what would cause a sharp, cramping severe pain on a persons left side?

Answer 1

It could beas simple gas...or something more serious. This site gives some very detailed and searchable information:

http://www.medicinenet.com/abdominal_pain/article.htm

Abdominal pain is caused by inflammation (e.g., appendicitis, diverticulitis, colitis ), by stretching or distention of an organ (e.g., obstruction of the intestine, blockage of a bile duct by gallstones, swelling of the liver with hepatitis), or by loss of the supply of blood to an organ (e.g., ischemic colitis). To complicate matters, however, abdominal pain also can occur without inflammation, distention or loss of blood supply. An important example of this latter type of pain is the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is not clear what causes the abdominal pain in IBS, but it is believed to be due either to abnormal contractions of the intestinal muscles (e.g., spasm) or abnormally sensitive nerves within the intestines that give rise to painful sensations inappropriately (visceral hyper-sensitivity).

Answer 2

Many things. Depends on the patient history and the sex and the length of pain and the other problems a person may have and other symptoms. In a woman it can be ovarian cyst, appendix, eptopic pregnancy, gas, intestinal inflamation....soooo many things can cause pain that is referred and unless seen by a Dr. there is no way to tell. If the pain persists and is accompanied by fever or throwing up see a Dr. now. Otherwise call your family Dr. tom. and make an appointment if it lingers. Good luck.

Answer 3

Sounds like diverticulitis. It is treatable. There are little pouches in the intestines that are called diverticula. When they become impacted with food they can become infected. The pain which is severe most likely, is normally on the left side. You need to have this checked. Good luck.

Answer 4

If the pain continues, or if it comes in waves over the period of a few days, it may be a kidney stone...especially if you are feeling the pain in your back as well.

see a doctor immediately

Answer 5

Pregnancy

Answer 6

a kidney stone, appendicides, or gas.. ^_^