Diagnosis of left flank pain
“Flank pain left” is not a diagnosis, but a symptom. This symptom, together with other accompanying symptoms, can provide an indication of the causative illness. To make a diagnosis, the doctor wants to know the following things: 1) When did the pain start?
2) How does it feel? 3) How severe is the pain? 4) Does the pain radiate?
5) What makes the pain better or worse? The doctor will then perform a physical examination and, depending on the suspicion, take a blood sample or perform an ultrasound examination, for example. Flank pain does not describe an exact organ area, but only a diffuse alignment of the pain.
Accordingly, flank pain can extend over the lateral abdominal cavity and the costal arch up to the lateral parts of the back. The type and localization of the pain can vary and can be perceived specifically over an anatomical structure or diffusely in the entire flank. Important anatomical structures that can cause flank pain on the left side are the left kidney, the lung, the spleen, the stomach and the left-sided intestinal parts.
Accompanying symptoms with flank pain
The accompanying symptoms of flank pain on the left are different depending on the cause. In the case of inflammation of the skin as the cause of flank pain on the left, itching, swelling and redness may occur as accompanying symptoms. Diseases of the spinal column lead to pain as well as limited mobility or pain that increases under stress (e.g. standing for long periods, carrying heavy things).There may also be pain in other parts of the locomotor system.
In the case of tensions, a hardened back musculature can be palpated in the area of the left flank region. If the flank pains on the left are caused by an inflammation of the renal pelvis, fever, pain in the lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting and a general feeling of illness will occur. In the case of glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney), the flank pain often occurs on both sides. Infections that lead to an enlarged spleen and thus to flank pain on the left also cause fever and a general feeling of illness. If a rupture of the spleen is the cause of the left-sided flank pain, this can lead to circulatory weakness up to circulatory failure and shock.
