{"id":62268,"date":"2023-12-22T15:22:37","date_gmt":"2023-12-22T20:22:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=62268"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:20:54","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:20:54","slug":"belly-button-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/belly-button-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"15 reasons you may have belly button pain"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Almost everyone experiences stomach discomfort from time to time. But what if the pain is centered around your belly button? Belly button pain, known as <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">periumbilical<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> pain, can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, periumbilical pain is caused by temporary issues such as constipation, indigestion, or the stomach flu. In other cases, belly button pain can be a sign of serious health issues like appendicitis or a bowel obstruction. Here, we discuss the most common causes of belly button pain<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"15-causes-of-belly-button-pain\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15 causes of belly button pain<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Belly button pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis. That means there are several possible causes. While many causes of belly button pain are related to your digestive system, some causes are linked to other organs or systems in your abdomen. Below, we take a closer look at the possible causes of belly button pain and which causes might call for a visit to your healthcare provider.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1-indigestion\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Indigestion<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/indigestion.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indigestion<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is very common. This temporary stomach condition feels like burning, discomfort, or painful fullness in the upper abdomen. However, it can also radiate across the whole abdomen and cause belly button pain, says Dr. Sawhney. Common causes of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/pharmacist-counseling-for-heartburn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">indigestion<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overeating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating too fast<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smoking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drinking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain medications<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In most cases, indigestion is temporary and not a cause for concern. But, if you&rsquo;re experiencing chronic or worsening indigestion, tell your healthcare provider. It could be a sign of an underlying gastrointestinal problem.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2-belly-button-skin-infection\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Belly button skin infection<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin infections can develop from bacteria, fungus, or insect bites. They cause pain, irritation, or itching in and around the skin of the belly button, says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harborhealth.com\/clinicians\/charu-sawhney-do-mph\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Charu Sawhney, DO, MPH<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an internal medicine primary care physician at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.harborhealth.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Harbor Health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Austin, Texas. If your belly button skin is infected, you&rsquo;ll probably also notice reddened or darkened skin and, in some cases, flaking or scaliness.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3-umbilical-hernia\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Umbilical hernia<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/umbilical-hernia\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20378685\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">umbilical hernia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> occurs when part of the intestines pushes through an opening in the abdominal muscles, creating a swelling near the belly button. Umbilical hernias are common in infants, but when they develop in adults, these hernias often require surgical treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Umbilical hernias can cause a tender or aching bulge or swelling in and around the belly button. &ldquo;The pain gets worse with lifting, standing, and straining activities,&rdquo; Dr. Sawhney says. Other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/hernias\/umbilical-hernia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">symptoms of umbilical hernia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A dark red or purple lump in the belly button<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you think you may have an umbilical hernia, you should see your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4-constipation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Constipation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can&rsquo;t go? Your belly button pain may be caused by constipation. Defined as having <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/constipation\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20354253\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fewer than three weekly bowel movements<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, constipation affects about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/constipation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 million Americans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It can be caused by a variety of lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/medications-that-cause-constipation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">certain medications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/opioids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">opioids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;Persistent long-standing constipation over two or more months can be problematic and lead to abdominal discomfort and belly button pain,&rdquo; says Dr. Sawhney. &ldquo;This type of pain and discomfort is not constant, comes and goes, and is vague in nature.&rdquo; Other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/digestive-diseases\/constipation\/symptoms-causes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">signs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of constipation include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discomfort or pain when pooping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Passing dry, hard, lumpy stools<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling like you cannot evacuate your bowels completely<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s normal to feel backed up from time to time, but if your constipation does not subside with lifestyle changes like higher <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/fiber\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fiber intake<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, proper hydration, and regular exercise, you should make an appointment to see a healthcare provider.