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Diagnosis
Outlook
There are many conditions that can cause periumbilical pain. Some of them are quite
common while others are rarer.
Read on to learn the possible causes for periumbilical pain and when you should seek
medical attention.
diarrhea
nausea or vomiting
fever
clammy skin or sweating
2. Appendicitis
Periumbilical pain can be an early sign that you have appendicitis. Appendicitis is
inflammation of your appendix.
If you have appendicitis, you may feel sharp pain around your navel that eventually
shifts to the lower right side of your abdomen. Additional symptoms can include:
abdominal bloating
nausea or vomiting
pain that becomes worse when you cough or make certain movements
digestive disturbances, such as constipation or diarrhea
fever
loss of appetite
Appendicitis is a medical emergency. If it’s not treated quickly, your appendix can
rupture. A ruptured appendix can cause potentially life-threatening complications.
Learn more about the emergency signs and symptoms of appendicitis.
3. Peptic ulcer
A peptic ulcer is a type of sore that can form in your stomach or upper small intestine
(duodenum).
Peptic ulcers can be caused by a variety of things, such as infection with Helicobacter
pylori bacteria or long-term use of drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or aspirin.
If you have a peptic ulcer, you may feel a burning pain around your belly button or
even up to your breastbone. Further symptoms include:
stomach upset
feeling bloated
nausea or vomiting
loss of appetite
burping
Your doctor will work with you to determine the right treatment for your peptic
ulcers. Medications may include:
nausea or vomiting
fever
an increase in heart rate
A mild case of pancreatitis can be treated with bowel rest, intravenous (IV) fluids, and
pain medication.
5. Umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia is when abdominal tissue bulges out through an opening in the
abdominal muscles around your belly button.
Umbilical hernias most often occur in infants, but they can also occur in adults.
An umbilical hernia can cause a feeling of pain or pressure at the site of the hernia.
You may see a bulge or bump.
In infants, most umbilical hernias will close up by the age of 2. In adults with an
umbilical hernia, surgery is typically recommended in order to avoid complications
such as intestinal obstruction.
Small bowel obstruction is a partial or complete block of your small intestine. This
blockage can prevent the contents of your small intestine from passing further into
your digestive tract. Left untreated, it can become a serious condition.
infections
hernias
tumors
inflammatory bowel disease
scar tissue from previous abdominal surgery (adhesions)
Surgery may be needed in order to repair the obstruction, especially if it’s caused by a
previous abdominal surgery.
As an abdominal aortic aneurysm gets larger, you may feel a steady, pulsing pain in
your abdomen.
If an abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures, you’ll feel sudden and stabbing pain. The
pain may radiate to other parts of your body.
difficulty breathing
low blood pressure
an increase in heart rate
fainting
a sudden weakness on one side
Treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm may include lifestyle changes such as
controlling your blood pressure and quitting smoking. Surgery or placement of a stent
may also be recommended.
A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is a medical emergency and requires
immediate surgical intervention.
8. Mesenteric ischemia
Mesenteric ischemia is when blood flow to your intestines is interrupted. It’s typically
caused by a blood clot or embolism.
If you have mesenteric ischemia, you may initially feel severe abdominal pain or
tenderness. As the condition progresses, you may also experience:
If you suspect mesenteric ischemia, seek immediate medical attention. Treatments can
include surgery and anticoagulation therapy.
Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing the following symptoms in
addition to periumbilical pain:
Depending on your medical history, symptoms, and physical examination, your doctor
may perform additional tests to help reach a diagnosis. These tests may include:
blood tests to assess your blood cell counts and electrolyte levels
urine analysis to rule out a urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney stones
stool sampling to check for pathogens in your stool
endoscopy to evaluate your stomach or duodenum for ulcers
imaging tests, such as X-ray or CT scans, to help visualize the organs of your
abdomen
Outlook
There are many possible causes of periumbilical pain. Some of them, such as
gastroenteritis, are common and typically go away in a few days. Others, such as
mesenteric ischemia, are medical emergencies and need to be addressed right away.
If you’ve experienced periumbilical pain for several days or have concerns about your
periumbilical pain, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms
and treatment options.