ribs.
• Subcostal muscles located on the inner surface of the chest. The origin and direction of the hypochondrium muscles are similar to the internal intercostal muscles.
• Transverse thoracis muscle is a continuation of the transverse abdominal muscle and is located on the inner surface of the chest.

Diaphragm

The upper surface of the diaphragm is convex upward and covered with a layer of pleura ( connective membrane that covers the lungs as well as the wall of the chest cavity). In turn, the lower surface of the diaphragm faces the abdominal cavity and is covered from below by a layer of peritoneum ( serous membrane covering the internal walls and organs of the abdominal cavity).

The diaphragm has several small openings through which the esophagus, thoracic lymphatic duct, aorta, inferior vena cava, trunks of the sympathetic nervous system and some other great vessels and nerves pass.

It is worth mentioning separately the thoracic cavity, which is enclosed in the chest. The thoracic cavity is an anatomical space that is limited below by the diaphragm, and on the sides and above by the rib cage. The chest cavity is lined with intrathoracic fascia ( connective tissue membrane). This fascia covers all intercostal spaces and the diaphragm on the inner surface. The central part of the thoracic cavity is represented by the mediastinal organs ( trachea, bronchi, thymus, esophagus, heart, blood vessels, nerves, lymphatic vessels and nodes). The lungs are located on the sides of the mediastinum. In turn, each lung is surrounded by connective tissue layers of the pleura, which form the pleural cavity.

The following structures are distinguished in the chest cavity:

• pleural cavity;
• mediastinum;
• lungs.

Pleural cavity

The pleural cavity under normal conditions contains a small amount of serous fluid, which wets the pleural leaves and allows them to slide during inhalation and exhalation. Also, the pleural cavity maintains the expanded state of the lungs and prevents them from collapsing. It is worth noting that the respiratory movements of the chest muscles are first transmitted to the pleural cavity, and then to the lungs themselves.

Mediastinum

Conventionally, the mediastinum is divided into anterior and posterior. In turn, in the anterior section of the mediastinum, the upper and lower sections are distinguished.

The mediastinum includes the following organs and structures:

• thoracic lymphatic duct ( is a collector of lymph);
• The lymph nodes;
• blood vessels ( aorta and its branches, superior vena cava, left and right brachiocephalic veins, azygos and semi-gypsy veins, pulmonary veins and arteries);
• nerve tissue ( nerve plexuses of blood vessels and organs, vagus nerves, phrenic nerves, trunks of the sympathetic nervous system);
• thymus ( thymus involved in the differentiation of cells of the immune system) or fiber that replaces it;
• heart and pericardial sac ( pericardium);
• esophagus;
• trachea;
• main bronchi.

Lungs

It is worth mentioning that the process of gas exchange in the lungs occurs at the level of small hemispherical sacs - alveoli. This is where air enters through the bronchi. Then oxygen from the air, through the process of diffusion, enters the pulmonary capillaries ( the smallest vessels), and penetrates from the capillaries into the alveoli carbon dioxide (gases are exchanged).

The respiratory function of the lungs is paramount, but not the only one. The lungs also affect acid-base balance blood, are a reservoir of blood, participate in thermoregulation, and also act as a shock absorber for the heart in case of injuries to the chest cavity.

It is worth mentioning separately those structures and organs that do not enter the chest cavity, but can be affected and lead to pain in the left side.

The following organs are located under the diaphragm, which can lead to pain in the left side:

• pancreas;
• small intestine ;
• colon.

Spleen

There are 4 main functions of the spleen:

• Blood depot. The spleen is one of the organs in which blood can be deposited. It is here that more than 30% of the total number of blood platelets can accumulate ( platelets). Often during exercise ( especially while running) there is pain localized in the left side. This is due to the fact that in the spleen there is a sharp change in vascular tone and the release of deposited blood into the main bloodstream. This pain is temporary and gradually disappears completely.
• Organ of formation and differentiation of lymphocytes ( immune system cells). The spleen is the main organ that synthesizes lymphocytes. Also, this organ is a kind of filter for microorganisms and foreign objects.
• Recycling of red blood cells and platelets. The spleen destroys old or defective red blood cells ( with the formation of globin and heme) and platelets, and then sends them to the liver. Takes part in iron metabolism.
• May participate in hematopoiesis. In some cases, the spleen can take over the functions of the bone marrow in hematopoiesis ( hematopoiesis).

Pancreas

The pancreas is a mixed gland, that is, it is both an internal and external secretion gland.

The pancreas performs the following functions:

• Exocrine function pancreas is responsible for the production of enzymes ( protease, lipase, amylase), which are involved in the digestion process. Thanks to these enzymes ( enzymes) proteins are broken down into amino acids, fats into glycerol and fatty acids, and carbohydrates into small chains of glucose. The production of these enzymes occurs in the main cells of the pancreas. Then, together with bile, enzymes penetrate into the lumen of the duodenum and become active.
• Endocrine function is possible thanks to small pancreatic islets that are scattered throughout the gland. In these formations, not only the hormone insulin is synthesized, which lowers sugar levels ( glucose) in the blood, but also glucagon ( increases blood sugar levels). In addition, pancreatic islets are responsible for the synthesis of somatostatin ( suppresses the secretion of various hormonally active protein compounds produced by the digestive system) and pancreatic polypeptide ( inhibits the synthesis of digestive enzymes of the pancreas and enhances the production gastric juice ).

Stomach

The stomach is divided into 4 segments or sections. The cardiac section is located at the level of the seventh rib on the left. The fundus of the stomach is the uppermost segment of the stomach that contacts the diaphragm. Pyloric section ( gatekeeper) is the final part of the stomach, which ends in a circular muscle - the pylorus ( sphincter). Thanks to this sphincter, the contents of the stomach enter the duodenum only after exposure to gastric juice and enzymes. The body of the stomach is located between the fundus of the stomach and the pylorus and is the largest segment.

