What causes pain in the navel area?
Nov 12, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, belly button pain may be related to factors such as growth-related pain, post-exercise soreness, omphalitis, acute appendicitis, or irritable bowel syndrome. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive appropriate treatments—such as general management or medication—under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, it is important to maintain personal hygiene and food hygiene, as well as ensure adequate rest and proper dietary adjustments.
Under normal circumstances, belly button pain may be associated with growth-related pain, post-exercise discomfort, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), omphalitis, acute appendicitis, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and receive appropriate treatments such as general management or medication under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Growth-related Pain
During rapid growth phases, children and adolescents may experience stretching of the muscles and tissues around the navel, leading to belly button pain. Adequate rest and gentle abdominal massage can help relieve the discomfort, and warm compresses may also aid in muscle relaxation.
2. Post-Exercise Pain
Physical activity, especially high-intensity training of the core abdominal muscles, may cause minor muscle damage or strain, resulting in pain around the belly button. Proper warm-up and stretching before and after exercise can help prevent muscle injuries.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Abnormal intestinal motility and visceral hypersensitivity may lead to IBS. These factors can cause intestinal spasms or increased peristalsis, resulting in pain around the navel. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, alternating diarrhea and constipation, and bloating. Treatment may include medications such as Bacillus licheniformis live bacterial granules, lactasin tablets, or oral lactulose solution, used as directed by a physician.
4. Omphalitis
Poor hygiene of the navel area, skin breaks, or bacterial infection can easily lead to omphalitis. Bacteria invading the skin or mucosa of the navel may cause local tissue congestion and edema, resulting in pain. This condition is often accompanied by redness and swelling around the navel. Treatment may include topical mupirocin ointment or oral antibiotics such as cefradine capsules or amoxicillin capsules, as prescribed by a doctor.
5. Acute Appendicitis
Acute appendicitis is often caused by obstruction of the appendix lumen and bacterial infection. When inflammation spreads to the peritoneum, it may stimulate nerves near the navel, causing pain. Symptoms may include right lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Medications such as metronidazole tablets, levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, or clindamycin hydrochloride capsules may be used under medical supervision.
In daily life, attention should be paid to personal and dietary hygiene, as well as adequate rest and dietary adjustments.
