What causes pain in the belly button?
Oct 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Pain around the navel may be related to growing pains, menstrual cycle changes, acute appendicitis, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal obstruction, or other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Maintain a balanced diet and avoid irritating foods; get adequate rest and avoid strenuous exercise. If the pain persists or worsens, seek timely medical evaluation.
In general, pain around the navel may be related to growth-related pain, menstrual cycle changes, acute appendicitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), intestinal obstruction, and other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Growth-related pain
During rapid growth periods in children and adolescents, bones, muscles, and tissues develop quickly. This may stretch the muscle tissues around the navel, leading to pain in or around the belly button. Symptoms can be relieved through warm compresses, gentle massage, or moderate physical activity.
2. Menstrual cycle changes
Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle may affect abdominal muscles and tissues, sometimes causing mild cramping or pain around the navel. This phenomenon is particularly common around ovulation or just before and after menstruation. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits—such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient rest—can help alleviate symptoms.
3. Acute appendicitis
Acute appendicitis may result from blockage of the appendix lumen, bacterial infection, or congenital abnormalities of the appendix. When inflammation occurs in the appendix, surrounding nerve endings may be stimulated, causing pain around the navel. This may also be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fever. Under medical supervision, patients may be prescribed medications such as metronidazole tablets, clindamycin hydrochloride capsules, or levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules for treatment.
4. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome is primarily triggered by multiple factors including gastrointestinal motility disorders and genetic predisposition. It may lead to abnormally accelerated intestinal movement, resulting in pain around the navel. Other possible symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and increased flatulence. Under a doctor's advice, patients may use medications such as lactulose oral solution, bifidobacterium triple viable capsules, or loperamide hydrochloride capsules for treatment.
5. Intestinal obstruction
Intestinal obstruction occurs when intestinal contents cannot pass normally, leading to increased pressure within the intestine. This may stimulate intestinal nerve endings, causing pain around the navel or throughout the abdomen. Additional symptoms may include abdominal distension, vomiting, and constipation. Treatment may involve medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, racemic hyoscine hydrobromide injection, or potassium chloride sustained-release tablets, used according to medical instructions.
Maintain a balanced diet and avoid irritating foods; get adequate rest and avoid strenuous physical activity. If pain persists or worsens, prompt medical evaluation is necessary.