The following main functions of the stomach are distinguished:

• accumulation, mechanical restoration and further advancement of the food bolus into the small intestine;
• release of hydrochloric acid and enzymes ( pepsin, lipase, chymosin), which carry out chemical processing of food;
• production biologically active substances and hormones ( gastrin, histamine, somatostatin, serotonin, etc.);
• neutralization of pathogenic microorganisms due to the action of hydrochloric acid;
• production of Castle factor ( participates in the absorption of vitamin B12);
• absorption of water, carbohydrates, salt and other substances.

Small intestine

The small intestine has the following sections:

• Duodenum is the initial segment of the small intestine, immediately following the pyloric part of the stomach. The duodenum regulates the acidity and enzymatic activity of the stomach through the production of special biologically active substances. Besides, in duodenum the environment changes from acidic to alkaline. This is necessary in order to eliminate the adverse effects of an overly acidic environment on the mucous membrane of the small and large intestines. This is also where the process begins intestinal digestion.
• Jejunum located between the duodenum and ileum. IN jejunum the final breakdown of high-molecular substances into monomers occurs ( proteins - to amino acids, fats - to fatty acids and glycerol, carbohydrates - to monosaccharides), which are then absorbed through the intestinal wall. In addition, this section of the small intestine is characterized by motor activity ( peristalsis), which allows chyme ( chyme) move further through the intestines.
• Ileum is the final section of the small intestine. At the junction with the large intestine, the ileum forms the ileocecal valve ( ileocecal valve). This valve prevents the contents of the large intestine from flowing back into the small intestine. The ileum is capable of producing a special hormone-like substance that suppresses appetite and reduces the feeling of thirst.

Colon

The large intestine has the following sections:

• Cecum is the initial section of the large intestine. The cecum is a small section that is located just after the valve that separates the small intestine from the large intestine ( ileocecal valve). Below the cecum there is a vermiform appendix ( appendix).
• Colon is the longest segment of the large intestine, which can reach one and a half meters. The colon consists of 4 sections - ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid colon. Food can only move in one direction through the large intestine. In addition to the absorption of water, the final breakdown of proteins occurs here, as well as the production of vitamin K and some B vitamins.
• Rectum is the terminal segment of the large intestine. The rectum ends in the anal canal, which is closed by the sphincter ( orbicularis muscle).

What structures can become inflamed on the left side?

Pathologies causing pain in the left side

The most common causes of pain in the left side

Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of pain in the left side

Pyoderma

Symptoms of pyoderma

Depending on the type, stage and severity of pyoderma, treatment can be either medicinal or surgical:

• Local preparations are represented by gels and ointments for external use, as well as alcohol solutions and aniline dyes, which have disinfecting ( antiseptic) and antibacterial properties. Depending on the stage of the pathological process, brilliant green can be used ( brilliant green), chlorhexidine, betadine ( the basis is iodine) or salicylic acid.
• Antibiotics in tablet form is used relatively rarely. The indication is the presence of concomitant infections against the background of pyoderma. At the initial stage, an antibiotic is prescribed, which has a wide spectrum of action and is active against staphylococci and streptococci ( ampiox, cefazolin, gentamicin and others). Then the sensitivity of the microbe to various antibacterial drugs is determined ( by using bacteriological culture purulent material) and then use the most effective antibiotic.
• Surgery necessary only for the malignant course of staphyloderma ( boils and carbuncles). Before the operation, the abscess is pre-frozen with chlorethyl or local anesthesia is performed using lidocaine. Then the surgeon carefully pierces the wall of the abscess with a scalpel, after which the pus is completely removed. To eliminate the possibility of relapse ( repeated exacerbations) antibiotic therapy is prescribed.

Myositis

Other causes of inflammation of the intercostal muscles:

• hypothermia;
• some infections ( for example, herpes zoster virus);
• excessive physical activity;
• chest injuries;
• forced stay in an extremely uncomfortable position.

The following symptoms occur with myositis:

• Pain in the intercostal space usually acute and paroxysmal. Painful sensations tend to worsen from touching or pressing on the inflamed soft tissues of the intercostal space, as well as during movements. Pain often occurs when the weather changes. In the future, pain occurs not only during physical activity, but also at rest.
• Reddened skin ( hyperemia) over the area of ​​inflammation of the intercostal muscles occurs due to increased blood flow. The fact is that any inflammatory reaction is accompanied by the production of various biologically active substances ( bradykinin, histamine, serotonin), which dilate blood vessels, which leads to increased blood flow in the area.
• Intercostal muscle spasm occurs due to swelling of muscle tissue ( swelling is a characteristic manifestation of the inflammatory response). It is tissue swelling that leads to pain due to compression of pain receptors located both in the muscles themselves and in nearby blood vessels and nerves.

Conservative ( non-surgical) method is the main method of treating acute or chronic inflammation of the intercostal muscles.

The following medications are used to treat myositis:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used not only to reduce the severity of inflammation, but also to relieve pain. These medications can be taken orally in tablet form ( analgin, paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen) or used in the form of various ointments and gels ( the basis of such medications is ketoprofen or diclofenac).
• Physiotherapy help reduce swelling and pain, as well as restore damaged intercostal muscle tissue. Most often, courses of acupuncture, therapeutic massage and therapeutic exercises are prescribed.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Intervertebral discs consist of connective and cartilage tissue and are shaped like a washer. The central part of the disc is represented by a gel-like core, while the peripheral part consists of annular plates of connective tissue. Each intervertebral disc is covered from below, as well as from above, with a small layer of cartilage. Cartilage tissue participates in the nutrition of the intervertebral disc, and also plays the role of a shock-absorbing substance during loads on the spinal column. Dystrophic changes in the disc cartilage gradually cause its destruction. Subsequently, the distance between two adjacent vertebrae decreases, which often leads to compression ( squeezing) intercostal nerves ( intercostal neuralgia), which are located on the sides of the vertebrae. Complete or partial compression of the intercostal nerves is accompanied by severe pain. As a rule, osteochondrosis is characterized by the appearance of unilateral pain ( pain spreads to either the left or right side).

