Feelings of discomfort and pain in the region of the left hypochondrium are a fairly common reason for patients to seek medical help. Such phenomena can be different in their manifestations (aching, cutting, sharp, etc.) and in intensity, as well as in duration. To establish their cause, one visit to the doctor is not enough; additional examinations are required. This is due to the fact that in this segment of the body there are several organs, which, due to the pathological processes occurring in them, thus make themselves known.
Organs of the left hypochondrium
The left hypochondrium is the area located under the two lower ribs on the left side of the conditional middle of the abdomen. The following organs are located here:
spleen;
pancreas;
left side of the stomach;
diaphragm (left side);
small intestine;
colon;
the left kidney and its ureter, as well as ligaments.
In addition, there are some other types of pain in this area that are not directly related to the above organs. They are the result of diseases of the internal organs in other areas of the abdomen or parts of the body and spread along the nerve fibers (see below).
Causes of pain in the left hypochondrium
The main causes of pain in the hypochondrium on the left are as follows:
diseases of the stomach, most often – ulcers, gastritis;
diseases of the pancreas – pancreatitis;
spleen diseases;
pathology of the left kidney;
diseases of the small and large intestines.
Also, no less rarely, pain in this area can be caused by:
inflammatory processes of the diaphragm, its hernias and tumors;
pneumonia of the left lung;
heart disease, in particular angina pectoris, heart attack, ischemic disease;
osteochondrosis of the lumbar and thoracic spine;
inflammatory processes in the appendages on the left in women (adnexitis, etc.);
postoperative and post-traumatic consequences (hematomas, cuts, sutures, etc.);
strong physical activity.
Each of these reasons can carry a potential threat to human life. Therefore, for their timely elimination and treatment, an immediate appeal to a specialist is required.
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