Differential Diagnosis for Left Sided Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common condition characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits in the absence of any mechanical, inflammatory, or biochemical abnormalities. The symptoms of left-sided abdominal pain and diarrhea fit within the spectrum of IBS, especially if the pain is relieved by bowel movements or is associated with a change in stool frequency or appearance.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of a diverticulum in the colon, which is more common on the left side, can cause left-sided abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. While they can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, the symptoms can sometimes be more pronounced on one side.
- Gastroenteritis: Viral or bacterial infections can cause acute onset of diarrhea and abdominal pain, which may be more pronounced on one side depending on the area of the intestine affected.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Intestinal Obstruction: Although less common, an obstruction in the intestine can cause severe abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. If not recognized and treated promptly, it can lead to serious complications, including ischemia and perforation.
- Appendicitis (if pain has shifted): While appendicitis typically presents with right lower quadrant pain, in some cases (especially if the appendix is retrocecal), the pain can be more diffuse or even start on the left side before localizing to the right lower quadrant.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: In women of childbearing age, an ectopic pregnancy can cause abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms due to irritation of the peritoneum. It's a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
- Ovarian Torsion: Another gynecological emergency that can cause severe abdominal pain, which may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sometimes changes in bowel habits due to the proximity of the ovaries to the intestines.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Ischemic Colitis: Reduced blood flow to the colon can cause sudden onset of abdominal pain and diarrhea, more commonly on the left side due to the watershed area of the colon being more susceptible to ischemia.
- Colonic Carcinoma: Although rare, a tumor in the colon can cause obstructive symptoms, including changes in bowel habits and abdominal pain, especially if the tumor is located on the left side of the colon.
- Mesenteric Panniculitis: A rare condition characterized by inflammation of the mesenteric fat, which can cause chronic abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, among other symptoms.