What Does A Pain In Lower Abdomen Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 17 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 17 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 16 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi There, I'm a 37 year old female of average height and weight. Two days ago I stretched and felt a sharp pain in my lower left side of my abdomen. I thought it was strange but didn't think much of it. Then yesterday anytime I sneezed or coughed the pain was surface again during those times, the same is going on today but I don't feel any pain when I press on the area. I only have the pain when I cough or sneeze. I have been drinking quite a bit of alcohol (I am steering clear of that for a while), could that be a factor? Thank you for your help.

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Soft tissue injury

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal
I have read your query
I think I will be able to help you.

I feel what has happened is that when you fell, you have sustained a soft tissue injury. This is basically the injury of all components of the body except the bones. Therefore there is no tenderness. However everytime you sneeze or cough, the soft tissue comes under pressure causing pain.
It should subside in 2-3 days. Since you have no pain at rest, there is no point in taking pain killers.

As for alcohol, it is not a contributory factor to pain, but may be a contributory factor to falling. I feel its a good step that you have taken when you stopped alcohol, and I recommend you continue NOT taking alcohol. Also, a course of vitamin B 12 and vitamin B6 will help you. So best to take some multivitamins for a few days.

I hope that helps.
Please feel free to contact us for further information.
Best of luck
Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T