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Pain in the navel - the nature of the pain, possible causes, diagnosis and treatment. Why does my stomach hurt in the navel area, around it and inside?

Pain around the navel and in the abdomen in general can be a signal of quite serious illnesses or conditions that require emergency medical care. Determining the cause of such pain can be difficult even for experienced physicians, because the picture of pain can be blurry.

Pain around the navel sometimes occurs after eating, before eating, or may not be associated with eating at all. In any case, pain is a sign of attention and a reason to be examined. Let's try to figure out what could be causing pain around the navel.

Looking for reasons

Causes various pains around the navel can be hidden behind various pathologies in the human body:

To preserve the viability of the organ, urgent medical attention is necessary. A cause that entails less danger, but is also a more common cause, is atherosclerosis of the great vessels of the abdominal cavity. It is a mistaken belief that atherosclerosis affects only the heart or brain. This is a systemic disease that affects absolutely all vessels in the body.

When the vessels of the abdominal cavity are damaged, the muscles of the intestinal wall lack oxygen. Their motor ability decreases. Aching pain occurs, and constipation develops due to decreased intestinal tone. This disease is chronic, it gradually progresses and, of course, requires long-term treatment.

Other factors

In addition, pain above the navel can be caused by gastritis, stomach or duodenal ulcers, and stomach cancer.


An ulcer is, in essence, open wound on the mucous membrane of the organ. Growing in width and depth, it affects the muscle layer and blood vessels. The worst option is perforation, that is, a hole in one or another organ.

The contents of the stomach or intestines, containing a huge number of bacteria, once in the initially sterile space of the abdominal cavity, cause purulent inflammation and can lead to death. But bleeding in these organs is no less insidious.

It cannot be determined without endoscopic examination.

Blood in the stool is a problem with the rectum, but you will never see blood that has entered the digestive tract in the stomach. The ulcer usually begins with acute, burning, often throbbing pain. Therefore, if you notice something similar in yourself, hurry to see a gastroenterologist. Don't wait for penetration!

Pain below the navel can be caused not only by problems with the intestines, but also by some pathologies of the female reproductive organs (fibroids, cancerous tumors on the ovaries and in the uterus), cystitis, pathologies of the rectum (especially in men) and other inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs.

Any sensation of pain in the body indicates the presence of some disorder or pathology. Abdominal pain in the navel area is a fairly common symptom of many diseases, some of which pose a danger to human health and life.

It is almost impossible to independently identify the cause of pain and find a solution to the problem, since this requires additional research in addition to a medical examination.

But it is worth knowing about the possible causes of the symptom. general idea about the severity of the disease.

Nature of pain and causes

In the navel area there are several organs and systems, problems with which can cause pain. It can be true, associated with elements adjacent to a given area, as well as irradiating, associated with a source localized elsewhere. Any of the diseases forms a special symptomatic picture, and is manifested by characteristic pain:

Aching. Characteristic of intestinal obstruction, flatulence, development of tumors, nodes, chronic enteritis. May occur during pregnancy, stretching of the peritoneal walls and diseases of the genitourinary area.

Spicy. May indicate an intestinal ulcer or gallbladder problem, as well as a strangulated umbilical hernia. Acute sharp pain in the navel area, radiating to the lumbar region with the need to urinate, may indicate the advancement of kidney stones.

Pulling. Occurs during pregnancy, genitourinary diseases, stretching of the peritoneal walls, and intestinal obstruction.

Piercing (cutting). Occurs with cholecystitis, acute appendicitis, pancreatitis, and in women with pathologies genitourinary system. Cutting pain also occurs with any disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract.

When you press:

Most often it occurs with an umbilical hernia and is combined with a severe feeling of nausea, bloating and diarrhea. Upon visual examination, a protrusion of the navel is noticeable, firm to the touch, and when pressed, the pain intensifies; It may indicate appendicitis, which causes pain in the navel area and nausea. Increased pain when pressed occurs in the lower right side.

Strong. Occurs with intestinal volvulus, umbilical hernia, oncology, appendicitis. May occur with hereditary abdominal migraine, which occurs in children. In this case, the pain will be constant or paroxysmal, and will be accompanied by nausea, flatulence and constipation. Gradually intensifying, the sensations shift above the navel to the stomach area.

After eating, it occurs with gastritis and is accompanied by decreased appetite, belching and a feeling of heaviness. The same symptoms against the background of indigestion are characteristic of an acute infectious process, irritable bowel syndrome or circulatory disorders of the mesenteric vessels.

After lifting weights, it manifests itself with an umbilical hernia or increased intra-abdominal pressure, as well as in women who have given birth when the abdominal wall is stretched.

Most common reasons The following pathologies may cause pain in the navel area:

Acute obstruction in the jejunum, occurring due to tumors, volvulus or adhesions, or the presence of gallstones. Acute and chronic circulatory disorders of the mesenteric vessels due to blockage by blood clots or compression by tumors. Long-term inflammation of the jejunum (chronic jejunitis), which occurs due to poor nutrition, chronic hepatitis, metabolic disorders, and immunodeficiency. Enzyme deficiency leading to insufficient parietal digestion in the intestine, for example, celiac enteropathy. Oncology, which is more common in men over 30 years of age. Irritable bowel syndrome.

Depending on the location relative to the navel, pain can be caused by the following diseases:

Around the navel:

Acute appendicitis, in which at the beginning of the attack pain is felt in the central part of the abdomen; Umbilical hernia.

Below the navel:

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis; Crohn's disease; Mesadenitis; Enteritis; Diverticulitis of the small intestine; Diseases of the large intestine; Endometriosis; Pathologies of the genitourinary system.

Above the navel:

Gastric and duodenal ulcers; Gastropathy in the same organs.

To the right of the navel:

Appendicitis; Volvulus of the small intestine;

On the left side of the navel:

Diseases of the spleen, pancreas; Accumulation of gases in the colon.

Pain in the navel area can be visceral, which is caused by stretching or spasms of internal organs, as well as somatic - due to irritation of the peritoneum, when the spinal nerves passing through the abdominal cavity are damaged.

Features in men, women and children

Pain in the navel area most often manifests itself in women, since painful sensations associated with disorders in the reproductive organs or urinary system caused by the following pathologies:

Endometriosis. Cystitis. Various inflammations in the pelvic area. Fibroids or uterine cancer.

In children, pain near the navel occurs when the gastrointestinal tract develops inadequately or too rapidly.


A distinctive feature of pain in childhood is pale and cool extremities. This symptom is dangerous due to the too rapid development of intestinal volvulus, which, if not consulted in a timely manner, can lead to fatal outcome. In newborns, colic in the navel area occurs due to digestive disorders, which resolve on their own when they reach six months of age.

In men, pain most often occurs with the development of megacolon disease, which is characterized by expansion of the large intestine, constipation, and stagnation of feces, which leads to intoxication, impaired breathing and cardiac activity. Painful sensations are possible when chronic prostatitis, problems with urination and diverticulosis.

In women during pregnancy, pain in the navel area can be caused by weakness of the abdominal muscles, displacement of internal organs, decreased intestinal motility and slower passage of food, and also individual physiological characteristics pregnant.

We recommend watching a video about pain in the navel area in children.

How is diagnosis carried out?

Any of the pathologies leading to pain in the navel area is characterized by additional symptoms, which help the doctor establish a preliminary diagnosis. Before arriving in an ambulance or visiting a doctor, you should remember all the changes in the body and sensations. Answering the following questions will help you find out why your stomach hurts in the navel area:

How long has your stomach been hurting in the navel area? Is there any irradiation of the sensation of pain (does it radiate to any place). What is the nature of the pain (gradual or sudden development, what event influenced it). Has the location of the sensation changed over time? Has the nature of the pain changed since it began?

The doctor first examines the patient and collects anamnesis based on detailed description the patient's location and nature of pain.

Blood and stool analysis. Ultrasound of the gastrointestinal tract. Colonoscopy. Irrigoscopy (fluoroscopic examination using a special enema).

What doctors do they consult?

Pain in the navel area is a reason to seek medical help. It is not recommended to take painkillers right away, as they relieve characteristic symptoms, making diagnosis and subsequent treatment difficult. " Acute stomach"Requires an immediate call for an ambulance. In other cases, they turn to a therapist, gastroenterologist or surgeon.

What medications can be prescribed?

To eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of pain in the navel area, the doctor may prescribe the following medications:

Intended for the treatment and prevention of spasms of smooth muscles of internal organs (biliary and intestinal colic, biliary dyskinesia, cholecystitis), spastic constipation, exacerbations peptic ulcer, tenesmus.

Contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity, high blood pressure, cardiogenic shock, severe renal and liver failure.

Price – from 50 to 230 rubles.

Used for symptomatic treatment pain syndrome weak or moderate manifestations in stomach or intestinal colic, as well as other diseases associated with spasms of smooth muscles.

Contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity, obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract, collapsed conditions, diseases circulatory system, tachyarrhythmia, decompensated heart failure, functional disorders of the kidneys or liver, angle-closure glaucoma.

Price – from 120 to 355 rubles.

An antispasmodic drug intended to reduce smooth muscle tone. It is used to relieve spasms of any smooth muscle organ in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as during attacks of cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, renal colic, And increased tone uterus during pregnancy.

Contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity, children under 6 months of age. and the elderly, with glaucoma and acute renal failure, for problems with atrioventricular conduction, for comatose patients.

Price – from 9 to 91 rubles.

An antacid drug with a pronounced acid-neutralizing, enveloping and adsorbing effect. Intended for the treatment of gastritis, enterocolitis, peptic ulcer, acute duodenitis, erosions of the mucous membrane in the gastrointestinal tract, diverticulitis, pancreatitis, colopathy, proctitis, sigmoiditis, poisoning, heartburn, and damage to the digestive system after taking medications and aggressive compounds.

Contraindicated in hypersensitivity, hypophosphatemia, chronic renal failure and Alzheimer's disease.

Price – from 170 to 380 rubles.

An effective adsorbent used to treat gastrointestinal disorders and eliminate associated pain, namely in infectious, chronic and acute diarrhea, dyspepsia, heartburn and bloating.

Contraindicated in case of intestinal obstruction, isomaltase-sucrase deficiency, glucose intolerance or impaired absorption of glucose-galactose, as well as intolerance to the drug.

Price – from 160 to 350 rubles.

A remedy for reducing flatulence. It is used for flatulence, dyspepsia, Roemheld's syndrome, as well as for certain types of diagnostics of the abdominal organs.

Contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the drug.

Price – from 280 to 450 rubles.

Traditional methods

Along with medications Traditional medicine has been successfully used to treat gastrointestinal diseases associated with pain in the navel.

In order not to harm the body, their use should be very careful and only after consultation with a doctor.

The following recipes will help you cope with the problem:

Rowan fruits. They help get rid of abdominal pain, prepared as follows: 0.5 kg of fruits are covered with 300 g of granulated sugar, left for 5 hours, boiled for 30 minutes over low heat. Take 3 times a day, 2 tbsp. l.

Collection of herbs: horsetail, chamomile, calendula flowers, dried grass, rose petals (1 tablespoon each), burdock and wormwood (2 tablespoons each), garden dill and rose hips (3 tbsp each), St. John's wort and plantain leaves (4 tbsp each), yarrow (7 tbsp). All dry crushed raw materials are mixed, and 1 tbsp. l. the mixture is poured with 200 ml of boiling water, cooked for 15 minutes in a water bath, then filtered. The decoction is divided into 3 parts and taken 20 minutes before meals.

Decoction of dried or fresh fruits gooseberries. Relieves spasms and severe pain in the navel area. Prepared from 1 tbsp. l. raw materials, pour 25 ml of boiling water, then brew for 10 minutes over low heat. Take 1 glass 3 times a day.

Infusion of flax seeds, chamomile and yarrow. Relieves pain, inflammation, and restores appetite. Mix one part of seeds and 2 parts of dry herbs, after 6 tbsp. l. raw materials are poured with 300 ml of boiling water and infused. Take 100 ml every 2 hours.

Dried or ripe fresh blueberries are excellent antispasmodic for stomach pain. Prepare by brewing 3 tbsp. l. raw materials in 1 liter of boiling water for an hour. After cooking, you can add to taste natural honey. Take 4 times a day, 250 g.

If pain appears near the navel, be sure to review your diet. Avoid eating smoked meats, canned foods and marinades. If spasms and discomfort persist, be sure to consult a doctor.

General preventive actions

TO preventive measures Tips to prevent pain in the navel area include the following:

Preventive examinations of the gastrointestinal tract at least once a year. Timely detection and treatment of diseases of the abdominal organs. The use of rational nutrition. Rejection of bad habits. Balance of the psycho-emotional sphere. Maintaining an active lifestyle.

Painful sensations near the navel can cause various pathologies, some of which are life-threatening.

Determining the source of pain is often a difficult task due to vague symptoms, when even the patient himself is not able to accurately describe the nature of the pain.

The appearance of any pain in the navel area is a reason to seek medical help. medical care, so put correct diagnosis and appoint effective treatment can only be done by an experienced specialist in a clinical setting.

Do you still think that healing your stomach and intestines is difficult?

Judging by the fact that you are now reading these lines, victory in the fight against diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is not yet on your side...

Have you already thought about surgery? This is understandable, because the stomach is a very important organ, and its proper functioning is the key to health and wellness. Frequent abdominal pain, heartburn, bloating, belching, nausea, bowel dysfunction... All these symptoms are familiar to you firsthand.

But perhaps it would be more correct to treat not the effect, but the cause? Here is the story of Galina Savina, about how she got rid of all these unpleasant symptoms... Read the article >>>

Pain in the navel area is a common symptom and indicates certain health problems. The intensity and irradiation of such pain in the navel area can be different, but even with minor pain discomfort, you should not treat the symptom as some kind of trifle. After all, every signal that the body gives us indicates a health problem of one kind or another. Projected in the navel area:

transverse colon loops of the small intestine, ascending part and lower horizontal duodenum big oil seal upper sections ureters and kidneys greater curvature of the stomach (with prolapse of the stomach)

The causes of pain in the abdomen near the navel most often lie in diseases of the small intestine. Poor functioning of the jejunum leads to disruption of absorption processes nutrients, which inevitably affects the human condition. Therefore, long-term bothersome pain near the navel is a signal for an immediate visit to the doctor, especially if there is additional symptoms, which we will talk about below.

The most likely causes of pain in the umbilical area are the following diseases:

Obstruction of the lumen of the jejunum of an acute nature; Circulatory disorders of the mesenteric vessels supplying the jejunum, acute and chronic; Jejunitis - inflammation of the jejunum; Umbilical hernia(congenital, postoperative, acquired) may hurt with exertion, with pinching; Enzyme deficiency leading to disruption of parietal digestion in the jejunum; Oncological formations of the jejunum; Infectious enterocolitis, spastic and non-spastic enterocolitis; Irritable bowel syndrome, leading to pathological changes in the motility of the jejunum of functional origin.

Each of these diseases, in addition to pain near the navel, forms a certain picture of symptoms. Therefore, you should focus on changes of any kind in the functioning of the body and be sure to tell the doctor all the existing symptoms.

Pain around the navel associated with jejunal obstruction

Obstruction of the jejunum is a serious condition that leads to the death of the patient in case of unjustified delay in treatment. Blockage of the intestinal lumen can be of a mechanical nature (gallstone, tumor, roundworm) or due to compression from the outside (adhesions, volvulus). In pediatric patients and young adults, obstruction may be caused by intussusception—the insertion of a loop of intestine into the adjacent intestine.

Clinically, cramping pain is observed in the peri-umbilical region with increasing intensity and a decrease in the interval between contractions. Repeated vomiting, which only slightly alleviates the patient's condition, is accompanied by pain - a characteristic change in the nature of the vomit to intestinal contents. In this case, there is no stool, no gases are passed.

After some time, the pain symptoms go away, and the patient’s condition rapidly worsens, with a drop in blood pressure, weakness, and tachycardia. The above symptoms of incipient shock carry an unfavorable prognosis for the patient’s life; any delay in providing emergency surgical intervention can be fatal.

Pain in the peri-umbilical region in acute disorders of mesenteric circulation

A common cause of this pathology is blockage of the mesenteric vessels with pieces of blood clots from the bloodstream, which is likely if there is cardiovascular diseases. Also, the causes of insufficient blood supply can be: blockage of the mesenteric arteries with blood clots, compression of the arteries from the outside by tumor-like formations.

