Overview
If your belly button hurts, it’s natural to feel concerned, especially if the pain is sudden, severe, or persistent. Belly button pain, or periumbilical pain, can range from a minor nuisance to a sign of a serious medical condition and can arise from numerous underlying conditions such as infections, umbilical hernias, indigestion, constipation, and pregnancy. Whether it’s a sharp, sudden jab or a persistent ache, this discomfort might be linked to anything from a simple digestive issue to a more complex ailment like appendicitis. By understanding the potential causes and symptoms, you can pinpoint the problem and seek treatment. Don’t ignore your belly button pain—let’s uncover the most common reasons behind it and learn how to treat each one effectively.
Why does my belly button hurt?
Belly button pain, or periumbilical pain, can be perplexing and uncomfortable, often signaling various underlying issues. While some causes are relatively harmless and easily treatable, others may require immediate medical attention. Here is the list of possible reasons behind your belly button pain, followed by detailed information on the symptoms and treatments for each cause.
1. Skin infection
Pain within the belly button can sometimes result from a skin infection, which may be fungal or bacterial. This can occur due to injury to the skin, a buildup of bacteria from sweat, or friction causing inflammation or infection.
Symptoms
- Discharge of fluid or blood
- A strong odor
- Itching
- Discoloration in the belly button area
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the infection. It can range from over-the-counter (OTC) ointments to oral antibiotics. General care includes cleaning the belly button area regularly and keeping it dry. Extra care is needed to prevent infection if you have a belly button piercing.
2. Umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia can cause significant and ongoing belly button pain. It occurs during pregnancy, accounting for 0.08% of hernias in women due to changes in abdominal muscles, but it is more common in people with obesity.
Symptoms
- A bulge near the belly button
- Swelling around the belly button
- Pain in, around, and near the belly button
- Pain that worsens with lifting, standing, or straining
- Nausea and vomiting
Treatment
Treatment for an umbilical hernia varies based on severity. Mild cases might only require monitoring, while severe cases may need surgical intervention to repair the hernia. If experiencing symptoms, consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
3. Bowel obstruction
A bowel or intestinal obstruction is a blockage in the intestine that can cause intense pain in the abdomen and belly button area. Blockages may occur due to impacted stool, ingested objects, scar tissue, certain cancers, or inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a bowel obstruction include:
- Intense abdominal and belly button pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Inability to pass gas
- Abdominal swelling
Treatment
A bowel obstruction is a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. Treatment often involves surgical intervention to remove the blockage. Sometimes, non-surgical methods such as medications, enemas, or stents may relieve the obstruction. Immediate care is essential to prevent complications.
4. Indigestion
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia or upset stomach, is a common cause of belly button pain. It often occurs due to dietary habits or certain lifestyle factors. Eating spicy, acidic, fatty, or greasy foods, eating too fast, drinking excessive alcohol or caffeine, consuming too many carbonated drinks, stress, smoking, or taking certain medications like antibiotics or NSAIDs can all contribute to indigestion.
Symptoms
- Pain, burning, or discomfort in the upper abdomen radiating to the belly button area
- A feeling of fullness or bloating
- Burping or belching
- Nausea
Treatment
- Over-the-counter (OTC) Antacids and acid blockers: Mylanta (aluminum hydroxide) or H2 blockers like Pepcid AC (famotidine) can help treat functional dyspepsia, a condition with similar symptoms that comes and goes without a known cause.
- Prescription acid-suppressive therapies may be necessary for severe indigestion cases such as PPI’s including omeprazole and rabeprazole etc.
- Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding trigger foods, eating slowly, reducing stress, and quitting smoking, can also help manage and prevent indigestion.
5. Constipation
Constipation is a common condition characterized by having three or fewer bowel movements weekly. It can be caused by a lack of dietary fiber, physical inactivity, ignoring the urge to pass stools, insufficient water intake, side effects of certain medications, and various medical conditions.
Symptoms
- Less than two or three bowel movements per week
- Sudden and sharp pain in the belly button area
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Straining during bowel movements
- Hard or lumpy stools
Treatment
Constipation can often be managed by increasing dietary fiber intake and staying well-hydrated. For short-term relief, stool softeners and laxatives can be effective. Maintaining regular physical activity and responding to the urge to pass stools on time is important. If constipation persists for two months or more, it is advisable to consult a doctor for further evaluation and treatment options.
6. Pregnancy
Belly button pain in females can be due to pregnancy. Pregnancy can lead to abdominal pain as the baby grows inside the uterus. A common cause during the second trimester is the stretching of the round ligament, a band of connective tissue between the uterus and groin that supports the expanding uterus.
