Umbilical pain can be caused by appendicitis, umbilical hernia, constipation, or overstraining of abdominal muscles. Acute appendicitis requires emergency treatment, while umbilical hernias usually resolve on their own. Constipation can also cause umbilical pain, and strenuous exercise can strain abdominal muscles. Persistent or intense pain may indicate underlying diseases such as colorectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease.
Umbilical pain is pain that occurs in the center of the abdomen, near the navel or navel. The pain can be concentrated in the navel region or radiate to other parts of the abdomen. Common causes include appendicitis, umbilical hernia, constipation, or overstraining of the abdominal muscles.
Umbilical pain can accompany acute appendicitis, a condition in which the appendix becomes rapidly progressively inflamed. Emergency treatment is needed, as the appendix can burst and spill bacteria into the abdominal cavity, causing a more serious condition called peritonitis, or inflammation of the tissue lining the abdominal cavity. Typically, the pain starts at the belly button and extends to the lower right side of the abdomen. Other symptoms of acute appendicitis include high fever, chills, constipation, nausea and vomiting.
One of the most common causes of umbilical pain in newborns is a hernia. In an umbilical hernia, the abdominal lining or parts of the abdominal organs protrude through the area surrounding the belly button. It is caused when the muscle surrounding the belly button does not close completely after birth. The hernia usually resolves on its own by the age of one. In cases where a hernia cuts off the blood supply, surgery to repair the bulge is usually recommended. Umbilical hernias can also occur in adults, and surgery is usually needed to repair the bulge.
Constipation can also cause umbilical pain in some cases. When stool is impacted in the colon and puts pressure on the navel, the pain may radiate to the surface of the navel region. While most people experience bouts of mild constipation from time to time, severe constipation can cause hemorrhoids and tears in the anus from straining. Constipation is usually treated with laxatives, stool softeners, and dietary changes. Maintaining proper hydration can also help prevent or relieve constipation.
Strenuous exercise, especially without adequate stretching before a workout, can strain the abdominal muscles and cause pain that radiates throughout the abdomen and belly button area. Lifting heavy objects without support can also cause muscle fatigue. Those who lift heavy objects should use their leg muscles to do most of the work.
In some cases, belly button pain can signal a long-term underlying disease, such as colorectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease. Crohn’s is a disease that causes chronic inflammation in the intestinal tract. Celiac disease is a genetic disease that irritates the digestive tract and causes sensitivity to foods containing gluten. Those experiencing persistent or intense belly button pain should contact their doctor to rule out potentially serious conditions.
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