Left Side Abdominal Pain After Eating: Possible Causes and Solutions

Pain on the left lateral side of the waist after eating?

Hello Doctor, thank you for taking the time to answer my question despite your busy schedule.
Sometimes after eating, especially when I feel "full," I experience a dull, intermittent pain on the outer side of my left flank during diaphragmatic breathing.
When I press on it, I can't find a specific tender point like muscle soreness, but there is a distinct area that hurts.
This pain usually subsides after about thirty minutes.
In mid-September, I had blood tests done, and my kidney function was normal.
In October, I underwent an upper endoscopy, which revealed erosive gastritis and excessive gastric acid, and I have since been treated for that.
I would like to ask the doctor what might be causing these symptoms.
If I need to make an appointment, which specialty should I consult? Thank you, Doctor, and I wish you safety and well-being.

Zhu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/22

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, please have a gastroenterologist assess whether it is related to gastrointestinal activity.
Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2024/01/22

More Info

Left side abdominal pain after eating can be a concerning symptom, especially when it occurs consistently or is accompanied by other symptoms. Based on the information provided, there are several potential causes for your discomfort, and understanding these can help guide you toward appropriate treatment and management.

1. Gastrointestinal Issues: Given your history of erosive gastritis and excessive gastric acid, it’s possible that your pain is related to gastrointestinal disturbances. After eating, especially if you consume a large meal, your stomach and intestines may become overstimulated, leading to discomfort. Conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, or even functional dyspepsia can cause pain that may be felt in various areas of the abdomen, including the left side.

2. Musculoskeletal Pain: The description of your pain being localized and not associated with muscle soreness could suggest that it is not musculoskeletal in nature. However, it’s still worth considering that certain movements or positions may aggravate underlying muscle tension or strain, especially if you have a sedentary lifestyle or engage in activities that put strain on your abdominal muscles.

3. Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain in the abdomen can be referred from other organs. For instance, issues with the spleen, pancreas, or even the left kidney can manifest as left-sided abdominal pain. Although your kidney function tests were normal, it may still be worthwhile to consider other organ systems.

4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): If your symptoms are recurrent and associated with changes in bowel habits, it could indicate a functional gastrointestinal disorder such as IBS. This condition can cause cramping and pain that may be triggered by eating, particularly if the meal is large or high in fat.

5. Dietary Factors: You mentioned that the pain occurs mostly after eating a large meal. Overeating can lead to distension of the stomach and intestines, which may cause discomfort. Additionally, certain foods can exacerbate symptoms, particularly those that are spicy, fatty, or acidic.

Given your symptoms and medical history, it would be advisable to consult a gastroenterologist. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include imaging studies or further endoscopic examinations, to rule out any serious underlying conditions.
In the meantime, consider the following management strategies:
- Dietary Modifications: Try to eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large meals. Avoid foods that you know trigger your symptoms.

- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your food intake and symptoms to identify any patterns or specific triggers.

- Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, so incorporating relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises may be beneficial.

In conclusion, while there are several potential causes for your left side abdominal pain after eating, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment. Your symptoms warrant further investigation, especially considering your previous gastrointestinal issues.

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