Symptoms
- Sudden, sharp pains in and around the belly button
- Pain that occurs when laughing, coughing, or making sudden movements
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen
Treatment
Round ligament pain is usually not a cause for concern and can often be managed with rest and gentle movements. However, if the pain is severe or persistent, you must consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation and to rule out any complications. Maintaining good posture and light stretching exercises may also help alleviate discomfort.
7. Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s Disease, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the digestive tract, can cause inflammation and irritation around the belly button due to its involvement in the small intestine or other parts of the GI tract.
Symptoms
- Chronic abdominal cramping and pain, often localized around the middle to lower abdomen and belly button.
- Pain typically occurs in episodes or waves during flare-ups.
- Additional symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, blood in the stool, weight loss, and fatigue.
Treatment
- Medications: Treatment usually involves a combination of steroids, biologics, and immunomodulators to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.
- Dietary changes: Special diets or nutritional therapy may be recommended to manage symptoms and promote healing.
- Stress reduction: Techniques like mindfulness and yoga can help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
- Surgery: In severe cases or complications such as strictures or fistulas, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove damaged portions of the intestine or manage complications.
8. Appendicitis
Appendicitis starts with dull pain around the belly button as the appendix becomes inflamed. The pain then migrates to the lower right abdomen as the condition progresses.
Symptoms
- Dull pain around the belly button that migrates to the lower right abdomen and intensifies.
- Fever, indigestion, nausea, gas, vomiting.
- Constipation or diarrhea may also occur, along with a loss of appetite.
Treatment
- Emergency medical care: Appendicitis requires immediate treatment, often with surgical removal of the inflamed appendix (appendectomy).
- Antibiotics: Given before or after surgery to prevent infection.
- Recovery: Typically involves a short hospital stay and a few weeks of recovery at home.
9. Urinary Tract Infection
UTIs can cause pain around the belly button when the infection moves into the ureters and kidneys, affecting the upper urinary tract.
Symptoms
- Lower abdominal and pelvic pain, including the belly button, may migrate to the middle and upper abdomen.
- Pain can vary in intensity and may be dull, sharp, or a combination.
- Painful urination (dysuria), frequent urination, urgency to urinate, and the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.
- Blood in the urine (hematuria) may also be present.
Treatment
- Antibiotics: UTIs are typically bacterial infections treated with antibiotics prescribed based on the specific bacteria causing the infection.
- Increased fluid intake: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications may be used to alleviate discomfort.
- Prevention: Practicing good hygiene, urinating after sexual intercourse, and staying hydrated can help prevent UTIs.
10. Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis, often called “stomach flu,” can cause abdominal pain and cramping that is typically most intense in the middle and lower abdomen, including the belly button area.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain and cramping that comes in waves, often centered around the belly button area.
- Nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea.
- Fever, headache, body aches or blood in stool may also be present.
Treatment
- Symptom management: Focuses on relieving nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea with rest and oral rehydration solutions.
- Fluid replacement: Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration is crucial.
- Medications: Over-the-counter medications like anti-nausea and pain relievers may be used as needed. Oral antibiotics are prescribed in case of bacterial gastroenteritis.
- Diet: Gradually reintroduce bland foods as tolerated once symptoms improve.
11. Helicobacter Pylori
Helicobacter pylori infection primarily causes upper left abdominal pain but can also extend to the middle abdomen during acute flare-ups.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain, typically in the upper left abdomen, with potential extension to the middle abdomen.
- Indigestion, acid reflux (heartburn), nausea, and bloating.
- Symptoms may worsen after eating or during periods of stress.
Treatment
- Antacids: To neutralize stomach acid and provide symptom relief.
- H2 blockers (such as ranitidine) and proton pump inhibitors (such as Nexium): To reduce stomach acid production and promote healing of the stomach lining.
- Antibiotics: To eradicate the H. pylori bacteria, a combination of antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, amoxicillin, or metronidazole) is prescribed.
- Lifestyle changes: Avoiding trigger foods, reducing stress, and maintaining a healthy diet may help manage symptoms and support treatment effectiveness.
12. Gallstones
Gallstones can cause pain in the middle to upper-right portion of the abdomen, which may radiate to the back or right shoulder.
Symptoms
- Sharp, stabbing pain in the middle to the upper-right abdomen.
- Pain can last from minutes to hours and may be severe.
- Pain may radiate to the back or right shoulder.
- Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms.
Treatment
- Observation: Small gallstones sometimes pass on their own and are eliminated in feces.
- Medications: Some medications can be given to dissolve gallstones in certain cases.
