4. Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a common condition that occurs when the small pouches that line the walls of the small and large intestines (known as diverticula) develop. Diverticulitis usually develops when small particles of food, such as nuts or seeds, get trapped in the small pouches that develop in the diverticula. When that happens, severe pain can arise in the left side of the abdomen. Blood can also be present in the stool.
This condition can also be accompanied by a fever. If left untreated, severe cases of diverticulitis can cause a number of complications that may require surgical treatment, such as the development of an abscess, fistulas, scarring, and severe internal bleeding. If you find that you have blood in your stool and you are experiencing intense pain in the left side of your abdomen, there is a good chance that you have diverticulitis. It is highly recommended that you seek immediate medical care to determine the cause and receive the proper treatment.