Navel pain is a frequent reason for medical consultation. This is usually the result of underlying intestinal disorders or processes that originate in other organs and radiate to the abdomen. We tell you 11 possible causes of pain in the navel and how to solve them.
Abdominal discomfort in the navel can present as repetitive cramps or a persistent feeling of heaviness. It is usually accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea. Similarly, sweating, paleness, and palpitations are common in the case of infectious processes.
In this sense, a timely medical evaluation with different blood tests and imaging studies allows for guiding the diagnosis. Therapeutics depend on the underlying disorder.
Contents
Generally, two types of discomfort in the abdomen are described depending on the tissue and organs affected. This determines that the pain can be perceived around, above, or below the navel.
- Somatic pain: occurs when there is direct damage to the peritoneum, abdominal muscles, or the skin that covers them. It is of high intensity and easy localization.
- Visceral pain: originates in the viscera of the abdominal cavity. This is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sweating. Pain at or near the navel is associated with conditions in the small intestine, the first portions of the colon, and the appendix.
On the other hand, some discomforts are perceived in an area of the body far away from where the injury occurs. This is known as referred pain. Such is the case of a person with pancreatitis who may feel discomfort above the navel and on the sides of the abdomen.
Common Causes of Belly Button Pain
Abdominal pain located in the navel can be of acute or chronic presentation. Studies affirm that acute discomfort is characterized by a period of evolution of less than 48 or 72 hours, while chronic pain persists for more than three months.
1. Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the epithelium and internal mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract due to a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. It is a common cause of hospitalization in children under five. Research suggests that the primary pathogens involved are rotavirus and Escherichia coli.
It usually presents with diffuse pain in the navel, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and chills. In severe cases, the most common complication is dehydration.
Viral infections subside after a couple of days and require symptomatic treatment. Bacterial conditions may require antibiotics.
2. Umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia is a protrusion of the intestinal loops through a defect in the abdominal muscles that limit the umbilicus. According to studies, these are common in young children, and 80% disappear between ages 4 and 5. In adults, 90% are acquired and predominate in women.
The usual symptom is a lump near the belly button. It may only be visible when coughing or crying in newborns and infants. For their part, umbilical hernias in adults cause pain in the navel that worsens with exertion.
The main risk factors are pregnancy, obesity, abdominal tumors, ascites, and excessive physical exertion. Treatment ranges from observation, waiting for spontaneous regression, to repair of the defect by surgery to avoid complications.
3. Food poisoning
Food poisoning is a common cause of crampy pain around the belly button. It is the result of eating food contaminated by harmful toxins or germs. In most cases, it is due to improper handling of food.
The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating. These can occur from hours after the consumption of food until after a couple of days.
Treatment is based on symptom relief and fluid replacement to prevent dehydration. The use of antidiarrheals and antibiotics must be carried out under strict prescription and medical supervision.
4. Pregnancy
Pregnant women often report cramps and discomfort throughout the abdomen during pregnancy. It is usually due to the growth and movement of the baby inside the uterus, with the consequent stretching of the muscle fibers.
According to studies, pregnancy favors the presentation of umbilical hernias due to increased intra-abdominal pressure, especially in the second half of pregnancy. Similarly, the compression of the blood vessels and nerve pathways by the pregnant uterus also promotes the appearance of discomfort.
5. Irritable bowel syndrome
This is a disorder that affects the large intestine. It is characterized by abdominal discomfort associated with altered bowel habits over three months. The pain is more frequent in the lower part of the navel, but it can be diffuse on certain occasions.
Other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include the following:
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.
- Abdominal swelling.
- Increased intestinal gas.
- Changes in the shape and consistency of stool.
This condition should be treated by a doctor specializing in gastroenterology. Changes in diet, lifestyle, and stress management are recommended. The professional may include using antispasmodic medications, laxatives, probiotics, antidiarrheals, and fiber supplementation.
6. Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is inflammation of the colon’s diverticula, small dilations that form in the intestinal lining. Research suggests that 95% of these alterations are located at the level of the sigmoid colon.