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"5-pregnancy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Pregnancy<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/tag\/pregnancy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pregnant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, your belly will stretch and get bigger as the fetus grows. The relatively rapid growth can put pressure on the back of the belly button, causing discomfort and dull pain. Sometimes, the skin around the belly button gets itchy and irritated as the abdomen gets larger.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately, belly button pain caused by pregnancy is usually easy to pinpoint. If you are in your second or third trimester of pregnancy, it is normal to feel discomfort while your skin and uterus are stretched.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"6-appendicitis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Appendicitis<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/appendicitis-symptoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appendicitis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is inflammation of the appendix, a small organ in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. This fairly common health condition comes on suddenly and can affect anyone, regardless of age or sex.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;Appendicitis pain may start as a dull ache around the belly button and intensify, shifting to the lower right abdomen,&rdquo; says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yalemedicine.org\/specialists\/thiruvengadam-muniraj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thiruvengadam Muniraj, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, advanced endoscopist at Yale Medicine and associate professor at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. &ldquo;It may worsen with movement, coughing, sneezing and you may have tenderness when pressure is applied to the lower right abdomen.&rdquo; Other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/appendicitis-symptoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">symptoms of appendicitis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include nausea, diarrhea, and fever.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appendicitis requires prompt medical treatment. If you&rsquo;re worried about appendicitis, seek immediate medical care. If you&rsquo;re experiencing worsening symptoms of appendicitis, go to the emergency room.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"7-gastroenteritis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Gastroenteritis<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;Gastroenteritis or the stomach flu is an acute viral or bacterial infection that can be transmitted from contaminated food and water,&rdquo; says Dr. Sawhney. &ldquo;It causes sudden abdominal [or] belly button pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These infections usually resolve on their own and are treated supportively with anti-nausea, anti-diarrhea, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications.&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"8-peptic-ulcer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Peptic ulcer<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that causes stomach infections. H. pylori infections are very common&mdash;up to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/helicobacterpyloriinfections.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">40% of Americans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have had one. In most cases, the infection causes no symptoms and goes away on its own. But sometimes, the infection becomes chronic and can erode the stomach lining and cause a painful stomach ulcer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who have peptic ulcers often experience a dull, gnawing stomach pain that sometimes improves with eating, according to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yalemedicine.org\/specialists\/bishwajit-bhattacharya\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bishwajit Bhattacharya, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, general surgeon at Yale Medicine and Associate Professor of Surgery at Yale School Of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. Peptic ulcer pain is typically felt above the belly button, adds Dr. Muniraj. If you have a peptic ulcer, your pain may be accompanied by bloating, nausea, black stool, or unintended weight loss.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"9-gallstones\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Gallstones<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gallstones, medically known as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/gallstones.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cholelithiasis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, form when bile substances harden into crystals inside the gallbladder. This condition affects <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/digestive-diseases\/gallstones\/definition-facts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10% to 15% of Americans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Many gallstones remain inside the gallbladder and cause no problems. But a stone that blocks the tract leading out of the gallbladder can cause sudden, severe pain above the belly button and right upper abdomen. Other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/digestive-diseases\/gallstones\/symptoms-causes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">symptoms of a gallbladder attack<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may include vomiting, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, or light stool.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"10-pancreatitis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Pancreatitis<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/pancreatitis-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pancreatitis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is inflammation of the pancreas, which lies behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. More than 200,000 people in the United States develop pancreatitis each year&mdash;a large number but a tiny percentage of the overall population.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gallstones, heavy alcohol use, high triglyceride levels, and more can cause pancreatitis. Aside from pain around the belly button, pancreatitis can cause stomach pain radiating to the back, nausea, vomiting, fever, rapid pulse, and diarrhea.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"11-umbilical-pilonidal-sinus\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11. Umbilical pilonidal sinus<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4257366\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Umbilical pilonidal sinus<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an uncommon condition in which hair and lint that have become compacted in the belly button penetrate the skin and cause an inflammatory reaction. Symptoms of this type of belly button infection include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Belly button pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smelly belly button discharge<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Redness of the skin inside the belly button<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Men with very hairy stomachs and deep navels have the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5072019\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">highest risk<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of developing an umbilical pilonidal sinus. Obesity and poor hygiene are other risk factors.