Key Highlights: 

• Gastroenteritis, appendicitis, peptic ulcer, and acute pancreatitis are few causes of belly button pain 
• Umbilical hernia, small bowel obstruction, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and mesenteric  ischaemia also cause this pain 
• Timely diagnosis and management of these conditions are crucial 
• Pregnancy may cause round ligament pain around the belly button 
• Understand when to seek medical advice to avoid complications 

Introduction 

Belly button pain is common issue, the causes of which can range from simple indigestion to serious conditions like mesenteric ischaemia. Knowing what could cause this pain and how to manage helps reduce discomfort. It could also stop a problem from getting worse. In this article, we will explore what causes this pain, how it’s diagnosed, ways to manage it, and when you should seek medical help.

Potential Causes of Belly Button Pain 

Many things can cause belly button pain. Each cause comes with a different level of discomfort. Each cause requires a different method of management.   

1. Gastroenteritis 

Gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu, occurs when the stomach is inflamed. It’s often caused by viral or bacterial infections. It causes symptoms which are as follows.  

• Abdominal pain, especially near the belly button 
• Diarrhoea 
• Feeling sick or  vomiting 
• Fever 

2. Appendicitis 

If your appendix is inflamed, you have appendicitis. This can cause strong belly button pain. Its symptoms are as follows.  

• Pain that starts near the belly button and then moves to the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.  
• Loss of hunger 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Loose or hard stools 
• Swollen  abdomen 

Quick diagnosis and management can help avoid complications like peritonitis. 

3. Peptic Ulcer 

Peptic ulcers is a break in the continuity of the gut lining or mucosa. Taking ibuprofen for too long or having certain bacteria can cause it. Its symptoms are as follows.  

• Burning pain near the belly button, which might reach as high as the chest bone 
• Upset stomach 
• Bloated or full feeling 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• No appetite 

4. Acute Pancreatitis 

Acute pancreatitis is the swelling of the pancreas. It can cause pain near the belly button and other symptoms such as the following.  

• Abdominal pain that gets worse slowly 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Fast  heartbeat 

Long-term pancreatitis may need a regular management plan to manage the symptoms. 

5. Umbilical Hernia 

An umbilical hernia is when part of the guts or fat pushes through an opening in the abdominal wall near the belly button. Its usual symptoms are as follows.  

• Swelling and pain around the belly button. 
• Pain worsens when coughing, lifting, standing, or straining. 
• Nausea or vomiting 

Without management, it could lead to blocked intestines or lack of blood flow. 

6. Small Bowel Obstruction 

A small bowel obstruction is when the small gut is partially or completely blocked. Its symptoms are as follows.  

• Strong abdominal pain or cramps 
• Bloated abdomen 
• Vomiting and constipation 

A quick management at a hospital is needed for this condition. 

7. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm 

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a serious condition. It occurs when the belly’s major artery dilates. This causes a constant, throbbing pain in the belly, along with the following symptoms.  

• Hard time breathing 
• Low blood pressure 
• Fast heart rate 
• Sudden weakness on one side 

Immediate care is needed to avoid serious risks linked to a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. 

8. Mesenteric Ischaemia 

Mesenteric ischaemia results from the lack of blood flow to the guts. A deadly condition, its symptoms are as follows.  

• Strong abdominal pain or sensitivity 
• Fast heart rate 
• Blood in stools 

It requires instant medical help to restore the blood flow and to manage any complications. 

Effective Management Options 

The first step to reduce discomfort from belly button pain is to find out what’s causing it. The next few sections will tell us how to do this for each condition and how to manage each condition. 

1. Diagnosis 

To find the root cause of the pain, doctors will perform a thorough health check. They’ll ask about your medical history, give you a physical exam, and run some tests. This will help them come up with a plan of action. 

2. Management of Underlying Conditions 

Doctors may suggest means to manage or monitor the status of the cause that is underlying the belly button pain. Management strategies, such as medication, changes in diet, or even surgery, depend greatly on the exact nature and severity of the problem. 

Umbilical Hernia Management 

There are medical and non-medical ways to manage an umbilical hernia. It’s beneficial to get timely management to avoid complications like bowel obstruction or poor blood supply. 

Small Bowel Obstruction  Management 

A small bowel obstruction might need surgery, medication, and lifestyle changes. These all aim to manage the condition and the problems it causes. 

Managing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm 

Medical professionals might suggest careful monitoring, medication, and possibly even surgery for managing abdominal aortic aneurysm. Immediate care and management help avoid serious risks related to the condition. 

Managing Mesenteric Ischaemia 

Management for mesenteric ischaemia mainly focuses on restoring blood flow to the intestines. Without delay, medical help is needed to lower serious risks linked with this condition. 

3. Pain Relief and Supportive Care 

Over-the-counter medications, sufficient resting, and lifestyle changes may ease the discomfort. These steps support a smooth recovery process. 

Belly Button Pain During Pregnancy 

There are many causes of belly button pain in pregnancy. These include the following.  

1. Causes 

• Pain of the round ligament 
• Appendicitis 

2. Diagnosis and Management 

Right diagnosis and management methods are crucial during pregnancy. Getting an accurate diagnosis and a suitable management plan ensures a smooth pregnancy journey. 

3. When to Seek Medical Advice? 

Knowing when to get medical advice is key. Call a doctor if you notice the following.  

• Pain lasting longer than a few days. 
• Pain which is accompanied by fever, vomiting, bloody stools, and other alarming signs. 
• Pain that disrupts your daily routine or wakes you at night. 
• Serious health conditions causing the symptoms. 

Conclusion 

It’s important to tackle belly button pain immediately and in the right manner. This stops complications and promotes overall health. By knowing the causes and suitable managements, people can get relief from the pain and speed up the recovery process. However, if the pain does not ease, do consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and management. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

References: 

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Umbilical Hernia Repair and Pregnancy: Before, during, after… – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796887 

2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Laparoscopic Umbilical Hernia repair in male patients with abdominal obesity – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9532637 

3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Bowel Obstruction [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441975 

4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Appendicitis [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493193 

5. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Acute Abdomen [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459328 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.