The condition is accompanied by excruciating and cramping pain in the umbilical region, which decreases somewhat when the patient assumes a forced knee-elbow position. The pain is difficult to relieve even with the help of morphine and is accompanied by the appearance of sticky and cold sweat, tachycardia and increased blood pressure, and a feeling of horror. As a reaction of the intestines to developing ischemia, vomiting and loose stools appear. 6-12 hours after the first manifestations, the pain near the navel subsides as the nerve receptors of the intestine die.

Blood appears in the vomit and feces or discharge from the anus like raspberry jelly. Subsequently, diffuse peritonitis develops with characteristic manifestations– acute pain in the entire abdomen, retention of gases, stool, deterioration in general condition. This pathology also requires emergency assistance on the operating table.

Pain in the peri-umbilical region with chronic mesenteric circulation disorders

Severe diseases such as nonspecific aortoarteritis and atherosclerosis (treatment of cerebral atherosclerosis) lead to conditions chronic ischemia intestines. Painful attacks that accompany this condition have their own characteristics - pain from the periumbilical region spreads to the epigastric, as well as to the iliac fossa on the right; the pain attack is of a pronounced type like contractions and begins 20-40 minutes after eating. The pain is relieved by taking nitroglycerin. As the disease progresses, patients lose weight and note constantly present problems with the intestines - rumbling and bloating, constipation, which are replaced by diarrhea. Since the disease is characterized by a gradual worsening of the condition, it is important to undergo examination as early as possible and receive adequate therapy.

Pain around the navel accompanying chronic jeunitis

The most pronounced spasmodic pain is in the peri-umbilical region due to spasm of the intestinal wall. Pain due to flatulence, caused by stretching of the intestinal mucosa by accumulating gases, is also characteristic. Inflammation of the mesenteric lymph nodes develops - mesadenitis, which manifests itself as pain below and to the right of the navel, in the navel area and left hypochondrium. The progression of the disease leads to the development of gangliolitis and the transformation of the nature of pain from spastic to burning.

The condition is accompanied by painful diarrhea, up to 20 times a day. Diarrhea often occurs immediately after eating and leads to general weakness, hand tremors and a drop in blood pressure. Against the background of dysbacteriosis, the nature of feces changes - if initially they are a mushy mass with pieces of undigested food, then later the feces become foamy and foul-smelling. With pronounced pathological changes in the jejunum, the feces become greasy and have the consistency of ointment. The general condition also suffers due to the development of enteric syndrome and vitamin deficiency. The disease progresses slowly, so early start treatment allows you to avoid irreversible changes in the jejunum.

Abdominal pain around the navel due to enzyme deficiency (enzyme deficiency enteropathies)

Enzyme-deficiency enteropathies are pathologies that develop due to insufficient production of a number of enzymes, both congenital and acquired, or due to their biochemical inferiority. This condition leads to defective parietal intestinal digestion.

Clinically, enzyme-deficiency enteropathies are expressed in intolerance to certain foods. The disease in childhood leads to mental and physical retardation, and in adulthood it leads to the development of general enteric syndrome. The most common form of enteropathy is celiac enteropathy or gluten intolerance; disaccharidase-deficiency enteropathy is less common.

The condition manifests itself as a series of symptoms that occur after consuming a product to which there is an intolerance. There is pain near the navel, flatulence and watery, light yellow foamy diarrhea with fractions of undigested food. Treatment for this pathology is a strict exclusion from the diet of foods to which there is an intolerance, as well as enzyme therapy.

Pain due to cancer of the jejunum

This is a rather rare oncological pathology, most typical for men over 30 years of age. The first sign of an oncological process in the jejunum is severe pain in the navel area, similar to contractions, combined with nausea and belching, heartburn, rumbling intestines, and diarrhea. Characteristic signs of cancer are tarry stool and progressive anemia. Treatment of jejunal cancer requires immediate initiation and is surgical.

Pain around the belly button, characteristic of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is classified into the group functional diseases intestines. Motor skills are impaired, flatulence and cramping pain around the navel occur. The disease is very common and is a consequence of the modern pace of life, and women are 2 times more likely to suffer from this syndrome.

Peri-umbilical pain is combined with both diarrhea and constipation. Stool is slimy. The disease is characterized by a daily cycle - the maximum manifestations occur in the first half of the day. Paroxysmal, cutting pain in the navel with diarrhea can occur immediately after breakfast, while defecation brings relief. During the day there is heartburn, flatulence and belching of air, pain around the navel, which decreases after passing gas or visiting the toilet. The pain can spread to the hypochondrium (left and right), and the right iliac region. In the evening and at night, nothing bothers the patient. Since the disease brings enormous psychological discomfort, it is necessary to prescribe targeted treatment and strictly adhere to all doctor’s recommendations.

Pain near or below the navel, with other intestinal diseases

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis (UC)

UC is a polyetiological disease of the intestine, in which foci of necrosis and ulcers form on the intestinal mucosa. In this case, the patient experiences diarrhea mixed with blood and abdominal pain of varying severity. With complications of the underlying pathology (intestinal obstruction, intestinal perforation), the pain becomes very severe, the temperature rises, and symptoms of peritoneal irritation appear. In uncomplicated UC, the temperature usually does not exceed 38 degrees, and the patient is also bothered by false painful urges to defecate and bloating. The differential diagnosis of UC is based on endoscopic and radiological methods of examining the intestine.

Crohn's disease

Or granulomatous enteritis can affect any part of the intestine, most often manifesting itself as a lesion ileum(ileitis). This is an inflammatory disease that develops in genetically predisposed individuals with impaired autoimmune response with concomitant intestinal infections. The clinical picture includes intoxication (lethargy, fatigue), fever, diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, often simulating attacks of appendicitis, bloating, vomiting, loss of appetite. The disease can be complicated by perforation of the intestine, intestinal obstruction, toxic megalkolone, fistulas in the bladder. Endoscopy and intestinal biopsy help establish the diagnosis.

Mesadenitis

This is an inflammation of the mesenteric lymph nodes under the influence of a bacterial or viral process in the body. Most often, the culprits are staphylococci, salmonella, shigella, klebsiella, enteroviruses, adenoviruses, Epstein-Barr virus, and mycobacterium tuberculosis. The pathology is accompanied by abdominal pain and intoxication. With severe paroxysmal or constant pain, the patient’s general well-being suffers little. Abdominal ultrasound and tomography help in diagnosis. Sometimes it is necessary to resort to diagnostic laparoscopy.

Causes of pain above the navel

Above the navel is the pyloric part of the stomach and part of the duodenum. Painful symptoms above the umbilical region are caused by gastropathy and ulcerative processes in these organs. Initially, the pain manifests itself as a slight burning sensation and is accompanied by discomfort, then, as the ulcerative process progresses, the pain becomes brighter, becomes permanent, and when the ulcer perforates, it becomes sharp and unbearable. When the ulcer perforates and peritonitis develops, general symptoms increase sharply, including loss of consciousness. Cancer of the stomach and duodenum is also accompanied by constant pain above the navel (see the first signs of stomach cancer).

Causes of abdominal pain below the navel

Pain below the navel can signal pathologies of the colon and problems of the female genital organs. Endometriosis is the most common pathology of the female genital area, one of the manifestations of which is pain below the navel. An ischemic condition of the intestine may manifest itself as pain below the navel. The chronic course of the process is manifested by constant pain, acute - by a sharp pain syndrome and paralysis of intestinal peristalsis. Atherosclerosis of the vessels supplying the intestines is manifested by aching, spastic pain and atonic constipation. In addition to the above conditions, pain below the navel may indicate the following diseases: cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian or uterine cancer, aneurysm abdominal aorta, uterine fibroids.

Causes of pain to the left of the navel

To the left of the navel at the top of the abdomen there are loops of intestine, omentum, renal hilum and ureter. Accumulations of gases in the lumen of the colon can provoke pain near the navel on the left side, in the lower abdomen. However, in the presence of a pathological process of the large intestine, pain will be accompanied by stool disturbances, blood and mucus in the stool, and temperature. Scarlet blood in the stool indicates hemorrhoids, tarry stools indicate bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Viral diseases lungs may also manifest as pain in the umbilical area due to irritation of the diaphragm.

Causes of pain to the right of the navel

On the right above the navel are the following organs - the ascending colon, the gate of the right kidney. Kidney pathologies cause pain in the front right and back. Appendicitis begins with painful discomfort in the navel itself, and subsequently the pain shifts to the right (see symptoms of appendicitis in adults, signs of appendicitis in children).

