What condition is associated with left lower quadrant pain?

Left lower quadrant pain is most commonly associated with diverticulitis, particularly in individuals over 40 years of age. Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula—small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of the digestive system—become inflamed or infected. These pouches are most frequently located in the sigmoid colon, which is situated in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen.

Patients with diverticulitis typically present with localized pain in that area, fever, changes in bowel habits, and sometimes nausea or vomiting. The specificity of left lower quadrant pain makes diverticulitis a strong diagnostic consideration when evaluating patients presenting with these symptoms.

Other conditions, while they can cause abdominal pain, usually have differing locations. For example, pancreatitis often presents with pain in the upper abdomen and can radiate to the back, appendicitis generally causes pain starting near the umbilicus and moving to the right lower quadrant, and ectopic pregnancy is usually associated with right or left lower quadrant pain, but may include additional symptoms of abnormal vaginal bleeding or signs of internal bleeding.