What causes pain around the navel?
May 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Chenggang
Introduction
The "belly button" usually refers to the navel. In general, pain around the navel may be caused by factors such as cold exposure, improper diet, gastroenteritis, herpes zoster, or appendicitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, adequate rest should be ensured, strenuous exercise should be avoided, and proper cleaning and care of the area around the navel should be maintained to promote recovery.
The navel, commonly known as the belly button, may experience pain around it due to various causes such as exposure to cold, improper diet, gastroenteritis, herpes zoster (shingles), appendicitis, and other conditions. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Exposure to cold: In cold weather, if the area around the navel is not properly kept warm and becomes exposed to cold air or wind, it may lead to abdominal pain. In such cases, applying a warm towel compress to the affected area as directed by a physician can improve local blood circulation and help relieve pain.
2. Improper diet: Consuming excessive spicy or cold foods such as chili peppers or ice cream may irritate the abdomen and result in pain around the navel. Dietary adjustments are necessary—opt for light, easily digestible meals. Eating moderate amounts of millet porridge may help alleviate discomfort.
3. Gastroenteritis: This condition may be caused by consuming contaminated food or infections. Inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to periumbilical pain, often accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Patients may take medications such as ciprofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, bismuth potassium citrate tablets, or enteritis relief granules as prescribed by a doctor.
4. Herpes zoster: A viral infection affecting the skin and nerves, caused by the varicella-zoster virus. When shingles develops around the navel, clusters of blisters may appear along with significant pain. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include calamine lotion, acyclovir cream, or recombinant human interferon α2b injection.
5. Appendicitis: Often related to obstruction of the appendix lumen and bacterial invasion. Inflammation typically causes pain in the lower right abdomen, which may initially radiate around the navel, and is frequently associated with nausea and fever. As directed by a physician, patients may undergo laparoscopic appendectomy to relieve symptoms.
In daily life, adequate rest should be maintained, strenuous physical activity avoided, and proper cleaning and care of the navel area practiced to support recovery.