Based on the above, it becomes clear that pain around the navel or to the sides of it can indicate a variety of diseases, some of which are life-threatening. Whatever the cause of pain in the umbilical area, it must be diagnosed. After all, timely detection of even the most dangerous disease gives a high chance of recovery and the opportunity to lead a full, healthy life.

Symptoms of pain in the navel of a sudden and sharp type are characteristic of appendicitis. The pain syndrome, as a rule, shifts to the right and occurs with nausea, single vomiting, fever and increased heart rate.

Sharp pain combined with bloating and constipation may be a symptom of a strangulated umbilical hernia. The disease is no less dangerous than an attack of appendicitis and requires surgical intervention.

Only incipient diseases may not reveal themselves in any way, so powerful pain attacks are signals of chronic, advanced processes.

Pain in the navel area

Pain in the navel area is disturbing for various reasons, which include:

diseases of the small intestine of various etiologies; chronic enteritis in the acute stage - pathological changes in the mucous membrane due to previous intestinal infections or giardiasis; appendix - an acute disease of the abdominal cavity requiring surgical intervention; hernia in the navel area; cancer processes near the umbilical zone; diverticulitis - protrusion of the mucous membrane of the small intestine through a layer of muscle; volvulus of the small intestine (obstruction); circulatory problems associated with an aortic aneurysm in the peritoneum; abdominal migraine, more common in children.

Diseases of any organ of the peritoneum can result in unpleasant sensations in the navel. Therefore, if the pain in the navel is unbearable, cutting, call an ambulance.

Pain around the navel

If you notice pain around your navel, the reasons may be the following:

intestinal colic – muscle spasms as a result of problems with stool or digestion, the presence of dysbacteriosis; umbilical/intervertebral hernia; advancement of kidney/gallbladder stones is a very severe pain syndrome that often causes loss of consciousness.

A peptic ulcer of the small or large intestine can also cause acute, unbearable sensations. Initially, the pain is localized around the navel; as the disease progresses, the painful area spreads to the entire abdomen.

Pain below the navel

Pain below the navel occurs in the following diseases:

strangulated hernia – accompanied by acute pain, the skin over the hernia is blue; peritonitis ( inflammatory process in the peritoneum) – manifests itself as “dagger” pain; diverticulosis of the colon - characterized by pouch-like branches of the intestinal wall. The pain varies in manifestation and intensity; acute pyelonephritis– symptoms depend on the degree of urinary dysfunction; presence of stones in the bladder; state of urinary retention.

Localization of pain below the umbilical zone may be a sign of appendicitis, diseases of the colon or pelvic organs (depending on the gender of the patient).

Pain below the navel in men

Rectal diseases cause pain below the navel in men.

Pain below the navel on the left

Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as spastic colon or nervous stomach, is characterized by pain below the navel on the left.

This pathology is characteristic of more than the female half of the population in the age group from 20 to 40 years. The disease is based on two mechanisms: psychosocial effects and sensorimotor dysfunction (changes in visceral sensitivity with intestinal motor activity). Based on the predominance of the leading symptom, three types of the disease are distinguished:

severe pain and flatulence; diarrhea; constipation

During the diagnostic process, systematic influences such as diets or medications should be excluded. Irritant products include coffee, gas-inducing drinks and food, and changes in diet during travel.

The pain usually occurs during daylight hours and subsides at night. The sensations vary in nature from a pressing, bursting, dull feeling to severe cramping. The pain syndrome decreases after defecation and release of gas.

Pain below the navel on the right

On the right lower quadrant The abdomen contains the appendix, intestines and ureters. In women, this area contains the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

If the pain below the navel on the right when pressed with a finger does not go away within 12 hours, it is probably appendicitis. Bowel irritation or disease, shingles, and tightness nerve endings, coming from spinal column, cause similar pain.

Pain below the umbilical area on the right can be caused by an ectopic pregnancy.

The cause of pain may be infectious diseases– gonorrhea, chlamydia.

The formation of cysts and tumors in the pelvic organs is accompanied by chronic pain.

Pain under the belly button

In women, pain under the navel is often gynecological in nature. Such discomforts may be associated with diseases Bladder, colitis, dysbacteriosis.

Pain near the navel

Pain near the navel indicates an enzyme deficiency. Undigested food causes fermentation and irritation of the small intestinal mucosa. Unpleasant sensations appear after taking legumes, large quantities sweet. Flatulence is noted.

Sudden, sharp and severe pain in the immediate vicinity of the navel are symptoms of intestinal colic. The reason may be eating foods rich in fiber, drinking strong coffee, and chocolate. The process is often accompanied by chills and a weak state.

Pain near the navel is caused by worms. A doctor will be able to accurately establish a diagnosis based on examination and research results.

Pain near the navel on the left

Pain near the navel on the left is the result of abuse of teas for weight loss or infection with helminthic infestations. In parallel, changes in stool are observed.

The manifestation of symptoms with fever, weakness and nausea can be caused by indigestion or poisoning. To relieve intoxication, it is recommended to take Activated carbon, smecta. You should drink plenty of fluids. Preferably herbal decoctions with an antiseptic astringent effect.

The area from the navel on the left responds with pain when kidney problems, diseases of the pancreas.

Pain above the navel

A mandatory consultation with a gastroenterologist is necessary if persistent pain above the navel is noted. The following reasons can cause it:

gastritis is an inflammatory disease of the gastric mucosa; peptic ulcer of the stomach or 12p intestines; stomach cancer.

The course of gastritis and peptic ulcer is characterized by dull or sharp pain, bursting or aching type. The moment of increased pain is often accompanied by vomiting, which brings temporary relief. Symptoms become more pronounced after taking spicy, sour foods, or coffee-containing drinks. The disease worsens as a result of stress. If vomiting with blood occurs, call a doctor immediately.

Pain just above the navel

Stomach problems – gastritis, ulcers, increased acidity lead to pain just above the navel. Prolonged pain in this area indicates diseases of the 12th intestine, pancreas or gall bladder.

Pain near the navel

Pain near the navel is the most unpleasant, foreshadowing a serious illness.

More often manifested in school and adolescence abdominal migraine may occur in adults. Pain diffused or localized in the navel area is characterized by intensity. The disease occurs with severe symptoms:

nausea; vomit; diarrhea; pale and cold extremities.

Based on their duration, attacks are divided into short (several hours) and long (several days). Painful condition may occur against the background of a migraine or after an attack of headache.

Volvulus of the small intestine causes pain near the umbilical area. The disease begins acutely and is accompanied by unbearable sensations, nausea, vomiting, retention of stool and gas. Vomiting is constant and does not improve the patient's condition.

Pain near the navel on the left

Pain near the navel on the left can be caused by:

irritation of the gastric mucosa - aching, sharp pain with nausea, vomiting. Unpleasant symptoms appear after drinking alcohol, certain type food, systematic use of aspirin; hernia – pain may radiate to the chest; lesions of the pancreas - localization of pain can also be on the right and in the middle; gallbladder; lung diseases - when inhaling, pain is felt in the abdomen if the irritation has touched the diaphragm.

Those at risk for diseases of the gallbladder and pancreas include heavy smokers, alcohol drinkers, diabetics and drug abusers. steroid hormones and diuretics.

Pain to the right of the navel

Pain to the right of the navel can be caused by:

Appendicitis, dysfunction of the genitourinary system, disorders of the intestines, problems with right kidney- all these are reasons that cause pain to the right of the navel.

Pain to the left of the navel

Pain to the left of the navel is a manifestation of diseases of the spleen, stomach, intestinal loop, and pancreas.

Close to the surface of the body, the spleen is pathological process reacts painfully to even slight pressure. An increase in size of the organ can cause it to rupture from slight pressure. Therefore, the doctor must be extremely careful when palpating, and the patient with infectious mononucleosis refrain from active species sports. A ruptured spleen is accompanied by a bluish discoloration of the skin around the navel.

Pain on the left side is caused by accumulation of gases in the intestines, gastritis, and diaphragmatic hernia.

Intoxication or pancreatic cancer are also fraught with unpleasant symptoms to the left of the navel.

Pain to the left of the navel

Strong, spreading to the left side chest, kidneys, cardiac zone, lower back, pain to the left of the navel is characteristic of acute pancreatitis.