It is worth noting that previously osteochondrosis most often occurred in older people, but currently this disease is increasingly being detected in adolescents and young adults ( from 15 to 35 years).

The following reasons most often lead to osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine:

• prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position sitting or standing;
• increased physical stress on the spine;
• spinal injury;
• infectious diseases of the spine;
• scoliosis ( lateral curvature of the spine);
• overweight;
• kyphosis ( curvature of the spinal column in the anteroposterior direction);
• age-related changes;
• displacement of the thoracic vertebrae ( spondylolisthesis);

The following symptoms are characteristic of left-sided osteochondrosis:

• Pain spreads along the affected intercostal nerve and can be reflected in the left side or in the area between the shoulder blades. This pain, as a rule, has a paroxysmal nature and can be triggered by sudden movements or coughing. In some cases, the pain may resemble an angina attack ( pain due to impaired arterial blood supply to the heart muscle).
• Muscle spasm. The intercostal muscles are often spasmodic and painful. In addition, paresthesia is sometimes observed, which is manifested by a sensation of tingling, burning or numbness in the intercostal space. In advanced cases, the chest muscles lose functionality, and muscle atrophy.
• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) occurs due to increased excitability of the sympathetic nervous system against the background of pain.

The following methods are used as instrumental diagnostics:

• Radiography The thoracic spine is the most universal method for diagnosing osteochondrosis. When X-rays are taken, images are obtained in which signs of this pathology can be detected such as salt deposition in intervertebral discs (accumulation of calcium salts in them), displacement of the vertebrae, narrowing of the gap between the vertebrae ( reduction in disc height due to destruction of cartilage tissue), detection of pathological bone growths on the vertebrae ( osteophytes).
• Computed and magnetic resonance imaging ( CT and MRI). Data is highly accurate instrumental methods diagnostics are more expensive, but also more informative compared to conventional radiography. Both types of tomography make it possible to accurately localize the level at which pathological changes occurred in the intervertebral discs and surrounding tissues, as well as to identify the degree of compression of the intercostal nerve. It is based on the results of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging that the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment of osteochondrosis involves the following points:

• Drug therapy. Pain syndrome is relieved ( remove) using non-narcotic painkillers. As a rule, analgin, diclofenac, ibuprofen or others are used medicines, capable of suppressing the production of biologically active substances that increase pain. Persistent and severe pain is relieved with muscle relaxants ( tizanidine, mydocalm), which eliminate muscle spasms. In advanced cases, they resort to intraosseous blockades with the injection of lidocaine solution into the vertebrae. Relatively good therapeutic effect observed when taking chondroprotectors ( Rumalon, teraflex, kondronova, sustilak, etc.). These medications can significantly speed up the process of restoration of intervertebral disc cartilage.
• Physiotherapeutic procedures used in combination with drug treatment. The main emphasis is on therapeutic massage, acupuncture ( acupuncture), therapeutic exercises (a complex is selected special exercises ), manual therapy (manual impact on muscles and vertebrae) and spinal traction. These physical procedures can reduce the severity of pain, improve the nutrition of intervertebral discs, skeletal muscles back and chest, reduce the load on the thoracic segment of the spinal column.
• Surgery is a last resort treatment. It is resorted to only when conservative methods treatment did not lead to improvement of the condition. This operation involves restoring the normal position of the thoracic vertebrae, removing intervertebral hernia or pathological bone growths ( osteophytes). To secure the spine in the correct anatomical position, they resort to the use of metal plates, which are attached to the vertebrae with screws and rods.

Cardiac ischemia

Coronary heart disease occurs due to the following reasons:

• severe spasm of the coronary arteries ( occurs due to a mismatch between vasoconstrictor and vasodilator factors);
• atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries ( blockage of the heart arteries with atherosclerotic plaques);
• coronary artery thrombosis;
• high blood pressure;
• increase in the thickness of the heart muscle ( hypertrophied myocardium must consume more oxygen and nutrients);
• tachycardia ( an increase in the number of heart contractions leads to a multiple increase in the need for arterial blood by the heart muscle).

In most cases, the following factors contribute to the development of coronary heart disease:

• increased blood cholesterol levels;
• smoking;
• physical inactivity ( low motor mobility);
• drinking alcohol in large quantities;
• genetic predisposition.

Angina pectoris and myocardial infarction should be considered separately. The main difference between angina and heart attack is the duration of the pain syndrome. With angina pectoris, pain in the heart area in the vast majority of cases does not exceed 10–15 minutes in duration, while with a heart attack the pain syndrome can last up to several hours. Angina pectoris is manifested by chest pain, which is often reflected in the left shoulder or arm, in the left side, and sometimes radiates ( give away) in the neck or lower jaw. This pain syndrome can be relieved or prevented by timely intake of nitrates ( nitroglycerin, isoket, isosorbide). These drugs help redistribute coronary blood flow in the area where ischemia occurs and also reduce blood pressure. It should be noted that in the context of angina, there are several forms that manifest themselves differently.

The following forms of angina are distinguished:

• Stable angina, As a rule, it occurs against the background of physical or psycho-emotional stress and has a stereotypical character. Under stable angina understand the occurrence of pain in the heart with a frequency of at least 1 – 2 times a month.
• Unstable angina also manifests itself as chest pain, but the factors that can provoke this pain syndrome are insignificant ( minimal physical or psycho-emotional stress). Unstable angina is considered a dangerous pathological condition, which quite often leads to the development of myocardial infarction.
• Angina at rest occurs for no apparent reason, in the absence of any physical activity or stress. As a rule, this form of angina indicates significant damage to the coronary vessels by atherosclerosis. It is worth noting that pain often occurs at night or in the morning due to increased inflow venous blood to the heart.

