Numerous conditions can cause pain in the left lower abdominal quadrant. Most causes of abdominal pain are not medical emergencies. However, abdominal pain that is so severe that a person cannot find a comfortable position may indicate the presence of a serious abdominal problem. Some types of abdominal pain are diffuse, affecting a significant portion of the stomach, while other types of abdominal pain are more focal, affecting only one small portion of the abdomen.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis can cause pain throughout the abdomen, including the left lower abdominal quadrant. Gastroenteritis--also known as the stomach flu, even though it is not a type of flu at all--is an inflammation of the intestinal lining. Gastroenteritis can be caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. MedlinePlus states that gastroenteritis is the second most common illness among Americans. It spreads from person to person via contaminated food or water or contact with an infected person. Frequent hand washing is an effective technique to prevent gastroenteritis. Common signs and symptoms associated with gastroenteritis include left lower quadrant abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, fever and chills. Gastroenteritis can cause dehydration--a complication that is most common among babies, young children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.
Sigmoid Diverticulitis
Sigmoid diverticulitis--a condition of the sigmoid colon--can cause pain in the left lower abdominal quadrant. Diverticula are pouches that form in the large intestine or colon. Most diverticula develop in the sigmoid colon or the curved portion of the large intestine that is closest to the rectum. Diverticula are common among Americans. Over 50 percent of adults over 70 years of age possess these intestinal pouches, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In some individuals, one or more of the sigmoid diverticula can become inflamed--the condition known as sigmoid diverticulitis. Common signs and symptoms associated with sigmoid diverticulitis include lower left abdominal pain that is worse after a meal, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, fever, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, gas and abdominal bloating.
Peritonitis
Peritonitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that causes pain throughout the abdomen, including the left lower abdominal quadrant. Peritonitis is an infection of the peritoneum caused by a fungal or bacterial infection. The peritoneum is a silk-like membrane that coats the inner abdominal wall and surrounds the abdominal organs. Common signs and symptoms associated with peritonitis include pain and tenderness in the lower left abdominal quadrant, the sensation of abdominal fullness, fever, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, reduced urine outflow, thirst and fatigue. Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing peritonitis including other medical conditions such as cirrhosis, appendicitis and pancreatitis and a history of peritonitis. If left untreated, peritonitis can cause serious health complications, including sepsis--an infection throughout the body that can cause organ failure and shock.
