What Causes Pain In The Lower Left Abdomen?

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the patient is unable to properly digest the sugar (lactose) in dairy products. This usually develops due to a deficiency in an enzyme known as lactase. Lactose intolerance is more common in patients born prematurely and those who have had chemotherapy. Patients with lactose intolerance have abdominal cramps, nausea, bloating, gas, and diarrhea, and these symptoms normally begin between thirty to 120 minutes after eating. To diagnose this condition, doctors will perform a lactose tolerance test, stool acidity test, or hydrogen breath test.

Patients who have severe lactose intolerance may benefit from the use of lactase enzyme tablets or drops. These medications are taken immediately before eating a meal with dairy products, and they make it easier to digest lactose. Patients typically benefit from lifestyle modifications such as reducing dairy intake or using lactose-free products. Most individuals with lactose intolerance can tolerate a small amount of dairy products in their diets.

Shingles

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This infection produces a painful, blistering rash that can cover large areas of the body. Patients with shingles could develop a fever, and they may also have stomach upset, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, nausea, and body aches. The shingles rash can be extremely itchy, and some patients experience a burning, tingling sensation. Complications from shingles include bacterial skin infections, hearing and balance issues, neurological problems, and postherpetic neuralgia. When shingles occurs around the eyes, it can trigger an eye infection that may lead to vision loss.

Several vaccinations are available to prevent shingles, and they are recommended for individuals over sixty years old. To diagnose shingles, doctors take the patient's health history and perform a physical examination to check for a rash or blisters. A tissue scraping might be necessary. Treatment for shingles involves antiviral drugs such as acyclovir and valacyclovir. Since the pain from shingles can be severe, doctors may prescribe a combination of pain relievers, including numbing creams, capsaicin topical patches, and local anesthetic injections.