Coronary heart disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

• unbearable, burning or squeezing pain in the region of the heart, which is usually reflected in left hand or shoulder, shoulder blade, left side;
• heart rhythm disorder ( arrhythmias);
• severe dizziness;
• indigestion ( heartburn, nausea);
• fear of death.

The physical examination is essentially based on identifying some symptoms of heart failure. Sometimes it is possible to detect swelling of the lower extremities or enlargement of the liver. If chest pain occurs, in all cases it is necessary to perform an electrocardiogram ( ECG) .

For diagnosis, the following instrumental methods are most often used:

• Electrocardiogram is a mandatory method for studying coronary heart disease. An electrocardiogram allows you to assess the rhythm and conductivity of the myocardium. In addition, thanks to this method, one can indirectly judge the blood supply to the heart muscle. With coronary heart disease, the ECG shows a change in the T wave ( size and shape), which evaluates the process of repolarization or relaxation of the heart muscle. It is the relaxation of the myocardium that is an active process that is carried out with the participation of oxygen. A decrease or complete cessation of oxygen-rich arterial blood entering the myocardium leads to disruption of the repolarization process. In turn, long-term disruption of blood supply is manifested by changes in the ST segment. This segment is used to judge the early repolarization of the heart muscle. It is worth noting that during myocardial infarction, not only the ST segment and the T wave change, but also the QRS complex, which reflects the process of excitation spreading through the right and left ventricles ( especially the R wave).
• Ultrasound of the heart ( echocardiogram) helps to study functional and structural changes in the heart and its valves. Using an echocardiogram, you can determine the volume of the heart chambers and find out their thickness. This method also allows you to see the work of the entire heart in real time. In coronary heart disease, an echocardiogram can detect a segment of the myocardium that contracts less due to ischemia.
• Angiography of coronary vessels is an x-ray examination method combined with contrasting of blood vessels. Angiography allows you to identify at what level the blockage of the vessel supplying the myocardium occurred, as well as the degree of occlusion ( blockages) vessel. It is worth noting that angiography has contraindications. This method is not used if you are allergic to iodine preparations, or if there are current acute infections, heart failure or insufficiency of kidney or liver function.
• Bicycle ergometry is a method that allows you to determine the resistance of the heart muscle to physical stress. This method is based on conducting an electrocardiographic study of the heart, but not at rest, but using increasing stepwise physical activity ( bicycle ergometer). In case of cardiac ischemia, the electrocardiogram will reveal changes in the T and R waves, as well as changes in the ST segment ( excessive elevation or depression of a segment).

A number of different medications are used to treat coronary heart disease. In each individual case, the cardiologist selects an individual treatment regimen.

The following drugs are used in the treatment of coronary heart disease:

• Nitrates are indispensable medicines for angina pectoris. The action of nitrates ( isoket, nitroglycerin, isosorbide) is aimed at reducing the load on the heart muscle by dilating blood vessels ( including heart vessels).
• Calcium channel blockers as well as nitrates, they are drugs that are often used to relieve pain due to angina pectoris. This group includes verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine and some other medications that inhibit the penetration of calcium ions into the cells of blood vessels and the heart, which leads to vasodilation and a decrease in pressure.
• Beta blockers are used to reduce cardiac contractility and heart rate, which is manifested by a decrease in the need of myocardial cells for oxygen. This group of medications directly affects beta-adrenergic receptors located in the cells of the heart muscle and blood vessels. Beta-blockers include bisoprolol, metoprolol, propranolol and other medications.
• Anticoagulants ( anticoagulants) are used extremely often, since for coronary heart disease ( especially in myocardial infarction) there is a high probability of developing thrombosis. Anticoagulants direct action (heparin) are used both after myocardial infarction ( during the first week), and with unstable angina.
• Blood thinners ( antiplatelet agents) significantly reduce the risk of thrombosis by suppressing aggregation ( gluing) red blood cells and platelets. In medical practice, a blood-thinning drug such as acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin has become widespread. It is worth noting that antiplatelet agents not only affect aggregation, but also inhibit the growth of existing blood clots.
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs ( fibrates and statins) used to reduce general level cholesterol in the blood. Statins ( fluvastatin, rosuvastatin, pitavastatin) is used to reduce the low-density lipoprotein fraction ( this fraction is involved in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques). In turn, fibrates increase the lipoprotein fraction high density, which has an antiatherogenic effect and prevents the formation of vascular atherosclerosis. As a rule, these medications are used in combination with each other.
• Diuretics ( diuretics) help reduce the volume of circulating blood due to the accelerated process of removing fluid from the body. As a result, this leads to a decrease in the load on the heart muscle. Taking diuretics such as hypothiazide or indapamide is necessary if the patient has high blood pressure, which is a significant risk factor in the context of coronary heart disease. For forced diuresis ( accelerated excretion of urine from the body) most commonly used are furosemide or lasix.
• Antiarrhythmic drugs used to eliminate various disorders heart rate (more often atrial fibrillation ). Amiodarone is used quite often. This drug largely blocks potassium ion channels in cardiomyocytes ( heart muscle cells) and to some extent calcium and sodium channels, which leads to a decrease in the strength and frequency of heart contractions, as well as a decrease in cardiac conduction. The action of amiodarone leads to a significant reduction in the oxygen demand of the heart muscle. In addition, the drug also eliminates heart rhythm disturbances that arise against the background of cardiac ischemia.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors through a cascade mechanism, they lead to inhibition of the production of the hormone angiotensin, which, acting on blood vessels, leads to their spasm and narrowing ( vasoconstrictor). Also, these medications somewhat slow down the breakdown of bradykinin, which has vasodilating effect. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors include captopril, ramipril, fosinopril, enalapril. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are the drugs of choice when coronary heart disease is combined with hypertension and/or diabetes.