Pain at the navel level

The abdominal cavity contains lymph nodes that perform protective function, veins, arteries and vital organs. Irritation of nerve endings occurs due to inflammation, swelling or other disorder internal organ peritoneum.

Any of the following conditions can cause pain at the navel level:

Pain in the navel when pressed

Pain in the navel when pressed can be caused by the following factors:

omphalitis; umbilical fistula.

Omphalitis, or inflammation of the tissue in the umbilical area, is more common in newborns. In adults, the disease is caused by non-compliance with personal hygiene rules and unqualified piercing. Trauma to the navel allows pathogens to penetrate through damaged skin.

The disease occurs with redness, swelling of the navel area with ulcers and purulent-bloody discharge. There are simple, phlegmonous and necrotic forms of the disease. In two late stages development, the spread of infection to blood vessels and adjacent tissues is noted.

More often, congenital pathology - umbilical fistula - occurs due to abnormal development of the vitelline and urinary processes. The acquired form of the disease is possible as a result of prolonged inflammation of the peritoneal wall.

Pain in the navel when pressed may occur with the development of a hernia or expansion of the umbilical ring.

Pain radiates to the navel

The vermiform appendix of the cecum or appendix can cause trouble at any age due to inflammation. The first manifestations of the disease can easily be confused with gastrointestinal problems. Therefore, it is important to be able to independently identify a problem as it develops.

An attack of appendicitis may resemble ordinary poisoning or acute enterocolitis. However, there are symptoms that distinguish inflammation of the appendix from other problems:

sharp, aching, often vague pain localized in the navel area indicates acute course diseases; mild pain that gets worse when coughing and sneezing; muscle tension in the abdominal area is pronounced; associated symptoms – nausea, vomiting; an increase in temperature is characteristic of a purulent process.

Self-diagnosis using the Shchetkin-Blumberg method: lying on your back (legs straightened), press below the navel, then sharply tear off your arm. If the pain radiates to the navel, groin area or side, then do not waste time and go to the hospital.

Pain inside the navel

Localization of pain in one place may indicate various diseases. Pain inside the navel is a sign of:

acute appendicitis– the attack begins suddenly with a sharp pain that covers the entire abdomen, then concentrates in the navel and is localized on the right; enteritis in the chronic stage - aching pain aggravates food intake; diverticulitis (bulging of the intestinal wall) - the appearance of the disease is associated with prolonged constipation. Pain and inflammation occur only during an exacerbation; umbilical hernia – a characteristic protrusion forms in the navel area; volvulus in the small intestine - most often observed in newborn girls; abdominal migraine - an attack of pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, photophobia and pallor.

Types of navel pain

Navel pain varies in nature, intensity and duration. The course of the same disease in patients can occur differently. The picture of the pain syndrome ranges from barely noticeable discomfort to an unbearable condition that makes a person scream. Unpleasant sensations can be vague, blurred, when the patient himself is not able to accurately describe what is happening.

Doctors identify psychogenic types of pain, when a person subconsciously provokes the appearance of unpleasant symptoms or the pain is associated with mental tension, stress. For example, a child who does not want to go to school can cause intestinal colic, nausea and even vomiting.

Distinguish the following types navel pain:

visceral – associated with spasms/stretches in the internal organs, which irritates the nerve endings; somatic (peritoneal) - the result of irritation of the peritoneum, when, due to pathologies, the spinal nerves passing in the abdominal region are irritated.

Visceral manifestations are characterized by colic in the liver, kidneys, intestines, etc. In intensity, such pains are diffuse, stupid character with localization in a specific organ, most often in the midline of the abdomen. Transfer of pain is possible to any part of the body.

Somatic pain – constant with tension in the muscles of the peritoneum, acute/cutting in nature, forcing the patient to assume an immobile state.

Sharp pain in the navel

Sudden sharp pain in the navel with increasing intensity may indicate appendicitis. The disease is characterized by a shift of pain to the right, nausea, and vomiting. The pain may ease, but does not go away completely. Symptoms intensify when pressing with a sharp removal of the hand from the stomach, as well as while walking.

A sharp pain syndrome characterizes strangulation of the umbilical hernia. The process is often combined with nausea, bloating, vomiting, and constipation. An oval or round neoplasm is felt in the navel area, which is painful and cannot be reduced. A strangulated hernia, like appendicitis, requires surgical intervention. A reducible hernia is no less painful.

Sharp pain in the navel, radiating to the lower back, with a frequent need to urinate, is a sign of advancing kidney stones. Intestinal colic is characterized by sharpness and suddenness of appearance, especially after overeating, an abundance of fatty foods.

Cutting pain in the navel

A sensation of pain in the navel area may indicate a number of serious illnesses. Cutting pain in the navel is a symptom of acute appendicitis or pancreatitis. In case of exacerbation of pancreatitis, the pain radiates to the back and can become shingles. Inflammatory processes in the pancreas are often accompanied by bloating and tension in the peritoneal wall. Appendicitis and pancreatitis often occur with nausea and vomiting.

With gastritis, a cutting sensation is noted after eating with a feeling of heaviness, belching and decreased appetite. Symptoms accompanied by diarrhea are characteristic of an acute infectious process.

Cramps often bother patients with cholecystitis. In women, such unpleasant symptoms are found in pathologies of the genital area. Any violations by digestive tract can also cause severe, cutting discomfort.

Acute pain in the navel

Acute pain in the navel indicates a gallbladder problem, intestinal ulcer.

Pain, as if struck by a dagger, describes exacerbations of a stomach/intestinal ulcer, leading to perforation of the ulcer. A life-threatening condition is characterized by the effusion of stomach/intestinal contents into the peritoneal cavity. The patient has to constrain his movements, fixing the position of the body with less pain, limiting respiratory activity. The stomach does not take part in the breathing process; its muscles are tense. The pulse often slows down, the skin becomes pale, and cold sweat appears.

Acute pain in the navel is characteristic of chronic processes– enteritis, colitis, gastritis, peptic ulcer, intestinal obstruction.

Drawing pain in the navel

The period of pregnancy with intensive growth of the abdomen can occur with unpleasant sensations. A nagging pain in the navel is not necessarily an alarm signal, but a normal process of stretching the abdominal wall.

Painful sensations of a pulling nature in the navel and lower abdomen indicate diseases of the urinary or female genital area.

Pulling-type discomforts indicate problems of the gastrointestinal tract, which include intestinal obstruction and motor dysfunction. Pain in the intestinal area depends on the degree of spasm and pressure from accumulated gases.

Aching pain in the navel

Stretching of the intestinal walls by accumulated gases due to obstruction or flatulence leads to aching pain. Obstruction is caused tumor diseases, volvulus, the appearance of nodes. These ailments are accompanied by a long-lasting pain syndrome.

With chronic enteritis (dystrophy and inflammatory disease of the small intestinal mucosa), aching pain in the navel of a not sharp nature occurs, accompanied by rumbling and bloating. The disease occurs with dry skin, brittle nails and bleeding gums.

Aching pain is often constant, aggravated by coughing.

Stitching pain in the navel

Stitching pain in the navel occurs in case of exacerbation of chronic duodenitis, intestinal ulcers and 12p intestines.

Duodenitis (inflammatory process in the mucous membrane of the 12th intestine) is one of the most common diseases to which men are more susceptible. Chronic duodenitis can be ulcerative and cholecyst-like. In the first case, belching and heartburn are added to the symptoms. There are changes in appetite: either absence or terrible hunger. Sometimes there is pain behind the sternum, difficulty swallowing, headache. The disease can occur with chronic gastritis, enteritis, ulcers and pancreatitis.

Severe pain in the navel area

The development of an umbilical hernia is determined by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stool and gas retention, rapid pulse. The condition is characterized by severe pain in the navel area.

The clinical picture of small intestinal volvulus occurs against the background of sharp and severe pain. Patients note retention of stool and gases. The first hours may be characterized by cramping pain.

Severe pain syndrome in the navel area is also characteristic of obstruction and inflammation sigmoid colon, cancer diseases, attack of appendicitis.

Cramping pain in the navel area

Limited narrowing of the intestine as a result of a number of pathological changes (ulcerative colitis with cicatricial strictures, Crohn's disease, adhesions/tumor processes) is characterized by cramping pain in the navel. Similar painful manifestations also accompany intestinal dyskinesia when the spastic component predominates.