- Surgery: Larger gallstones or those causing severe symptoms may require surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy).
- Lifestyle changes: Dietary adjustments, such as reducing fat intake, may help prevent symptoms.
13. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, can cause intense and persistent pain in and around the middle abdomen. The pain may also radiate towards the back.
Symptoms
- Intense, persistent pain in the middle abdomen, often radiating to the back.
- Other symptoms may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
- Fever and rapid pulse may accompany severe cases.
Treatment
- Hospitalization: Severe cases often require hospitalization for pain management, hydration, and monitoring.
- Medications: Pain relievers and medications to control nausea and vomiting.
- Fluids and nutrition: Intravenous fluids and a temporary restriction of food to allow the pancreas to rest.
- Treatment of underlying cause: Depending on the cause (such as gallstones or high triglycerides), specific treatments may be needed to address the underlying condition.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove gallstones or drain fluid collections.
14. Colon cancer
Colon cancer can cause abdominal pain that may be felt in various areas of the abdomen, including around the belly button, depending on the location and extent of the tumor.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain or discomfort, which may vary in intensity and location.
- Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or stool consistency.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
- Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or weakness.
Treatment
- Diagnosis: Screening tests like colonoscopy and imaging studies to confirm the presence and extent of cancer.
- Surgery: The primary treatment involves surgical removal of the cancerous part of the colon (colectomy) and nearby lymph nodes.
- Chemotherapy and radiation: Depending on the stage and type of cancer, these treatments may be used before or after surgery to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors.
- Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: These newer treatments may be used in advanced cases to target specific mutations or enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.
- Palliative care: For advanced cases, palliative care focuses on symptom management and improving quality of life.
15. Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis causes pain that typically starts below the belly button and then moves to the lower left-hand side of the abdomen (or lower right-hand side in some East Asian individuals).
Symptoms
- Lower abdominal pain, initially below the belly button, which may localize to the lower left abdomen (or lower right in East Asian individuals)
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea
- Bloating and abdominal tenderness, especially on the affected side
Treatment
- Mild diverticulitis: Treatment may involve antibiotics, pain relievers, and a liquid diet to allow the bowel to rest.
- Severe diverticulitis: Hospitalization may be required for intravenous antibiotics, bowel rest (no food or drink), and possible drainage of abscesses.
- Surgery: In cases of complications, recurrent attacks, or severe infection, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected part of the colon (colon resection)
When to consult a doctor for belly button pain
Anyone experiencing belly button pain or “periumbilical” pain should talk with a doctor to determine the cause. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Intense or persistent pain in the belly button or abdomen.
- Pain specific to the belly button does not improve or worsen over time.
- Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool, or changes in bowel habits.
- If you have recently experienced or undergone abdominal surgery.
- Pain radiating to other areas: Pain that radiates to the pelvis, legs, or chest.
Immediate medical attention is necessary to diagnose and treat underlying conditions that may be causing belly button pain. Depending on the cause, early intervention can prevent complications and promote faster recovery.
FAQs About Belly Button Pain Answered by Your Doctors Online Team
Belly button pain can become severe during pregnancy due to changes in hormones and the stretching of abdominal muscles. As the fetus grows, the uterus expands beyond its usual position, putting pressure on the abdomen and belly button. By the second trimester, the uterus no longer fits inside the pelvis, which can cause significant discomfort or pain. If you experience severe or ongoing discomfort, it is important to consult a doctor.
Toddlers usually do not experience severe belly button pain. However, if his pain moves to the lower right side and is accompanied by fever, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea, it can be appendicitis.
Parts of your stomach, small and large intestines, and the pancreas are located behind the belly button or the umbilical region.
Pain in the belly button when pressed can be due to various issues affecting the stomach, small and large intestines, or pancreas. Belly button pain may occur alone in cases of indigestion, constipation, appendicitis, pregnancy, or an umbilical hernia. It can also accompany other conditions such as Crohn’s disease, urinary tract infections, or stomach flu. If you experience persistent or severe pain, seek medical advice.
Yes, stress can cause stomach pain, including pain near the belly button, often called a “worried stomach.” Stress triggers gut inflammation and intestinal spasms and releases cortisol, a stress hormone, which causes the body to produce excess stomach acid. This acid can irritate the lining of the esophagus, leading to stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and, in severe cases, ulcers.
Pain in the umbilical region, also known as periumbilical pain, can stem from various causes, including digestive issues, infections, and other health conditions. Common differential diagnoses for umbilical region pain include digestive Issues like peptic ulcer, gastroenteritis, enteritis, small bowel obstruction, or infections like appendicitis. For accurate diagnosis, consult your doctor.