If drug therapy is ineffective or if there are other indications, coronary bypass surgery is used. During this operation coronary artery or its branch ( below the lesion site) connect to another artery. At the same time, as a shunt ( vessel used to restore blood supply) often use the patient's own vein ( as a rule, this is the great saphenous vein). Most often, coronary artery bypass grafting is performed, which involves connecting the aorta ( main artery leaving the heart) with segments of the affected coronary arteries.

Pneumonia

Most often, pneumonia is caused by a bacterial and/or viral infection. In some cases the lungs may be affected microscopic fungi or the simplest.

The following factors are identified that predispose to the development of pneumonia:

• hypothermia of the body;
• decreased immunity;
• smoking;
• chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases ( emphysema, bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis);
• operations on the chest organs;
• some endocrine diseases;
• heart failure.

The most common symptoms of pneumonia are:

• Fever. With pneumonia, body temperature can rise to 37 – 39ºС. Fever is a typical symptom of an acute infectious process, in fact, being a protective mechanism. The fact is that an increase in body temperature, even by a few degrees Celsius, has an extremely adverse effect on the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
• General malaise is a consequence of exposure to pathogenic waste products on the body ( pathogenic) microbes. These metabolic products have a toxic effect primarily on the central nervous system (CNS). As a result, this manifests itself as headache, dizziness, weakness, apathy, and irritability.
• Chest pain occurs only when pneumonia leads to inflammation of the pleura ( pleurisy). Depending on the location of the pathological process, pain may occur in the left or right side.
• Cough dry at first ( no discharge) and permanent. The cough then becomes productive, producing large amounts of sputum. The color and consistency of sputum can vary and largely depend on the type of pathogen.
• Dyspnea indicates the presence of respiratory failure. In pneumonia, the alveoli of the lungs ( hemispherical bags), which actively participate in the process of gas exchange, are filled with pathological fluid ( exudate). In other words, the affected segment or segments of the lung fall out of the breathing process, leading to respiratory failure and shortness of breath. In this case, rapid breathing occurs as a compensatory mechanism.
• Wheezing are pathological noises that indicate the presence in the bronchi or bronchioles ( smallest branches of the bronchi) pathological fluid. With pneumonia, as a rule, moist fine bubbling rales are heard, which indicates the involvement of small caliber bronchi in the pathological process. Another type of abnormal noise is crepitus. Crepitation occurs when the alveoli stick together and come apart, in which exudate accumulates ( pathological content).

Diagnosis of pneumonia involves the use of the following instrumental and laboratory diagnostic methods:

• Chest X-ray is a mandatory method for diagnosing pneumonia. With focal pneumonia ( involvement of a small segment of the lung in the pathological process) reveal an area of ​​darkening in the lung and an increase in the size of the lung root. In turn, with pleurisy, a seemingly more standing tall diaphragm, as well as an increase in the distance between the beginning of the pulmonary field and the fundus of the stomach on the left. For lobar pneumonia ( damage to the entire lobe of the lung along with the adjacent pleura) detect enough large area darkening of lung tissue ( total or subtotal dimming), displacement of the mediastinal shadow towards the lesion and high standing of the diaphragm. It is worth noting that chest radiography is most often done in two projections ( for better visualization of the pathological process).
• Bacterial culture sputum is a method of identifying the type of pathogen that provoked pneumonia. The procedure is performed on an empty stomach in the morning. Before collecting sputum, the patient should brush his teeth and rinse his mouth with water to reduce the likelihood of contamination of the sputum by oral microflora. After identifying the pathogen ( species identification) it is necessary to determine its sensitivity to various antibiotics. The results of the analysis are used by the attending physician to select an antibiotic effective against the microbe.

Treatment of pneumonia involves the use of the following medications:

• Antibiotics are the main component conservative treatment. Antibiotics with a wide spectrum of action have proven themselves well ( effective against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria). Macrolides are most often used ( clarithromycin, azithromycin, erythromycin) and fluoroquinolones ( levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, moxifloxacin). Since taking antibiotics inevitably leads to suppression normal microflora body and especially the intestinal microflora, then in addition to antibiotics it is also necessary to take antifungal drugs ( nystatin, fluconazole).
• Expectorants ( mucolytics) help liquefy and remove mucus, restoring normal functioning respiratory tract. In most cases, expectorants such as bromhexine, ACC ( acetylcysteine), ambroxol.
• Antipyretics necessary to relieve fever. This effect is exerted by a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which includes paracetamol, aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, etc. In addition, antipyretic drugs also reduce the severity of pleural pain caused by inflammation of the pleura.
• Physiotherapy complement drug therapy. Physiotherapy stimulates the immune system, reduces the severity of the inflammatory process, and suppresses the growth of pathogenic bacteria. For pneumonia, ultrasonic aerosol inhalations are most often used ( using antibiotics or expectorants), ozokerite or paraffin applications on the chest ( metabolic processes are accelerated and tissue regeneration occurs), ultra-high frequency ( UHF) therapy ( improves blood supply to tissues, accelerates the process of restoration of damaged tissues), vibration massage ( promotes mucus removal).

Pleurisy

Among the causes of pleurisy are the following:

• pneumonia;
• pulmonary tuberculosis;
• rheumatic pleurisy ( a form of rheumatism involving the pleura in the pathological process);
• chest injury ( penetration of microbes into the pleural cavity).