Cramping pain with moments of subsidence is a common occurrence for colic, which develops due to non-compliance with the diet or shaking while driving. The cause of biliary colic may be dyskinesia of the bile ducts, cholelithiasis. Worms, liver abscesses, and cyst rupture can also serve as provocateurs. Intestinal colic- the result of inflammatory processes in the intestines, obstruction, irritable bowel problems and other pathologies.

Throbbing pain in the navel area

Patients with pancreatitis report throbbing pain in the navel, often of the shingles type. The process is accompanied by nausea, vomiting with bile, diarrhea and bloating.

Pulsating, rhythmic pain occurs when the pressure of the hollow organs increases. For example, irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by slow and rapid alternating contraction of the intestinal wall. This condition can cause throbbing pain.

The pulsation also corresponds to purulent, tumor formations of the umbilical zone.

Any painful sensation causes discomfort and makes you feel worse. If your stomach hurts in the navel area, you should not take medications right away. First you need to find out the cause of the pain. It is forbidden to ignore such signals from the body; they can indicate a serious illness occurring in human body. It is necessary to immediately deal with possible provoking factors of such a pathology.

Abdominal pain in the navel area can be the result of a huge number of diseases. This is due to the fact that the abdominal cavity contains a lot various organs responsible for certain functions. In simple words, any problem that occurs in a specific organ can provoke pain in the navel area.

Abdominal pain in the navel area is true when it is related to the organs adjacent to this territory, as well as irradiating - the source is located in another place, but radiates to the umbilical region.

Pain in the navel area can be caused by the following pathologies:

  • Crohn's disease and gastritis, as well as ulcerative diseases of the duodenum and stomach;
  • hepatitis, volvulus;
  • pathology of the pancreas, intestinal obstruction;
  • hernia, as well as its pinching;
  • inflammatory process in the intestinal diverticulum;
  • gynecological pathology – ectopic pregnancy, presence of a cyst in the ovary;
  • irritable bowel, urinary tract blockage.

Determining the cause of pain is an integral step in prescribing the correct treatment.

Attacks above the navel

IN digestive organs there are many nerve endings, so they quickly respond to harmful influences. If there is severe pain in the abdomen above the navel, you need to check those organs that are located in this area. The stomach may hurt for the following reasons:

Oncology

The clinical picture of the disease is similar to that that accompanies a banal inflammation of the gastric mucosa (gastritis). However, over time, the following are observed: severe symptoms: weight loss, apathy and weakness, lack of appetite, nausea, etc.

Stomach

The most common cause is gastritis, which occurs in an acute form. The inflammatory process is manifested by pronounced pain that has a high level of intensity, and sometimes spasms occur in this area of ​​the abdomen. If acute pain predominates, it is accompanied by vomiting and pallor skin, dryness in oral cavity. In addition, the cause of pain can be an ulcer of the duodenum and stomach. Soreness occurs in the morning, as well as on an empty stomach. More information about diseases that manifest themselves You can find out in the article on the topic.

Pancreas

When the localization is concentrated directly above the navel, this may indicate damage to the central part of this organ.

Pathologies in the lower part

Pain may also be concentrated in the lower abdomen. If abdominal pain occurs below the navel, the following pathological conditions should be excluded:

  • Hernia, as well as its strangulation;
  • If an attack is observed in a man, it may be an inflammatory process of the genital organs, the formation of a neoplasm;
  • Salpingitis is inflammation of the pelvic organs, lower section. Accompanied by elevated temperature. The nature of the pain is constant, episodic and acute;
  • Diseases related to the genitourinary system. In women, PMS and menstruation can manifest themselves in this way. Nagging pain indicate contraction of the uterus;
  • Violation of the integrity of the intestinal diverticulum. The pain is not concentrated in one point, it spreads throughout the lower part of the abdominal cavity.

If you notice any suspicious symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

Soreness on the right

In the lower right part near the navel there are the following internal organs: ureters and appendix, part of the intestine, female organs - fallopian tube, right ovary. The upper right square includes the intestines, pancreas, liver and gallbladder.

If the pain is localized in the right side of the abdomen, the problem lies in one of the following organs:

Appendix

Ectopic pregnancy

Sharp pain in the lower abdomen in women may indicate that the egg has implanted in the fallopian tube and not in the uterus. Also, such pain can accompany ovarian rupture. Both phenomena require urgent medical intervention.

Liver

If there is mild, constant pain in the liver, localized in the depths, it is necessary to be tested for hepatitis.

Unpleasant sensations on the left

Pain near the navel on the left side can signal problems in the following organs: the spleen, intestines, a certain area of ​​the pancreas, part of the ureter, as well as the muscles surrounding these organs. Causes of discomfort include intestinal obstruction, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, and sigmoid volvulus.

In addition, stretching and rupture of the abdominal aorta may occur. In this case, the pathology causes intense, pronounced pain in the left side of the abdominal cavity, as well as in the back. There is a low percentage of development of cancer in those organs located on the left. Read more - about.

With such pain, there may be ectopic pregnancy(gynecology), when the fertilized egg is implanted in the left fallopian tube. In addition, discomfort can be a symptom of ovarian rupture, cyst, and endometriosis.

In some cases, pain is not a consequence of any disease.

For example, ordinary diarrhea can cause cramping sensations localized in the left side of the abdomen. In addition to pain, diarrhea is accompanied by bowel sounds. Difficulty in the process of emptying can also lead to the development of pain. In any case, if there is pain, competent consultation and medical care is required.

Pathologies of the umbilical region

Pain in the navel area may be the cause of small intestinal volvulus. This disease is characterized by aching, pain in the abdomen near the navel, accompanied by constipation, flatulence and nausea. Its intensity increases over time, sometimes its localization shifts to the area located above the navel.

Intense pain around the navel, accompanied by nausea, may indicate hereditary abdominal migraine. Basically, this disease makes itself felt in childhood. Features of abdominal migraine:

  • pain around the navel is paroxysmal;
  • occurs against the background of diarrhea, nausea, increased gas formation;
  • accompanied by painful sensations in the head;
  • The duration of the attack is several hours, then the symptoms subside.

Parietal digestion occurs in the peri-umbilical region. During this process, nutrients from food are absorbed into the blood. When the intestines are damaged, their functions are impaired and food is not processed. As a result, a person suffers from loose, watery stools. This syndrome also leads to abdominal pain.

To determine the causes of pain in the peri-umbilical area of ​​the abdomen, you need to undergo a full examination and undergo the appropriate tests. You cannot self-medicate. Even if you eliminate the pain syndrome at home, you can leave the causative agent of discomfort in your body. Only on the basis of an examination will the attending physician be able to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe therapy to eliminate unpleasant symptoms.

Painful sensations in the abdomen near the navel are not uncommon, and occur to every person at least once in their life. Pain around the navel does not go away on its own, but is considered a symptom of abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract. Various factors provoke painful symptoms: infectious diseases, inflammatory processes and more serious diseases. But in some cases, pain is a sign of poor nutrition and excessive consumption. junk food. In any case, you should not neglect this sign and should consult a doctor as soon as possible. It is important to promptly identify the source of pain in the intestines and eliminate the unpleasant symptom.

What you need to know about the intestines?

The small intestine and duodenum are located behind the anterior wall of the abdominal cavity, where a significant curvature of the stomach and pancreas is formed. These organs are covered with thin connective tissue. There are muscles on the side of the abdominal cavity that serve as a protective barrier. In the navel area there is the least amount of such muscles and a thin layer of fat. At the same time, the navel area remains poorly protected and vulnerable. This structure often serves to cause an umbilical hernia, causing pain. In other cases, the problem lies in diseases and inflammatory processes in the intestines.

Causes: intestinal diseases

When a person has pain in the navel area, the problem is often associated with intestinal diseases that occur in an acute form.

Acute and chronic enteritis

  • brittle nails;
  • dry skin;
  • fast fatiguability;
  • general weakness;
  • bleeding gums.
Cramping pain and nausea may be a sign of intestinal obstruction.

Intestinal obstruction or volvulus is characterized by cramping pain. The symptom continues for several hours (in best case scenario), and sometimes lasts several days. Most often the problem is diagnosed in teenagers. In parallel, diarrhea, headaches, nausea, and vomiting are observed. Over time, the limbs become numb and the skin becomes pale.

