Can lower left abdominal pain be appendicitis?

Appendicitis causing pain in the left lower quadrant is extremely rare and can occur with congenital abnormalities that include true left-sided appendix or as an atypical presentation of right-sided, but long appendix, which projects into the left lower quadrant[2].


Can appendicitis present with left lower quadrant pain?

Left lower quadrant tenderness caused by acute appendicitis is a rare phenomenon. It can be caused by an abnormal left-sided location of the appendix, usually as a result of a congenital malformation, or by a right-sided long appendix, projecting into the left lower quadrant area [5].

Why does my left lower abdomen hurt?

Left lower quadrant

Pain that is specifically in your lower left abdomen is most often related to diverticulosis and diverticulitis of the colon. Diverticula (small outpouchings in the bowel wall) can occur throughout your colon, but they usually develop in the lower left part.


What does appendix pain feel like left?

The pain may feel like a cramp at first, and it may get worse when you cough, sneeze, or move. The pain usually doesn't go away until the inflamed appendix is surgically removed. Other symptoms of appendicitis often include: nausea and vomiting.

Should I be concerned about lower left abdominal pain?

Lower left abdominal pain can indicate various underlying conditions or illnesses, such as diverticulitis or simply a case of indigestion. However, this pain can also be an early sign of more severe conditions. Continue reading to learn more about a range of issues that could cause lower left abdominal pain.


Diverticulitis Signs & Symptoms (And Why They Occur)



Can you feel appendicitis on left side?

Appendicitis causing pain in the left lower quadrant is extremely rare and can occur with congenital abnormalities that include true left-sided appendix or as an atypical presentation of right-sided, but long appendix, which projects into the left lower quadrant[2].

How do you rule out appendicitis?

You may have:
  1. a blood test to look for signs of infection.
  2. a pregnancy test for women.
  3. a urine test to rule out other conditions, such as a bladder infection.
  4. an ultrasound scan to see if the appendix is swollen.
  5. a CT scan.


What is the leg test for appendicitis?

A health care provider tests for the obturator sign by asking the patient to lie down with the right leg bent at the knee. Moving the bent knee left and right requires ffexing the obturator muscle and will cause abdominal pain if the appendix is inffamed.


When should I worry about left side pain?

If left side pain is due to gas or indigestion, it will go away on its own. However, if you experience pain on the left side of your body in conjunction with any of the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor: Fever. Vomiting or nausea.

What organ is in the left lower abdomen?

The lower left quadrant of the abdomen contains the transverse, descending, and sigmoid sections of the colon; part of the small intestine; the ureter of the left kidney; and the iliac fossa (part of the hip bone and pelvis). The iliac fossa is a gateway to the reproductive organs in both men and women.

What can mimic appendicitis pain?

Other conditions that may mimic appendicitis are: Urinary tract infection, inflammatory bowel disease, sickle cell crisis, diabetic ketoacidosis, ovarian torsion, ectopic pregnancy, dysmenorrhea, Mittelschmerz, intussusception, Meckel's diverticulitis or post-surgical adhesions in the abdomen.


What does a mild case of appendicitis feel like?

Sudden pain that begins on the right side of the lower abdomen. Sudden pain that begins around your navel and often shifts to your lower right abdomen. Pain that worsens if you cough, walk or make other jarring movements. Nausea and vomiting.

Where do you press to check for appendicitis?

Your provider will do a physical exam.
  • If you have appendicitis, your pain will increase when your lower right belly area is pressed.
  • If your appendix has ruptured, touching the belly area may cause a lot of pain and lead you to tighten your muscles.
  • A rectal exam may find tenderness on the right side of your rectum.


How do you know if lower left abdominal pain is serious?

See your doctor or get medical help right away if you're experiencing: sudden, severe abdominal pain. pain with fever or vomiting. signs of shock, such as cold and clammy skin, rapid breathing, lightheadedness, or weakness.


Why is my left side hurting out of nowhere?

Some common causes of pain on the left side of the body include infection and injury to internal organs, muscles, or nerves. In some cases, this pain resolves on its own. However, other cases may require immediate medical intervention.

Why do I have left side pain that comes and goes?

Generally, intermittent left side pain is a sign of gas or indigestion and should pass on its own. But if you notice severe abdominal pain on the left side of your body in conjunction with any of the following symptoms, it's time to call the doctor: Fever. Nausea or vomiting.

What are the markers for appendicitis?

Elevated C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, and serum bilirubin have been suggested as individual markers for appendicitis and appendiceal perforation.


When should you suspect appendicitis?

Recognizing Appendicitis Symptoms

Abdominal pain that gets worse when you cough or walk. Abdominal swelling. Indigestion. Nausea and vomiting soon after abdominal pain begins.

Is appendicitis pain constant?

As the appendix becomes more swollen and inflamed, it will irritate the lining of the abdominal wall, known as the peritoneum. This causes localized, sharp pain in the right lower part of the abdomen. The pain tends to be more constant and severe than the dull, aching pain that occurs when symptoms start.

What are the 4 stages of appendicitis?

The stages of appendicitis can be divided into early, suppurative, gangrenous, perforated, phlegmonous, spontaneous resolving, recurrent, and chronic.


What is the first test for appendicitis?

Doctors use an ultrasound as the first imaging test when checking for possible appendicitis in infants, children, young adults, and pregnant women. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) link scan takes pictures of your body's internal organs and soft tissues without using x-rays.

What are the 5 signs of appendicitis?

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Appendicitis?
  • strong pain, mainly around the belly button or in the lower right part of the belly (the pain might come and go at first, then grow steady and intense)
  • low-grade fever.
  • loss of appetite.
  • nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (throwing up)


Does appendicitis hurt when you push?

The pain may ease a bit if you pull your knees up towards your chest, and may be worse if you push on your tummy or try to move around. The lower abdomen is usually tender, particularly in the lower right-hand side. You may find that pushing in on this area of your tummy gently with two fingers is very painful.


How can I check my appendicitis at home?

The classic symptoms of appendicitis include:
  1. Pain in your lower right belly or pain near your navel that moves lower. This is usually the first sign.
  2. Loss of appetite.
  3. Nausea and vomiting soon after belly pain begins.
  4. Swollen belly.
  5. Fever of 99-102 F.
  6. Can't pass gas.


Can you have appendicitis without fever?

Conclusions: The diagnosis of acute appendicitis cannot be excluded when an adult patient presents with isolated rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant even without fever and biological inflammatory signs.