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"12-crohns-disease\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12. Crohn&rsquo;s disease<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/crohns-disease-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crohn&rsquo;s disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect the entire digestive system. It is an inflammatory bowel disease caused by inflammation that develops from an overactive immune system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crohn&rsquo;s disease can cause intense abdominal pain or cramping that affects the area around the belly button. The belly button pain from Crohn&rsquo;s likely comes and goes based on your eating patterns. It can also come and go over weeks and months. Belly button pain is not the only sign of Crohn&rsquo;s disease. Other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/digestive-diseases\/crohns-disease\/symptoms-causes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight loss<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain and cramping in other parts of the abdomen<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Joint pain<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"13-bowel-obstruction\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13. Bowel obstruction<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bowel obstruction is what it sounds like&mdash;a physical blockage that prevents food and liquids from moving through your intestine. They&rsquo;re often <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.msdmanuals.com\/professional\/gastrointestinal-disorders\/acute-abdomen-and-surgical-gastroenterology\/intestinal-obstruction\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">caused by<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> hernias, adhesions (scar tissue), tumors, and more. &ldquo;Bowel obstruction is often associated with bloating and absence of bowel function,&rdquo; says Dr. Bhattacharya. In other words, a specific area of your abdomen will swell, and you will be unable to poop or pass gas.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;Bowel obstruction pain tends to be crampy and sporadic, starting as a general ache around the belly button before becoming more severe and focused on a specific area of the abdomen,&rdquo; explains Dr. Muniraj.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"14-muscular-injury\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14. Muscular injury<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;Muscular and tendon injuries to the torso and abdomen are not common but can still be a cause of belly button pain,&ldquo; Dr. Sawhney says. If your belly button hurts after participating in contact sports or activities involving forceful torso twisting, you might be dealing with an injury.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your belly button is tender, swollen, or bruised due to physical trauma, you might find that it gets worse or better when you move into different positions. Focus on rest, icing the area, and changing your activities until the injury heals.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"15-urinary-tract-infection\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15. Urinary tract infection<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More than <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.womenshealth.gov\/a-z-topics\/urinary-tract-infections\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">50% of women<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will get a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in their lifetime (compared to about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.urologyhealth.org\/healthy-living\/urologyhealth-extra\/magazine-archives\/summer-2016\/understanding-utis-across-the-lifespan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12% of men<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). This common infection is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/uti-causes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">caused<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by bacteria from the bowel getting into the urinary tract through the urethra. As the infection spreads, it can cause pressure or abdominal cramps typically below the belly button, but it can also be referred around the belly button. Other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/antibiotic-use\/uti.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">signs of UTIs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain or burning sensation when peeing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequent urge to urinate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bloody urine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain in the groin or lower abdomen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s best to see a healthcare provider if you have a UTI. These infections often require prescription <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-do-antibiotics-work\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antibiotic treatment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"when-to-see-a-healthcare-provider\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When to see a healthcare provider<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The seriousness of belly button pain depends on the underlying cause. &ldquo;Belly button or abdominal pain can often be confusing as it is influenced by what medication you take, what you eat [or] drink, and your daily physical activities,&rdquo; Dr. Sawhney says. So, how do you know when to worry about belly button pain?&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you experience sudden belly button pain or belly button pain that does not improve over time. &ldquo;If one experiences symptoms such as gradually worsening pain, fever with chills, vomiting, or being unable to pass gas, it is highly recommended to seek immediate medical attention from a doctor or go to the ER,&rdquo; Dr. Muniraj says. These symptoms could indicate a potentially life-threatening condition such as pancreatitis, appendicitis, or bowel obstruction.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Almost everyone experiences stomach discomfort from time to time. But what if the pain is centered around your belly button? Belly button pain, known as periumbilical pain, can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, periumbilical pain is caused by temporary issues such as constipation, indigestion, or the stomach flu. In other cases, belly button pain can [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135,"featured_media":62222,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[3550,8905],"coauthors":[20942],"class_list":["post-62268","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","tag-gut-health","tag-seasonal","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>15 causes of belly button pain<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Belly button pain may be caused by a skin infection, umbilical pilonidal sinus, indigestion, constipation, and pregnancy. 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