Abdominal pain can be burning, cramping or dull in quality. Sometimes, the pain can be continuous or intermittent. In some instances, this abdominal pain can be concentrated in the left upper quadrant region. This pain can be a sign of an underlying medical problem. Fortunately, the causes of left upper quadrant (LUQ) abdominal pain can be managed.
Splenomegaly
The spleen is an important lymphatic organ that serves a role in actually filtering your blood. Splenomegaly refers to a condition in which your spleen is enlarged. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, splenomegaly symptoms include left upper quadrant abdominal pain, hiccups and the inability to eat a large meal.
Some causes of splenomegaly include bacterial infections, viral infections, parasitic infections and cirrhosis (a liver disease). Additional causes of splenomegaly include cystic fibrosis (a chronic lung disease characterized by excessive mucus production) and idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia (a red blood cell disorder).
Treating splenomegaly involves limiting contact sports so that your spleen doesn't have the chance to become ruptured. If it does rupture, you may need to have your spleen removed.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease refers to a condition in which multiple cysts form within your kidneys. The Mayo Clinic says symptoms of polycystic kidney disease include headache, high blood pressure, kidney stones, frequent urination and bloody urine. Other symptoms of polycystic kidney disease include left upper quadrant pain, kidney failure, urinary tract infections and an increase in the size of your abdomen.
The causes of polycystic kidney disease include genetic diseases called autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease.
Treating polycystic kidney disease involves managing high blood pressure, pain and bladder or kidney infections. Other treatment options involve hormone replacement therapy, dialysis and a kidney transplant.
Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis refers to an inflammation of your pancreas. This can occur suddenly and be associated with pancreatic swelling.
The University of Maryland Medical Center says symptoms of acute pancreatitis include left upper quadrant pain that can suddenly get worse and become constant. Other symptoms of pancreatitis include clay-colored stools, indigestion, yellowing of the eyes (jaundice) and a swollen stomach. Sometimes, pancreatitis can lead to hiccups and stomach fullness.
Treating acute pancreatitis involves taking pain medications and receiving fluids intravenously. Other pancreatitis treatments include limiting the amount of food or fluid in that goes into your stomach. Sometimes, removing gallstones and draining fluid around the pancreas can help manage pancreatitis.