It presents with pain around the navel or lower abdomen that is exacerbated by eating and relieved by defecation. Similarly, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and rectal tenesmus are common.
The diagnosis of diverticulitis is based on the symptoms and confirmation by endoscopic image study or by contrast radiography. Doctors often recommend a high-fiber diet, antispasmodics, and pain relievers.
7. Appendicitis
Appendicitis is inflammation of the cecal appendix, a small pouch extending from the first portion of the colon to the lower right of the abdomen. The pain starts around the navel or in the upper abdomen. According to studies, after 4 to 6 hours, it migrates to the lower right quadrant of the belly. In addition, the discomfort is usually more intense when walking or coughing.
Other common symptoms include the following:
- Nausea.
- vomiting
- Fever.
- Loss of appetite.
- It increased abdominal tenderness.
In this sense, the patient usually reports intense pain when pressing and releasing the abdomen with the tips of the fingers. Similarly, abdominal rigidity due to intestinal irritation is joint.
The diagnosis of appendicitis is based on the clinic, blood tests with elevated white blood cells, and abdominal ultrasound. Fortunately, this disease can be solved surgically by removing the inflamed appendix.
8. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a sudden or chronic inflammation of the pancreas. Studies affirm that gallbladder stones and excessive alcohol consumption cause 80% of acute pancreatitis cases.
The characteristic symptom of this condition is a pain in the upper part of the navel that radiates in a band to the back. This discomfort is usually continuous and intense, accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal tenderness.
Analysis of pancreatic enzymes, renal function, and white blood cell count are helpful in the diagnosis of this condition. In most cases, pancreatitis is confirmed by ultrasound or CT scan. Acute forms are treated with early hydration and analgesics.
9. Cholecystitis
According to research, Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder associated in 95% of cases with stones that obstruct the outflow of bile. This presents pain in the abdomen’s upper right region or above the navel. The pain is colicky or crampy and may spread to the right shoulder and back.
Similarly, Cholecystitis can present with nausea, vomiting, and fever. This is a common cause of hospital emergencies, so you should go to consultation as soon as possible in case of suspicion. Treatment is based on antibiotics, dietary changes, parenteral hydration, and surgical removal of the gallbladder.
10. Inflammatory bowel disease
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are common causes of ongoing pain in the navel due to chronic inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. Symptoms can be moderate to severe and experience periods of remission. Some of the most common manifestations are the following:
- Liquid stools with mucus.
- Weightloss.
- abdominal cramps
- Blood in the stool.
- Loss of appetite.
A specialist in gastroenterology must treat this disease. The therapeutic plan includes changes in the diet and the use of analgesic and antispasmodic medications to alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
11. Intestinal obstruction
It is said that there is an intestinal obstruction when there is a stoppage of regular transit that prevents the output of feces. This entity constitutes between 20 and 35% of urgent admissions to hospital surgical areas. The most common causes include intestinal adhesions, hernias, and tumors.
Common symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, and increased intestinal gas. In cases of complete obstruction, the person may report an inability to evacuate. The diagnosis is made by clinical examination and imaging studies.
In most cases, intestinal obstruction represents a medical emergency that requires hospitalization. Treatment includes administering intravenous fluids, suctioning fecal material through a tube, and surgery.
As you can see, a wide range of conditions can manifest with discomfort at the navel level. Some less common causes of this symptom include:
- Intestinal parasitosis.
- Persistent constipation.
- Abdominal tumor.
- Peptic ulcer disease.
- Diverticulitis.
- Urinary tract infection.
- Spinal problems, such as herniated discs.
A symptom that should not be underestimated
Pain in the navel is usually a clear manifestation that something is not right in the body. In general, it is the result of mild conditions and spontaneous resolution. However, it can also warn of appendicitis, pancreatitis, Cholecystitis, and intestinal obstruction.
It is advisable to be attentive to the evolution of the discomfort and seek medical help if the pain persists or worsens over time. Similarly, high fever, blood in the stool, and loss of consciousness suggest the need for immediate professional attention.