Oncological diseases

Often the source of pain around the navel is a malignant tumor in the small intestine or stomach. Often the patient feels nauseous, vomits, and has a bloated stomach. As a rule, the painful sensations are spastic in nature and spread to the entire abdominal cavity. If such symptoms occur frequently, you should immediately consult a doctor. Timely treatment cancer increases the chance of a successful recovery.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis or diverticulosis is marked by the appearance of pouch-like protrusions in the intestinal wall. This deviation causes inflammation and pain in the navel area. The patient's body temperature rises and bowel movements are disrupted: constipation alternates with diarrhea. Often the pathology provokes bleeding, which manifests itself as blood in the stool.

Diverticulitis can be eliminated with the help of antibacterial therapy, which is prescribed after diagnosis.

Irritable bowel syndrome

The syndrome is attributed to functional disorders in the functioning of the intestines, manifested by flatulence and pain near the navel of a cramping nature. Women are most susceptible to pathology, especially those who lead an active lifestyle. Unpleasant symptoms, such as pain, diarrhea or constipation, appear before noon. Often, painful sensations occur immediately after eating and disappear after bowel movement. IN evening time the syndrome weakens and does not bother the person.

Other intestinal diseases

Painful sensations in the navel may require immediate medical attention.

Painful sensations near or below the navel are often associated with a violation of the human autonomic system. In some cases, pain is caused by insufficient blood supply to the abdominal organs. More serious deviations that require immediate medical intervention can also provoke pain in the navel diet. Such ailments include:

  • An abdominal aortic aneurysm, in which the wall of the aorta widens and protrudes into the abdominal region. This deviation is quite serious and dangerous if it is not promptly corrected surgically.
  • Nonspecific ulcerative colitis, characterized by the formation of necrosis and ulcers on the intestinal mucosa. The disease causes pain, diarrhea, and bleeding from the anus.
  • Crohn's disease, which affects different parts of the intestines. The patient experiences weakness, elevated temperature, diarrhea, weight loss, pain in the navel.
  • Mesadenitis causes an inflammatory process in the mesenteric lymph nodes as a result of the penetration of bacteria or viruses into the body. Pathology causes pain and intoxication.

Localization

Above or below the navel

Pain above the navel is associated with gastropathy or ulcerative processes that occur in the pylorus of the stomach and duodenum. At first there is a burning sensation and minor discomfort. As the pathology develops, the pain intensifies and continues throughout the day. Over time, the sensations become unbearable, and often a person loses consciousness from pain. This is observed in the case of the development of peritonitis or rupture of the ulcer.

In women, pain below the navel is associated with problems in the genitals.

Pain in the lower abdomen can be caused by a disease of the female genital organs.

Abnormalities in the colon or an ischemic condition can provoke painful feelings in the lower abdomen. With chronic pathology, there is pain that is constantly present. Acute form ischemic condition of the intestine causes sharp pain and paralysis of peristalsis of the internal organ. Often the cause of pain at the bottom of the navel is cystitis, ovarian or uterine cancer, uterine fibroid or atherosclerosis of blood vessels.

Right or left

The localization of pain on the right is associated with a lesion in the large intestine or the renal hilum on the right side. Pain on this side is a sign of inflammation of the appendix. The occurrence of an unpleasant sensation in the navel also indicates the development of appendicitis. Painful sensations on the left side are caused by viral lesions of the lungs. Sometimes a painful sensation indicates the presence of gas in the colon. In this case, there will be no symptoms of colon disease: broken stools, blood and mucus in the stool, elevated temperature.

Features of intestinal pain in the navel area

In pregnant women

During the process of bearing a child, a woman is bothered by various unpleasant sensations, including pain in the navel area. This symptom during pregnancy indicates an umbilical hernia that has developed above the navel. Often unpleasant feelings caused by tightening of the skin or relaxation of the abdominal wall. If a sign of pain appears, you should consult your doctor to rule out dangerous complications.

Pain in children

Particular attention should be paid to unpleasant sensations in the navel area in newborns and older children. In adolescents, pain is associated with abdominal disease, which is associated with uneven or spasmodic development of organs. In some cases, the disease is confused with poisoning. But it should be noted that with abdominal disease in children, the limbs turn pale and become cold.

In younger children school age, pain in the umbilical region can be caused by psychological factors.

In children younger age Intestinal volvulus often occurs, which must be identified promptly. Otherwise, intestinal obstruction will occur, which will soon lead to the death of the child. Sometimes painful sensations in the umbilical region are associated with psychological factors when the child is worried or worried.

Abdominal pain of any location in an adult or child should cause concern. The topographic center of this area is the navel. If your stomach hurts in the navel area, then this symptom is taken into account in the diagnosis to identify the cause.

The innervation of the organs located in the middle of the abdomen is provided by the solar plexus nodes, celiac and vagus nerves. At the same time, the branches go to the liver, gall bladder, stomach, and pancreas lying on the upper right. Therefore, irradiation in umbilical region often accompanies signs of their pathology.

The loops of the small intestine are located in the central zone; analysis of the causes of pain should begin with diseases that directly affect this part of the gastrointestinal tract.

How to understand the nature of pain?

The doctor receives a description of the pain characteristics from the patient. Not everyone knows anatomy well, but even children can show themselves the most painful place. To find out why the stomach hurts in the navel area, you will have to answer questions about the intensity, radiation, time of pain, its connection with food intake, alcohol consumption, and heredity.

Sharp pain in the center of the abdomen indicates a condition that requires urgent action. An attack of a cramping nature can occur with biliary colic, strangulation of the umbilical hernia, urolithiasis, perforation of an intestinal ulcer. Most often it spreads to the right hypochondrium, lower back, and groin.

As a rule, such abdominal pain around the navel can be associated with eating food and alcohol. They appear 2 hours or more after eating or at night after overeating heavy meat dishes, spicy seasonings, ingestion of products of questionable quality, mushrooms.

The pain is accompanied by belching, heartburn, loss of appetite, and nausea. This is how the intestines react during irritation syndrome.

Severe pain in the middle of the abdomen - possible sign disturbances of blood flow in the mesenteric vessels. It occurs more often in older people as a complication after myocardial infarction. Caused by ischemia or thromboembolism of the arteries, in childhood it is called “abdominal migraine”.

An intense character is typical for malignant tumor, strangulation of the umbilical hernia. Irradiates and gradually shifts to the epigastric region. Aching constant pain occurs with intestinal bloating (flatulence), partial obstruction, atony, tumor growth, chronic inflammation (enteritis).

During the examination, the doctor palpates the entire abdominal area with gentle movements, carefully monitoring the patient’s reaction

Pregnancy on long term causes congestion in the pelvis, constipation, and a tendency to frequent urination. Pressure on the intestines disappears after childbirth. Reducing abdominal volume in women leads to recovery normal operation organs.

Women in the 2nd-3rd trimester complain of a nagging pain around the navel. They depend on the stretching of the muscles and ligaments of the abdominal wall. More pronounced in primigravidas and in the absence of physical training.

Abdominal pain in the navel area is caused by increased intra-abdominal pressure. This mechanism occurs in patients with ascites (exudation of fluid due to cirrhosis of the liver), with a sharp rise in severity, and in coughing smokers.

When the pain is localized in the navel area, the doctor tries to feel the expanded muscle ring and the prolapse of the hernial sac when the patient strains. Observing a small child while crying allows you to visually identify an umbilical hernia.

Localization Features

Pain near the navel does not necessarily remain in the central zone; it can shift, but be nearby. This relatively small area can be divided into parts for diagnostic specificity.

If your stomach hurts exactly in the middle, then you can think about an attack of appendicitis or an umbilical hernia.

A location just below the navel indicates the likelihood of a nonspecific ulcerative colitis, mesadenitis, small intestinal diverticulum, chronic enteritis, helminthic infestation, endometriosis in women.

Abdominal pain in the navel area and slightly above is possible with an ulcerative process in the stomach and duodenum, duodenitis, bulbitis. A shift of maximum pain to the left of the navel is characteristic of pathology of the pancreas, accumulation of gases during atony of the large intestine.

The vermiform appendix is ​​located to the right of the navel in an atypical position; an attack of appendicitis in such cases is difficult to diagnose.


With helminthic infestation, intestinal congestion causes obstruction

What accompanying symptoms accompany pain?

Abdominal pain near the navel can be caused by spasm or stretching of hollow formations (stomach, gall bladder, intestines), signals from the capsule of parenchymal organs. In differential diagnosis, pain is considered in conjunction with other manifestations. We will present the most common pathology with typical symptoms.

