What causes pain around the navel?

The navel may refer to the belly button. Pain around the navel could be caused by factors such as abdominal chilling, dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), pelvic inflammatory disease, enteritis, or appendicitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Abdominal Chilling

This is usually caused by low ambient temperatures or wearing insufficient clothing. Such conditions may stimulate the nerves around the navel, leading to localized pain. It is advisable to add more clothing or use a hot water bottle to keep the abdomen warm, which can help improve blood circulation and relieve pain.

2. Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps)

This commonly occurs before or during menstruation and may be related to changes in hormone levels. It can cause spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes extending to the area near the navel, and may also be accompanied by nausea. Symptoms can be alleviated through local heat application and drinking plenty of warm water.

3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

This may be associated with decreased immunity or multiple induced abortions. Pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to inflammation of internal reproductive organs such as the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pain around the navel and possibly a sensation of heaviness or pressure in the lower abdomen. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions when using medications such as Gongxuening Capsules, Gynecological Qianjin Tablets, or Gongyanping Tablets.

4. Enteritis

This may be related to abdominal chilling during menstruation or consuming contaminated food. These factors may allow bacteria or viruses to enter the small intestine or colon, causing intestinal spasms and resulting in the aforementioned symptoms, possibly accompanied by diarrhea. Patients should follow medical advice when taking medications such as Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride Capsules, Bismuth Potassium Citrate Tablets, or Enteritis Relief Granules.

5. Appendicitis

This may be caused by blockage of the appendix lumen or bacterial invasion. Once infected, bacteria from the appendix may spread into the abdominal cavity, causing irritation and inflammation of abdominal tissues and fluids, leading to severe pain around the navel, possibly accompanied by fever. Patients should seek prompt medical care and may require laparoscopic appendectomy.

In daily life, patients are advised to maintain a light diet, avoid spicy foods such as chili peppers and Sichuan pepper, drink plenty of warm water, and consume appropriate amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, cabbage, and lettuce, which may benefit recovery.