Belly Button Pain (Periumbilical Pain): Causes, Treatment and When to See a Doctor

Your belly button, the navel or umbilicus, doesn't serve any purpose once you're born. It's a leftover mark or scar from when you were connected to your mom by the umbilical cord. During pregnancy, this cord does the job of supplying you with oxygen and nutrients. Once you are born, the cord gets snipped, and that's what leaves you with this belly button. 

Have you ever had a weird ache around your belly button? Periumbilical pain or commonly called belly button pain is a common complaint that one should not ignore. Most people try to ignore it. Pain above the belly button can be a sign of underlying diseases that require prompt medical attention. 

In this article, we will explore the various causes of pain around the belly button, when to see a doctor, and belly button pain treatment.

Belly Button Pain Causes

Let's discuss the various causes of belly button pain one by one:

• Abdominal Belly Button Pain: Abdominal belly button pain refers to localised pain in the stomach above the belly button. 
  • One possible cause is an umbilical hernia, which can result in a visible bulge and sharp pain around the affected area. 
  • Another cause of abdominal belly button pain is appendicitis, which initially presents as a dull ache around the belly button before migrating to the lower right side of the abdomen. 
  • The pain may increase in severe cases and cause other symptoms like nausea and fever.
• Pain Above and Around the Belly Button: Pain above and around the belly button can be due to various conditions: 
  • Gastritis can be one such possible cause. It is an inflammatory condition that affects the stomach lining. Gastritis can cause a burning or gnawing pain around the belly button. 
  • Stomach ulcers are another potential cause of aches above the belly button. It is a sore that develops on the stomach lining that can cause a sharp, stabbing pain above the belly button. 
  • Gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, and gallstones can cause pain in this region.
• Pain Below the Belly Button: Pain in this area can be due to many health issues, especially in women. 
  • A common reason is menstrual cramps. It is also known as dysmenorrhea, which can cause a throbbing pain below the belly button. 
  • Another potential reason is a bladder or urinary tract infection (UTI). It can cause a dull ache or pressure below the belly button. 
  • Other health conditions, like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, or ovarian cysts also cause pain below your belly button.

Belly Button Pain Treatment

For belly button pain relief, you may apply a warm compress to the affected area, which can reduce inflammation and ease discomfort. Taking over-the-counter pain medicines is another belly button pain remedy, but it is important to follow the recommended dosage. 

Simple lifestyle changes like keeping the area clean and avoiding tight clothes can prevent irritation. If the belly button pain symptoms continue, talk to a doctor. They might do a proper diagnosis and give you the right treatment plan.

When to See a Doctor

Sometimes, you might not know the reasons why your belly button hurts, but you should not take it lightly. There are times when belly button pain should not be ignored. See a doctor immediately if:

• Your pain is increasing or not going away
• You have symptoms like fever, vomiting, blood in the stool, or difficulty urinating
• You should also get medical help if your pain gets worse over time or starts affecting your everyday life
• You have belly button pain during pregnancy, then talk to your obstetrician to make sure everything is okay. 

Conclusion

Periumbilical pain or belly button pain can have various causes. It can be mild or a sign of a severe health problem. It is important that you recognise this symptom and get medical advice if necessary. Understanding the pain around the belly button causes can support you in making better decisions to identify any underlying health issues and take appropriate action. You remember that early diagnosis and prompt treatment are vital to managing any discomfort and ensuring your overall well-being. Don't hesitate to consult a doctor about belly button pain or other health-related issues.

FAQs

1. Can belly button pain indicate appendicitis?

Belly button pain can be associated with various causes, but it doesn't necessarily point directly to appendicitis. Appendicitis usually involves pain that starts around the belly button and can move to the lower right abdomen. It is generally seen with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and fever.

2. Is belly button pain a symptom of a hernia?

Belly button pain can be a symptom of a hernia. It is usually seen as a noticeable bulge or swelling in the affected area. Therefore, proper consultation with the doctor is important to rule out possible causes.