Symptoms various forms pleurisy

To clarify the diagnosis, the following diagnostic methods and tests are used:

• Pleural puncture is the main method for diagnosing pleurisy. This method allows us to confirm the presence of even a small accumulation of exudate in the pleural cavity. As a rule, a puncture of the chest is done in the 7th or 8th intercostal space along the posterior axillary line. The needle is inserted along the upper edge of the rib to avoid damage to the intercostal nerve or artery. Using a syringe, pathological contents are pumped out from the pleural cavity, which is then subjected to cytological ( examine cellular composition under a microscope) And bacteriological research. If there is a large amount of pathological secretion, diagnostic puncture of the pleura becomes therapeutic, which implies complete removal of exudate, washing of the pleural cavity with a solution of antiseptics and antibiotics.
• X-ray of the chest organs also allows you to detect signs of pleurisy. If the accumulation of exudate in the pleural cavity is insignificant, then on x-rays, as a rule, darkening of the right or left costophrenic sinus will be noticeable ( sphenoid sinus between the diaphragm and pleura). If there is a significant accumulation of pathological secretions ( more than 800 – 900 milliliters), then a uniform darkening of the lung tissue with a slanted upper fluid level is observed. In this case, the mediastinal organs shift to the healthy side. It is worth noting that in some cases this method may not detect the accumulation of a small amount of exudate in the pleural cavity.
• General analysis blood helps identify signs of the inflammatory process. These include an increase in the number of neutrophils ( subtype of white blood cells), shift leukocyte formula left ( increase in the number of younger forms of white blood cells), increasing the erythrocyte sedimentation rate due to an increase in the concentration of acute phase inflammation proteins in the blood ( immunoglobulins, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen).

In the treatment of pleurisy, the following drugs and manipulations are most often used:

• Painkillers, as a rule, prescribed for dry pleurisy or pleural empyema. The most commonly used are analgin, diclofenac, and indomethacin. Severe pain is relieved intramuscular injection analgin or baralgin.
• Immunostimulating substances can increase the activity of immune system cells. Levamisole and methyluracil can be used in the treatment of pleurisy.
• Desensitizing drugs suppress allergic reactions and other changes in the specific reactivity of the body. Calcium chloride and sodium thiosulfate are mainly used. For the treatment of pleurisy that occurs against the background of rheumatism, glucocorticosteroids are used ( prednisolone, dexamethasone).
• Therapeutic puncture is an important step in the treatment of exudative and purulent pleurisy. Not only is all pathological fluid removed from the pleural cavity, but it is also washed with an antiseptic solution, which has a disinfecting effect, and then an antibiotic solution is introduced to prevent the growth and development of various pathogenic bacteria that may be present here.

Pulmonary tuberculosis

Factors predisposing to the occurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis are:

• immunodeficiencies ( including for HIV);
• diabetes;
• poor nutrition;
• frequent hypothermia of the body;
• smoking and alcohol abuse;
• chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases ( chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchiectasis);
• direct contact with patients who have an open form of tuberculosis ( isolation of mycobacteria from sputum, saliva and other biological fluids).

The following nonspecific symptoms are characteristic of tuberculosis:

• slight increase in body temperature ( 37 – 37.5ºС);
• general weakness;
• increased fatigue;
• weight loss;
• profuse sweat, especially at night;
• apathy;
• pallor of the skin.

More specific signs of pulmonary tuberculosis include:

• Chest pain is a consequence of the involvement in the pathological process of the pleural layers that cover the lungs on top. Most often the pain is dull or aching. In some cases, the pain may be minor and feel like chest discomfort. The localization of pain can vary, but most often it is on the left or right side. Pain usually occurs when coughing or during sudden movements.
• Prolonged cough extremely characteristic of tuberculosis. On initial stages There is a constant dry cough. With the progression of this infectious disease When pathological secretions accumulate in the lungs, a dry cough becomes wet, which leads to the production of sputum. In this case, the bronchi and alveoli are partially cleared, which brings relief for a while.
• Hemoptysis ( hemoptysis) is extremely serious symptom, which most often indicates an infiltrative form of pulmonary tuberculosis. Blood may be released when coughing due to pulmonary hemorrhage, which occurs when the small vessels of the lungs are damaged ( capillaries).

To diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis, the following methods are used:

• Fluorography and chest radiography allow early detection of lesions in the lungs. Fluorography is carried out once every two years and, in fact, is a more simplified version of chest x-ray. The difference between radiography and fluorography is that an x-ray provides the doctor with more detailed information about lesions caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Depending on the form and stage of the disease, one or several areas of darkening can be detected on an x-ray ( at focal tuberculosis lungs), areas of darkness with jagged or blurred edges ( with infiltrative tuberculosis), blurred contours of the lung root ( with tuberculosis of intrathoracic lymph nodes) and some other manifestations of pulmonary tuberculosis.
• Bacterial culture of sputum allows direct detection of the causative agent of tuberculosis ( mycobacteria or Koch bacilli) in secreted sputum. This biological material is taken three times for greater reliability of the result. If it is not possible to take sputum for analysis, then they resort to collecting stomach contents or bronchial secretions obtained during bronchoscopy ( examination of the trachea and bronchi using a special tube - an endoscope). During the study, a smear is made from the collected biological material and stained using the Ziehl-Neelsen method. Mycobacteria stain red. It is also extremely important to determine which anti-tuberculosis drugs the causative agent of the disease is sensitive to in order to correctly select a treatment regimen.
• Tuberculin test ( Mantoux test, tuberculin diagnostics) is a specific intradermal reaction, which in most cases allows us to talk about the presence or absence of contact with tuberculosis patients, as well as the presence of this drug in the body pathogenic microbe. This test is carried out using tuberculin - an extract from lysed ( destroyed) Koch's rods. The test is considered negative if there is no redness or thickening at the injection site within 72 hours, and also if a reaction ( according to the type of allergy) does not exceed 1 millimeter. Most often, this indicates that the body has never been in contact with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but in some cases a negative reaction may indicate a recent infection ( no more than 3 – 4 months) or occur in people with very weakened immune systems. A compaction of 5 to 16 millimeters is considered a positive test. As a rule, such a test result indicates the presence of an immune response to the introduction of Koch bacilli ( there is immunity). If a compaction is detected that exceeds 21 millimeters in adults, and 17 millimeters in children, as well as the appearance of ulcers and small ulcers at the injection site, most often indicates massive bacteremia ( circulation of a large number of microbes in the body). It is worth noting that the Mantoux reaction is not an absolutely accurate method. There is a possibility of obtaining false positive or false negative results. The results can be affected by various skin diseases, allergies, or a recent infectious disease.

