Differential Diagnosis for Left Sided Abdominal Pain that Comes in Waves
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Intestinal obstruction: This condition is characterized by the blockage of the intestine, which can cause severe abdominal pain that comes in waves, known as colicky pain. The pain is often localized to the left side if the obstruction is in the left colon or sigmoid colon.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the colon can cause left-sided abdominal pain, especially if the diverticula are located in the sigmoid colon. The pain can be constant or come in waves.
- Constipation: Severe constipation can cause left-sided abdominal pain, especially if the constipation is due to a blockage or impaction in the left colon.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS can cause abdominal pain that comes in waves, although the pain is often diffuse or variable in location.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ectopic pregnancy: Although less common, an ectopic pregnancy can cause left-sided abdominal pain that comes in waves, especially if the pregnancy is located in the left fallopian tube.
- Ovarian torsion: Torsion of the left ovary can cause severe left-sided abdominal pain that comes in waves.
- Sigmoid volvulus: A twisting of the sigmoid colon can cause left-sided abdominal pain that comes in waves, and can lead to bowel ischemia if not treated promptly.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Lead poisoning: Lead poisoning can cause abdominal pain that comes in waves, although this is a rare condition.
- Porphyria: A group of rare genetic disorders that can cause abdominal pain that comes in waves, among other symptoms.
- Intussusception: A rare condition in which a part of the intestine telescopes into another part, causing abdominal pain that comes in waves.