HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Severe Left Flank Pain?

default
Posted on Mon, 13 Feb 2017
Question: My husband has had a sharp sudden burning pain to left lateral to umbilicus pain for 3 days, worsens when he sneezes or moves in certain positions. No lumps felt around that area. What could some causes be? No fever or other symptoms
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (53 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Flank pain!

Detailed Answer:
HI
Thanks for the query.

This quadrant of abdomen is called as left lumbar area,And is termed as Flanks. The organs found in the upper left side abdomen include the spleen, a portion of the bowel or large intestines, part of the pancreas, a portion of the stomach and the left kidney as well as the skin, muscles and left lower ribs that cover these organs.So the problem is most likely associated with one of these organs.
A ultra sound of abdomen should be done to rule out the cause of the problem.
However as per your question i would list down some most common causes of left lumbar pain-
Urinary Tract Infection -Pain in your lower back or abdomen may be a sign of a lower UTI, such as an infection in the bladder. Pain in the upper back and kidney area, may be a sign of an upper UTI.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones cause sudden, severe flank pain that can come in waves. The pain may also radiate down through the groin. The pain continues as the stone travels through the ureters, the bladder, and out the urethra.

Flank pain can sometimes be caused by other, more serious conditions.
Bladder or kidney cancer
Kidney disease
Diverticulitis
Gallbladder disease
Appendicitis

A ultra sound and CT abdomen should be done to rule out the cause.

Thank you!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (19 minutes later)
Sorry pain is not flank it is lower abdominal area. My mistake sorry lower left abdominal area. Thank you for the detailed information, very informative. Sorry its left lower mid abdomen.
Could this be a hernia? Or?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes it can be hernia detailed physical examination to be done by a surgeon.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Again,
Some of the most common causes of left iliac fossa are-
Gastroenteritis
Constipation
Diverticulitis: over 90% of diverticular disease involves the sigmoid colon and therefore diverticulitis most commonly presents with LIF pain.
Volvulus
Left inguinal or femoral hernia: an incarcerated left inguinal or femoral hernia may present as LIF pain. There will be tenderness and an irreducible swelling over the hernial orifice, and symptoms and signs of bowel obstruction. Cough impulse is lost if hernia is incarcerated.
As per your query yes it can be hernia,A detailed physical examination by a general surgeon should be done to rule out hernia,I would also recommend you a ultra sound abdomen to rule out the other mentioned causes of left side pain.
Thank you!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (8 hours later)
Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
welcome.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2906 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Severe Left Flank Pain?

Brief Answer: Flank pain! Detailed Answer: HI Thanks for the query. This quadrant of abdomen is called as left lumbar area,And is termed as Flanks. The organs found in the upper left side abdomen include the spleen, a portion of the bowel or large intestines, part of the pancreas, a portion of the stomach and the left kidney as well as the skin, muscles and left lower ribs that cover these organs.So the problem is most likely associated with one of these organs. A ultra sound of abdomen should be done to rule out the cause of the problem. However as per your question i would list down some most common causes of left lumbar pain- Urinary Tract Infection -Pain in your lower back or abdomen may be a sign of a lower UTI, such as an infection in the bladder. Pain in the upper back and kidney area, may be a sign of an upper UTI. Kidney Stones Kidney stones cause sudden, severe flank pain that can come in waves. The pain may also radiate down through the groin. The pain continues as the stone travels through the ureters, the bladder, and out the urethra. Flank pain can sometimes be caused by other, more serious conditions. Bladder or kidney cancer Kidney disease Diverticulitis Gallbladder disease Appendicitis A ultra sound and CT abdomen should be done to rule out the cause. Thank you!