I always feel uncomfortable and slightly painful above the navel.

May 23, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have recently been feeling uncomfortable and somewhat painful in the area above my navel. The pain is difficult to describe—sometimes it's a dull ache, and other times it feels somewhat distended. What could be the possible cause of this?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua

The area above the navel includes important organs such as the stomach, duodenum, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. When experiencing discomfort and pain in this region, there may be multiple possible causes.

This pain might be related to gastric diseases, such as gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It could also be triggered by irregular eating habits, excessive stress, and other factors, manifesting as upper abdominal pain, acid reflux, and other symptoms.

The discomfort might also be related to gallbladder diseases (such as cholecystitis, gallstones), or could indicate problems with the liver, pancreas, or intestines. Additionally, psychological factors and stress may sometimes cause similar discomfort. Pancreatitis or intestinal diseases may also lead to similar symptoms.

Before receiving medical advice from a doctor, avoid self-medicating, as this may mask the condition or worsen symptoms. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, paying attention to dietary hygiene, and keeping a regular schedule can also positively help alleviate symptoms.

It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. In daily diet, maintaining a balanced dietary structure and diverse food intake is beneficial for maintaining good health.