Acute gastroenteritis

The body reacts to inflammation of the stomach and intestines food poisoning, infection with pathogens of dysentery, cholera, salmonella, pathogenic strain coli. Enteritis as an isolated lesion of the small intestine is rare.

For example, with helminthic infestation, after surgical interventions on the abdominal organs. Therefore, the course of enteritis begins with epigastric pain, repeated vomiting, dizziness, weakness, then persistent diarrhea (possibly with blood), pain around the navel.

When symptoms appear in several people who have eaten the same dishes, it is most likely to assume a foodborne illness. At home, you need to give enterosorbents to drink (activated carbon, Enterosgel, Smecta), drinking plenty of slightly acidified water is recommended.

If more than an hour has passed after eating, then there is no point in rinsing the stomach. To examine a doctor, you must call " Ambulance».

Attack of acute appendicitis

The vermiform appendix is ​​located in the initial part of the large intestine. Most people know to be wary of pain in the right iliac fossa. However, the anatomy of the appendix allows it to deviate significantly, “go” into the hypochondrium to the right, into the small pelvis and towards the center. Therefore, if your stomach hurts in the navel area, doctors try to confirm or rule out appendicitis.

Most characteristic features:

  • sudden onset with pain in the epigastric region;
  • vomit;
  • nausea;
  • rise in temperature;
  • weakness;
  • after a few hours, the localization of pain moves to the navel or iliac region on the right, increasing in intensity;
  • bloating;
  • constipation;
  • increased in position on the left side;
  • positive symptoms attachment of inflammation of the peritoneal layers.

Let us remind you what should not be done in such cases. It is strictly forbidden to: rinse the stomach and induce vomiting using home methods, apply a heating pad, or take general painkillers based on analgin.

These actions blur the symptoms and make diagnosis difficult. Warming up increases inflammation and brings the gangrenous form of the disease closer. The main measure is to quickly call an ambulance.


If the diagnosis of appendicitis is confirmed, treatment is only surgical

Umbilical hernia

More often detected in infants. The expansion of the muscle ring is associated with weakness and underdevelopment. In adults, formation is possible due to weakening of the muscular wall of the peritoneum, high pressure in the abdominal cavity and an enlarged abdomen (pregnancy, ascites with cardiac decompensation, cirrhosis of the liver, long-term hard work, previous surgery).

The protrusion under the skin is noticeable; a soft hernial sac is identified by palpation, which is reduced in the supine position when relaxed.

Severe pain occur when pinched when contracted muscles do not allow the contents of the sac to be reduced. Possible vomiting, flatulence, constipation. When part of the intestine is strangulated, the clinical picture of acute intestinal obstruction develops.

In most children, symptoms disappear by age three or earlier. Pediatricians recommend wearing a special bandage or patch. If strangulation develops, urgent surgical assistance is required.

The muscle ring is dissected, the condition of the intestines and mesentery located in the hernial sac is examined (if signs of necrosis appear, the damaged area must be removed), the hernia is reduced and the hole is sutured with plastic surgery of the abdominal wall.

Sign of dysbacteriosis

After long-term treatment with antibacterial drugs for various reasons, the balance of intestinal bacteria in a person is disrupted. This is manifested by pain in the intestines and diarrhea. Adults tolerate symptoms satisfactorily and can gradually restore the composition of the flora on their own. Children feel much worse.

The right solution is to take a course of probiotics and prebiotics. These are special products containing the necessary bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, as well as drugs to activate and support their growth.

When purchasing fermented milk products declared as “Biokefir”, we recommend paying attention to the production time. Bifidobacteria persist only in the first 2–3 days; subsequently the product has no medicinal properties, retains only taste.

The appearance of periodic attacks of pain along the intestines in a teenager should raise suspicion of Crohn's disease. The peak incidence occurs between the ages of 12 and 18 years.


The entire digestive tract can be affected by Crohn's disease.

At the same time, the patient may experience bloody diarrhea caused by ulcers and cracks in the intestinal wall, bloating, and joint pain. Boys are more often affected. The child needs to be examined. Treatment is prescribed by a gastroenterologist.

Diverticulitis

Diverticula are saccular formations from a thinned intestinal wall. Their length varies from 5 mm to 15 cm. When they occur in thin section give pain in the navel area. An infection gets into the diverticulum and causes inflammation.

The patient's temperature rises and signs of intoxication appear (nausea, headache). Formations do not disappear on their own. Inflammation is treated antimicrobial agents, if necessary operative method.

Abdominal migraine

The name “abdominal” was given to migraine by analogy with headaches. The idea of ​​local vasospasm is already a thing of the past. It has been established that both spastic and vasodilatory effects in certain areas are equivalent. The intestines are fed by arteries passing through the mesentery. Disruption of blood flow occurs due to spasm or delay of blood flow in arteries that have lost their tone.

The disease manifests itself as attacks of pain around the navel, lasting 30–40 minutes. It is detected in people at any age. May begin in adolescents and is associated with hormonal changes. Affects hereditary predisposition.

At the same time, the person feels nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Emotional people are more susceptible nervous type, intensely experiencing stressful situations, overloaded with work. Treatment requires the intervention of a neurologist or psychologist.

Intestinal obstruction

Violation of small intestinal motility is caused by a failure of the digestive process, lack of enzymes, dysbacteriosis, breakdown nervous regulation, inflammation, tumor of the intestine itself or compression of neighboring organs and lymph nodes.

As a result, the food mass in the overlying area is retained and does not pass further. The pain increases gradually, becomes very strong, bursting. Vomiting of intestinal contents occurs, the passage of gases and stool are delayed.

To prescribe therapy, it is necessary to identify the cause of obstruction. Therefore, the patient needs to be hospitalized and urgently thoroughly checked by everyone available methods.

Intestinal allergic reaction

Increased sensitivity To food products Some people reach the point of intolerance. When it enters the small intestine, a violent allergic reaction develops. The most common food allergens are:

  • cane sugar;
  • mushrooms;
  • dairy products.

The local negative effect is manifested by pain in the center of the abdomen along the small intestine, diarrhea. General symptoms depend on the strength of the body's response capabilities. Observed:

  • nausea;
  • vomit;
  • dizziness and headache;
  • itchy skin;
  • rash like urticaria.

In case of severe reaction – anaphylactic shock.

Intestinal damage due to pancreatitis

Periodic pain in the navel area accompanies the course of chronic pancreatitis. This is due to insufficient supply of pancreatic enzymes to the intestines. Patients are prone to diarrhea.

To correct digestion, the doctor prescribes combined enzymatic preparations to improve the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. They should be taken regularly before or during meals. In the prevention of pain, the patient’s adherence to a strict diet, refusal alcoholic drinks.

Small bowel cancer

Tumors localized to the small intestine are a rare finding. Benign neoplasms predominate here. Growth causes signs of intestinal obstruction: pain, retention of stool and gases, serious condition patient.


Transformation into cancer is accompanied by the development of lymphoma, carcinoma

Intoxication and intestinal obstruction contribute to fast weight loss person. Treatment is only surgical.

Methods for diagnosing the cause of pain

A symptom such as pain in the middle of the abdomen occurs when various diseases. The patient needs to identify a specific cause in order to know optimal treatment and preventive measures. General analysis blood reveals inflammation or allergies (leukocytosis, eosinophilia, increased ESR), signs of anemia or bleeding (decrease in red blood cells, hemoglobin).

Examination of stool for scatology helps to establish the nature of the digestive failure (mucus, undigested particles, an abundance of fat, blood and leukocytes). Tank method sowing establishes the cause infectious enteritis, reveal dysbacteriosis.

Essential for early diagnosis ulcer bleeding. If necessary, a test for helminths is carried out (scraping, smear). The X-ray method using a barium suspension reveals intestinal dyskinesia (spasm, atony), signs of obstruction, ulcerative changes in Crohn's disease, and deformation.

A video capsule is a device that allows you to examine all parts of the digestive tract within 8 hours. Record shows status inner shell intestines, tumors, ulcers, scar changes. Magnetic resonance and computed tomography are the most accurate external methods. They are not associated with radiation exposure and are painless for patients.

Each disease requires its own treatment methods. Drug therapy options do not always help. Many types of intestinal pathology have to be treated only with surgery. Patients themselves and those around them should be well aware that delaying access to a doctor leads to a worsening prognosis for treatment.