What causes pain on both sides of the navel?

May 21, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Pain on either side of the navel may be caused by indigestion, ulcerative colitis, mesenteric lymphadenitis, ureteral stones, intestinal obstruction, or other conditions. It is important to maintain healthy eating habits, avoid overeating and excessive fatigue, engage in moderate exercise to strengthen gastrointestinal function, maintain a positive mindset, reduce mental stress, and undergo regular medical check-ups to detect and treat intestinal diseases promptly.

Under normal circumstances, the "navel" refers to the belly button. Pain on either side of the navel may be caused by indigestion, ulcerative colitis, mesenteric lymphadenitis, ureteral stones, intestinal obstruction, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Indigestion

Indigestion may be caused by poor eating habits, weakened gastrointestinal function, or excessive mental stress. When food cannot be properly digested in the gastrointestinal tract, it increases internal pressure, leading to pain on either side of the navel. This may also be accompanied by bloating, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Treatment may include medications such as domperidone tablets, lactasin tablets, or Jianwei Xiaoshi tablets, taken as directed by a doctor.

2. Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic nonspecific inflammatory bowel disease that may be associated with genetic, immune, and environmental factors. Inflammation damages the intestinal mucosa, causing pain on either side of the navel, along with symptoms such as diarrhea, mucus in the stool, and bloody stools. It is recommended to follow a doctor's instructions for treatment with medications such as mesalamine enteric-coated tablets, sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets, or prednisone acetate tablets.

3. Mesenteric Lymphadenitis

Mesenteric lymphadenitis is primarily caused by infections from viruses or bacteria, resulting in inflammatory reactions in the mesenteric lymph nodes and causing pain on either side of the navel. Symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Treatment may involve medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, roxithromycin tablets, or ribavirin granules, used as prescribed by a physician.

4. Ureteral Stones

Ureteral stones typically occur when kidney stones move down into the ureter. The stones irritate the ureteral wall, causing pain on either side of the navel, often accompanied by frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as indomethacin enteric-coated tablets, potassium sodium citrate granules, or flavoxate hydrochloride tablets.

5. Intestinal Obstruction

Intestinal obstruction may result from intestinal adhesions, intestinal tumors, or inflammation, preventing normal passage of intestinal contents. This leads to increased pain around the navel and is often accompanied by bloating, vomiting, and constipation. Treatment may include medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, atropine sulfate tablets, or glucose injection solution, administered as directed by a doctor.

To prevent pain on either side of the navel, it is important to maintain healthy eating habits, avoid overeating and excessive fatigue, engage in moderate physical activity, strengthen gastrointestinal function, maintain a positive mindset, reduce mental stress, and undergo regular health checkups to detect and treat intestinal diseases early.