Pain in the side is a non-specific symptom of many diseases of the abdominal cavity, retroperitoneal space, and small pelvis. To determine the cause of pain in the side, the localization and nature of the pain syndrome, as well as the conditions for its occurrence, a combination with other symptoms, are important. The diagnosis is established taking into account clinical and physical data, ultrasound, endoscopic, x-ray, laboratory studies. The tactics of treatment is determined by the underlying pathology: in case of gastroenterological diseases, a diet, drug therapy are prescribed; in case of surgical pathology, urgent or planned surgical intervention is indicated.
Pain in the lateral parts of the abdomen occurs with diseases of the digestive system, urinary excretion, and the reproductive sphere. These pathologies can have an inflammatory, neoplastic, traumatic etiology, functional or organic genesis. According to the localization sign, pain in the side is divided into:
Topographically, the spleen, jejunum, partially stomach, and pancreas are located in the left hypochondrium. The defeat of these organs is always accompanied by the development of pain. Pain in the left hypochondrium is characteristic of pancreatitis, gastritis, gastric ulcer, and jejunitis. Pain is different and intensity, and can occur on an empty stomach or after eating. Usually accompanied by dyspeptic symptoms (vomiting, nausea, belching).
Pain in the left hypochondrium can also signal diseases of the spleen: heart attack, abscess, or organ rupture. Reflected pain in the left hypochondrium occurs with lower lobar left-sided pneumonia, pleurisy, and rib fractures.
The duodenum, liver, gallbladder, and hepatic flexure of the colon are localized in the right hypochondrium. Most often, the cause of pain in the hypochondrium on the right is duodenitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, hepatitis, and biliary dyskinesia.
In the hypochondrium, pain can radiate from the right half of the chest with pleurisy, pneumonia, and intercostal neuralgia. Behind the pain on the right side, pathological processes in the kidney, adrenal gland, and diaphragm can be masked. Pain in the right hypochondrium often occurs with an abdominal form of myocardial infarction.
The left iliac region is the seat of a part of the small intestine, sigmoid colon, and urinary organs - the left ureter, ovary, and fallopian tube. With pain in this area, combined with digestive disorders, first of all, one should think about intestinal diseases - sigmoiditis, diverticulitis, tumors of the descending colon, and sigmoid colon.
In women, an exacerbation of left-sided adnexitis may be a likely cause of pain in the left side. Pain in the pathology of the kidneys and urinary tract can radiate to the left iliac region: urolithiasis, pyelonephritis, and ureteritis.
In the right iliac region are the ileum, caecum, and appendix. Also here is the right ureter, in women - appendages. Any pathological processes and injuries to these organs can cause pain in the right side.
Pain in the right iliac region is typical for intestinal diseases: ileitis, appendicitis, and colitis. May occur with tumors of the ascending colon and caecum. Pain in bowel diseases is often combined with stool disorders (diarrhea, constipation, and the presence of pathological impurities in the feces).
Pain in the right side in women can be an indicator of right-sided salpingo-oophoritis, torsion of the pedicle of the ovarian cyst, or ectopic pregnancy. Sharp pain in the iliac region is characteristic of right-sided renal colic, accompanied by the discharge of stones. Possible causes of pain in the right side can serve as an inguinal or femoral hernia.