Male , Age 70, Sharp Pain In Lower Left Abdominal

Brief Answer:
Several conditions explained and details provided

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I would not worry about appendicitis as the appendix is in the right side and you are having the pain in the left side of your abdomen.
Generally the organ that might cause the pain in the lower left abdomen in a male is the bowel and rarely if there is a kidney stone moving and causing pain in the trajectory of the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney with the bladder).

Do you have other complaints like: fever, urinary burning or discomfort or frequency, frequent stools or blood with stools, have you been passing gas and or stool in the last hours? Do you suffer from constipation? Do you feel a lump in the groin when you cough or strain?
Do you have any problems with the heart rhythm or chest pains?

The answers to this questions are important because if you are having urinary symptoms with the pain then very likely a condition of the urinary system should be considered.

If you have constipation (some people might consider their bowel habits as normal while they may be constipated), this might cause pain the left lower abdomen and can be quite severe in some cases and can be sensitive to even walk or move. In case you have constipation you will need to take fiber daily supplement for a few weeks and also lactulose syrup 2 table spoons a day for a few days and a bowel movement should happen within the next 12-24 hours. If you would like an earlier bowel movement you can take bisacodyl 5 mg 2 tablets and you will have a bowel movement in less then 12 hours (don't use this often or repeatedly as it causes bowel laziness and dependence to the drug).

Another possible cause of the symptoms is inguinal hernia and this would be the case if you feel a lump in the groin when you cough or strain. Still the fact that you don't feel the lump does not mean it is not hernia. A visit with the doctor is needed to rule it out.

If you feel bloated and not passing gas or stools then bowel obstruction can be considered and that would be a medical emergency.

If you are having blood with the stools another cause can be considered from infectious conditions to problems with bowel ischemia (blockage of the arteries that feed the bowel- this is urgent!!!) and also diverticulitis (a dilatation and inflammation of the bowel due to chronic constipation) or bowel tumor. If you have blood in stools i would recommend you to see a doctor soon to determine which is the cause especially because almost all of these cases mentioned as the possible cause need quick and appropriate medical attention.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General & Family Physician

---