Left vs Right Side Stomach Pain: What It Means & When to Seek Help

Stomach pain can occur on either side of the abdomen, with causes ranging from mild digestive issues to serious medical conditions. Pain in the left side of the abdomen may indicate problems like gas, constipation, or kidney stones. Meanwhile, pain in the right side of the stomach could signal appendicitis, gallbladder disease, or liver conditions. In this blog, we will look at the causes and symptoms of left- and right-sided stomach pain. We will also discuss the treatment options for abdominal pain.

Remember, if you experience persistent or severe pain on either side of the abdomen, seek medical attention.

Understanding Stomach Pain by Location

Abdominal pain is a common symptom that can arise from various conditions affecting the digestive system, kidneys, liver, or other organs. However, the location of the pain often provides valuable clues about its cause. While occasional discomfort may be harmless, persistent or sharp pain, such as right-side abdominal pain or left lower abdomen pain, can indicate underlying problems that require medical evaluation.

Left Side Abdominal Pain: Causes & Symptoms

Left-sided stomach pain can be caused by issues in the stomach, intestines, kidneys, or reproductive organs. Here’s a closer look at the reason for stomach pain on the left side of the abdomen.

Gas and Indigestion

• Trapped gas can cause cramping or sharp pain in the left abdominal region, especially after eating certain foods.
• Bloating, belching, and discomfort that improve after passing gas are common signs.

Constipation

• A lack of fibre or dehydration can lead to hard stools, causing lower abdominal pain on the left side.
• Symptoms include infrequent bowel movements and bloating.

Diverticulitis

Inflammation of small pouches in the colon (diverticula) can cause persistent left lower abdomen pain, along with fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits.

Kidney Stones

• Small, hard deposits in the kidneys can cause sharp pain in the left side of the abdomen that radiates to the back and groin.
• Other symptoms include blood in the urine and frequent urination

Ovarian Cysts (in Women)

Fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries can cause left lower abdomen pain, irregular periods, and bloating. Severe cases may require medical intervention.

Spleen Issues

An enlarged or ruptured spleen due to infections or injury can cause pain in the upper left side of the stomach, along with fatigue and easy bruising.

Right Side Abdominal Pain: Causes & Symptoms

Right abdominal pain often indicates issues with the liver, gallbladder, appendix, or intestines.

Appendicitis

Pain in the lower right abdomen is a hallmark symptom of appendicitis. The pain usually starts around the belly button and shifts to the right side of the lower abdomen, accompanied by nausea, fever, and loss of appetite.

Gallbladder Disease

Gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder can cause pain in the right side of the stomach, particularly after eating fatty meals. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and jaundice.

Liver Problems

Conditions like hepatitis or fatty liver disease can cause dull right-sided abdominal pain, along with fatigue, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), and nausea.

Kidney Infections or Stones

Similar to the left side, kidney infections or stones can cause right-sided stomach pain, back pain, fever, and painful urination.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Chronic digestive issues can lead to pain on either side of the stomach, bloating, and altered bowel movements.

Ovarian Cysts (in Women)

Cysts on the right ovary can cause right side lower abdomen pain, irregular menstrual cycles, and bloating.

Stomach Pain After Eating: Possible Causes

If your stomach pain occurs after eating, it could be linked to digestion-related problems.

• Acid Reflux (GERD): Acid backing up into the oesophagus can cause burning pain in the upper abdomen after meals.
• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, often due to infection or excessive alcohol consumption, can cause upper abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating.
• Food Intolerances: Lactose or gluten intolerance can lead to bloating, diarrhoea, and stomach pain after eating certain foods.
• Gallbladder Disease: Pain in the upper right abdomen after fatty meals may indicate gallstones or gallbladder inflammation.

Chronic Abdominal Pain: When Pain Persists

Chronic abdominal pain refers to discomfort that lasts for weeks or months. It may be caused by conditions like:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Alternating constipation and diarrhoea with bloating.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause persistent abdominal pain.
• Endometriosis (in Women): Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to chronic pelvic and lower abdominal pain.

Pain in the Right Side of the Stomach in Females

For women, right-sided stomach pain may be caused by:

• Ovarian cysts cause bloating and pain in the lower right abdomen.
• Ectopic pregnancy causes severe pain if a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus.
• Endometriosis causes chronic pelvic and abdominal discomfort.

It is important for women to seek prompt medical care if pain is sudden, severe, or associated with irregular bleeding.

Home Remedies for Stomach Pain

Mild left-side stomach pain or right-abdomen pain caused by gas, indigestion, or constipation may improve with simple home remedies:

• Warm Compress: Placing a heating pad on the abdomen helps relax muscles and reduce cramps.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can ease constipation and flush out kidney stones.
• Ginger Tea: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger may help relieve nausea and bloating.
• Peppermint: Peppermint tea or capsules can help soothe indigestion and mild abdominal pain.
• Light Physical Activity: Walking or yoga can improve digestion and ease trapped gas.
• Balanced Diet: Eating fibre-rich foods and avoiding spicy or greasy meals reduces episodes of stomach pain.

Treatment for Left or Right Side Abdominal Pain

The treatment for abdominal pain depends on its cause.

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

Drinking plenty of water and eating a fibre-rich diet can relieve constipation. Moreover, avoiding trigger foods like spicy, fatty, or dairy-heavy meals can prevent stomach pain after eating.

Medications

Antacids for acid reflux and pain relievers for kidney stones or menstrual cramps. Antibiotics for bacterial infections like appendicitis or kidney infections.

Surgery

Doctors may recommend an Appendectomy for appendicitis, a Gallbladder removal for severe gallstones, or a Kidney stone removal, if the stones are too large to pass naturally.

When to See a Doctor?

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe or worsening pain that does not improve.
• Persistent right-sided lower abdomen pain could indicate appendicitis.
• Pain in the upper right abdomen with nausea or jaundice, possibly due to gallbladder or liver disease.
• Left side lower abdomen pain with fever or vomiting, which may suggest diverticulitis.
• Fever, vomiting, or blood in stools which may signal a serious condition.

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Conclusion

Abdominal pain can have many causes, depending on whether it occurs on the left or right side. While some cases are mild and resolve on their own, persistent or severe pain—like pain in the right side of the stomach or pain in the left side of the abdomen—may indicate a serious health issue. If you experience chronic or worsening abdominal pain, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does left-sided abdominal pain indicate?

It may be due to gas, constipation, kidney stones, or diverticulitis. In women, ovarian cysts can also cause pain in the lower left abdomen.

What causes pain on the right side of the stomach?

It can result from appendicitis, gallbladder disease, or liver issues. Kidney stones or infections may also lead to pain in the upper right abdomen.

Why does my stomach hurt after eating?

Common reasons include acid reflux, gastritis, food intolerances, or gallbladder issues. Keeping a food diary can help identify trigger foods.

When should I be worried about stomach pain?

Seek medical attention if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by vomiting, fever, or jaundice.