The 10 Most Common Causes of Belly Button Pain

In some cases, belly button pain results from a stomach issue that can be resolved, while in other cases, it can be a severe and life-threatening condition. If you are experiencing bellybutton or periumbilical pain, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to resolve the cause.

The belly button may cause sharp pain, while others may experience bloating or pulling. Many minute conditions can cause discomfort in the navel area, possibly radiating to other body parts, including your pelvis, legs, and chest. Below are the most common causes of belly button pain include:

Constipation

Many people suffer from constipation at some point in their lives, typically due to dietary or lifestyle habits,  causing discomfort in the belly button and the lower abdomen. However, you should see your healthcare provider if constipation lasts more than two months. Sometimes, constipation can be a significant indication of a medical condition.

Indigestion

The common cause of belly button pain is indigestion or dyspepsia. It is often caused by eating too quickly or spicy or fatty foods. Symptoms of dyspepsia may also be triggered by alcohol, caffeine, or carbonated drinks. A medical condition or a medication may also cause indigestion, so if you experience belly button pain frequently, speak to your doctor.

Bacterial Infection

When the belly button is inflamed or infected, it is usually caused by a fungal or bacterial infection. In addition, injuries to the skin, the buildup of bacteria from sweating, or friction can cause the skin to become infected or inflamed. To determine the cause, a person should consult a physician if they notice fluid or blood discharge, a strong odor, itching, or discoloration.

Pregnancy

A woman’s body undergoes many transformations during pregnancy. For example, her weight increases month after month, and her belly protrudes, which is normal but can cause belly button pain and stomach pain when pressed. This can be a constant occurrence when she needs to see a doctor.

Umbilical hernias are rare causes of belly pain in pregnant women and usually occur in obese or post-surgical women. The symptoms may include pain, swelling, nausea, and vomiting near the belly button. 

Hernia

In a hernia, the abdominal wall becomes weakened, resulting in a bump or bulge in the abdomen. You may feel pain, pressure, or a pulling sensation that radiates from the belly button into your lower abdomen. Coughing, sneezing, exercising, and stretching may cause sharp pain.

Appendicitis

When the appendix swells, it can be life-threatening if not treated. Appendix pain starts on the belly button’s left side and gets severe over time, and it is a medical emergency that can rupture the appendix. In addition to nausea, vomiting, fever, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea, other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Gastroenteritis

A stomach ache can occur around the belly button if you suffer from gastroenteritis or food poisoning. However, this type of pain can also occur anywhere in the abdomen due to inflammation associated with these conditions. The pain can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever, and it can last 3 to 7 days on average. 

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

The most common reason for urinary tract infections in women is sexual activity, with symptoms of UTI including pain while urinating and abdominal pain extending to the back and belly button. A type of UTI called cystitis is more dangerous than a typical UTI, as it spreads to other body parts, so it is vital to consult a doctor.

Stomach Ulcers

Research shows that most ulcers of stomach ulcers and the duodenum develop because of infection with Helicobacter pylori. Bacteria weakens the protective mucous layer of the stomach. This allows acid to seep in and injure the underlying stomach cells.

As the stomach digests and processes food, it produces acid. The acid accumulates in the stomach, erupts from the lining, and causes ulcers. These stomach ulcers cause severe pain in the belly button and the abdomen and may cause internal bleeding if not treated. Therefore, you must treat stomach ulcers to treat belly button pain. 

Pancreatitis

Usually, the pancreas ensures that the body has enough sugar to meet its energy needs, and the first sign of a dysfunctional pancreas is belly button pain. Among the pancreas, problems are pancreatitis, chronic pancreatic inflammation, acute pancreatic inflammation, and pancreatic cancer.

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