Lower Left Abdominal Distension: 7 Non-Hernia Causes

Differential Diagnosis for Left Lower Quadrant Bloating

Beyond inguinal/femoral hernias, consider these common etiologies:

1. Diverticular disease – Inflamed diverticula cause LLQ pain, bloating, fever.
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Bloating, altered bowel habits, pain relieved by defecation.
3. Ovarian cysts – Large cysts cause unilateral distension, pressure, sometimes torsion.
4. Urinary tract issues – UTI, kidney stones, hydronephrosis can refer bloating/discomfort.
5. GI conditions – IBD (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), constipation, mesenteric lymphadenitis.
6. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – LLQ pain, fever, discharge; sexually active women.
7. Neoplasms – Rare; ovarian, colonic, or metastatic tumors causing mass effect.

When to Seek Care

• Persistent/severe pain
• Fever, vomiting, bloody stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Change in bowel/bladder habits

Accurate diagnosis requires history, exam, labs, and often imaging (ultrasound, CT). Prompt evaluation ensures appropriate treatment.