To treat pulmonary tuberculosis use:

• Anti-tuberculosis drugs are a heterogeneous group of medications that are used to treat various forms of tuberculosis. Most often, a four-component or five-component treatment regimen is used. The first scheme involves the use of four drugs at once ( rifampicin, ethambutol, isoniazid and pyrazinamide), while the second regimen additionally uses a fluoroquinolone antibiotic ( ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin) and is even more effective. In cases where resistance is observed ( sustainability) mycobacteria to one or several tuberculosis drugs included in standard circuits, use reserve medicines ( ftivazide, capreomycin, clarithromycin). It is extremely important to take medications regularly, since stopping treatment can contribute to the development of multidrug resistance in mycobacteria, which will make them resistant to most medications.
• Spa treatment activates the immune system and also inhibits the growth and reproduction of mycobacteria. The fact is that Koch's wand does not tolerate direct contact with oxygen. That is why it is most often found in the upper lobes of the lungs, where ventilation is not as intense as in the lower lobes. Staying in sanatoriums at an altitude of more than 700 - 1000 m above sea level helps to increase the breathing rate and supply more oxygen to the lungs, which inhibits the proliferation of mycobacteria.
• Enhanced nutrition also an extremely important condition in the treatment and prevention of pulmonary or extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Deficiency in proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins or microelements leads to a decrease in local and general immunity, which promotes the growth and reproduction of the tuberculosis pathogen. That is why enhanced nutrition plays an important role in the treatment of this infectious disease.
• Surgery necessary in advanced cases of pulmonary tuberculosis or when complications such as pulmonary hemorrhage, purulent pleurisy or spontaneous pneumothorax occur ( penetration of air into the pleural cavity with subsequent compression of the lung). During the operation, they remove all lung tissue that has been affected by tuberculosis. In some cases, surgical intervention also involves excision of the affected bronchi of small, medium or large caliber and blood vessels.

What can cause pain in the left side during pregnancy?

Pain in the left side during pregnancy most often occurs due to compression of intestinal loops by the increasing size of the uterus, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy. Excessive compression of the smooth muscles of the intestine is manifested by prolonged and aching pain in the left side. In addition, constipation very often occurs against this background.

Another cause of these pains is the occurrence of angina ( chest pain) with pain reflected in the left side. The fact is that during pregnancy the load on the cardiovascular system increases significantly. In some cases, the myocardium ( heart muscle) slowly adapts to these changes, which leads to a decrease in arterial blood flow to the heart. In turn, the heart is very sensitive to a lack of oxygen and a decrease in its blood supply is immediately manifested by the occurrence of pain. The peculiarity of pain with angina pectoris is that it lasts no more than 10–15 minutes.

In addition, pain in the left side can appear with diseases such as enteritis ( inflammation of the small intestinal mucosa), colitis ( inflammation of the colon mucosa), pancreatitis ( ), splenomegaly ( enlarged spleen), as well as with diaphragmatic hernia ( penetration into the chest cavity of the abdominal organs).

Why does my left and right side hurt?

Pain in the right and left side can also occur with bilateral inflammation of the kidneys ( pyelonephritis). In addition to these pains, the appearance of fever is characteristic ( sometimes body temperature can rise up to 39 – 40ºС), chills, general malaise and weakness.

These pains in some cases occur against the background of the appearance of a diaphragmatic hernia. In this pathological condition, the abdominal part of the esophagus or part of the stomach can penetrate through the diaphragmatic opening into the chest cavity. In this case, in addition to unilateral or bilateral pain, heartburn and belching occur. Sometimes vomiting occurs.

What can cause pain in the front left side?

Abdominal pain can be a symptom of many diseases. Stomach is not a single organ like the heart or liver. The belly is filled with many various organs, fabrics, structures. And every organ in the stomach can get sick. First of all, you should pay attention to sudden sharp pain in a stomach. This pain may be the first symptom to seek immediate attention. medical care. Many abdominal organs are hollow. For example, stomach, intestines, gall bladder. And if one of them fails (clogs, bursts), then your life is in danger. If a sharp, sudden pain lasts more than 30 minutes, you should urgently call a doctor or go to the hospital to rule out an urgent problem. surgical pathology.

Conventionally, the abdomen is divided into four quadrants (or segments) - upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left. The localization of any symptom can now be assigned to one of four quadrants. Pain in left side in the lower abdomen, combined with symptoms of a disease of an organ located on the same side, is primary stage diseases. Referring and referred pains are formed when chronic forms diseases involving pathogenesis of large areas of the body.

Causes of pain in the left side of the abdomen

The left upper quadrant of the abdomen contains the spleen, stomach, pancreas, intestinal loops, and the left side of the diaphragm. Pain in the left upper quadrant may be related to the spleen. Spleen lies very close to the surface of the body. The main job of the spleen is to remove red blood cells from the blood after they have lived normally for 120 days. It captures them, destroys them, after which their components pass into the bone marrow, where new blood cells are formed.

In a number of diseases, the spleen enlarges, its capsule stretches, and this causes pain. Because the spleen is located close to the surface of the body, it is susceptible to rupture. Causes of splenic rupture can be injuries and diseases such as Infectious mononucleosis. With this disease, the spleen becomes enlarged in size and has a soft consistency. And all this increases the likelihood of its rupture. Sometimes an enlarged spleen ruptures on its own. Signal sign splenic rupture, in addition to pain and sensitivity in the corresponding area, there is bluishness of the skin around the navel (due to the accumulation of blood).

Pain in the upper left part of the abdomen (left upper quadrant (or left precostal area)) can be caused by the stomach. Anything that irritates the stomach lining, causes gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) or functional dyspepsia, can cause pain. More often this pain is aching in nature, often accompanied by nausea and even vomiting. Antacid medications prescribed by your doctor will help. In general, only a doctor can tell you exactly what you have.

Stomach ache can be with peptic ulcer disease and cancer. After completing a series of laboratory tests and examinations (including endoscopic), the doctor will finally diagnose you and prescribe treatment. Pain in the upper left quadrant may be due to a diaphragmatic hernia. The diaphragm, which separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity, has an opening through which the esophagus passes on its way to the stomach.

When the muscles that control the size of this opening weaken, the opening enlarges, allowing the upper portion of the stomach to exit from the abdominal cavity, where it should be, into the chest cavity, where it, of course, should be. This condition is called diaphragmatic hernia. More often seen in older people. Due to the acidic stomach contents, you feel pain in the left upper quadrant.

We must not forget that pain in the left upper quadrant can be caused by the pancreas. After all, it stretches across the upper abdomen and when the pancreas becomes inflamed, you may feel pain on the right, middle and left side of the abdomen. Various diseases and toxins can affect pancreas, including cancerous tumors.

You must suspect pancreatic disease, if the pain that arises is very sharp, comes from the inside, is girdling in nature, radiates to the back, and is accompanied by the following symptoms:

Temperature;

Pain in the lower left abdomen (left lower quadrant) can result from all conditions that cause pain in the lower right region except appendicitis.

Pain in diseases of the spleen

In the early stages of disease, it is most likely localization of pain in the left side. Oncological disease accompanied by damage to the hematopoietic organs - spleen, liver, regional lymph nodes. There are three clinical phases of the disease:

Chronic;

progressive;

blast crisis.

Symptoms of the chronic phase: Pain may be absent; it appears as the tumor grows. The earliest signs:

Increased fatigue;

sweating;

decreased appetite.

In some cases, the disease is accompanied weight loss. At enlargement of the spleen pain occurs after eating. Many patients report feeling full too quickly. At an early stage, diagnosis is carried out using ultrasound and laboratory research blood.

Symptoms of the progressive phase are detected by the physical method - deep external palpation, causing increased pain in the lower abdomen on the left. It increases as the spleen enlarges and inguinal lymph nodes.

During blast crisis phases characterized by aching pain in the joints and bones of the pelvic girdle or at a remote distance from the location of the lesion. Rising Body temperature. A decrease in blood clotting and a rapid increase in the volume of the spleen are detected. Diagnosis of the disease is carried out using instrumental and laboratory studies.

Splenic infarction with blockage of arterioles, small arteries of the organ parenchyma and the development of a focus of necrosis around the blood clot of the vessel. Splenic infarction is easily confused with diseases that are its causes: infections, oncology, heart defects, pathologies of blood vessels.

Splenic infarction is manifested by sharp pain in the left hypochondrium. As pathogenesis develops, the pain may descend to the lower abdomen. It gets worse with deep breathing, coughing and movement. Body temperature rises. The disease is dangerously massive blood loss. The diagnosis is made based on instrumental studies. Treatment - surgery, physiotherapy, medication correction.

Volvulus of the spleen or partial or complete twisting of the splenic artery, veins and nerve bundles around their axis. Reason - individual characteristics a person who has from birth long mesenteric ligaments that hold the organ in the abdominal cavity, or injuries to the spleen. Accompanied by symptoms acute abdomen . A sharp pain occurs in the left side, then it begins to fall lower and radiate to the groin area on the left. The pain is accompanied by vomiting, constipation and bloating. Observed sharp deterioration well-being. With incomplete twisting, the patient complains only of periodic pain in the left side, which intensifies with physical activity.

For a patient with symptoms of an acute abdomen, the issue of immediate surgery is decided. Sluggish pain with partial twisting is a reason for immediate clinical examination. After clarifying the diagnosis, the issue of treatment is decided, including a planned surgical operation.

Pain in the left side of the abdomen can also cause acute enlargement of the spleen.The two main causes of spleen enlargement are disturbance of blood outflow through the portal vein and inflammation.

Inflammation of the spleen is rarely an independent disease; more often the pathology develops as a secondary process involving the spleen in the pathogenesis of, for example, the liver. Accompanied by symptoms of the underlying disease. The organ is enlarged significantly less, the pain is combined with an increase in body temperature and vomiting.

The most common causes of inflammation of the spleen are diseases of neighboring organs, including the liver: Gaucher disease- violation of liver fat metabolism; Banti's disease - accompanied by cirrhosis or degeneration of the liver tissue; Hodgkin's disease- lymphogranulomatosis.

Spleen abscess this is the result of the development of limited purulent inflammation in the capsule or parenchyma of the spleen. The pathogenesis of small abscesses usually ends with complete recovery. When large or multiple abscesses form, especially those that open into the abdominal cavity, peritonitis may develop. Its signs are severe diffuse pain radiating to the left side and lower abdomen, heat, a sharp deterioration in health, regression of consciousness.

Spleen cyst It is a cavity made of connective tissue capsule. Inside it is filled with watery, mucous contents. A cyst forms as a result of the completion of an abscess. It may also be the result of rupture of the spleen during traumatic injuries. Small cysts are painless, but large ones cause slight pain when pressed with a fist in the area of ​​the left hypochondrium. Patients also note paroxysmal dull pain of low intensity during physical activity. Other pathologies, including congenital disorders and splenic atrophy, occur without significant pain.