Pain above Belly Button-Causes

There are many possible causes of pain above belly button. Let us take a look into each one of them.

• Upset stomach (functional dyspepsia)

Functional dyspepsia is the medical term for upset stomach. This condition causes discomfort or pain above belly button or near the ribs. The pain could be due to several reasons like:

o Pain sensitivity – When we eat, our stomach normally stretches to hold more food. For some people, they feel pain every time the stomach stretches for unknown reasons.

o Infection – A bacterial infection in the stomach can lead to gastritis or inflammation. This infection may be accompanied by upset stomach.

o Nerve problems – The process of digesting food involves a series of nerves and muscles actions. However, when a problem arises this can cause vomiting or nausea and feeling full after eating just a little amount of food. Usually, this comes with an upset stomach.

o Psychological factors – Anxiety, stress and depression can cause abdominal pain. This type of pain is usually recurrent, and only resolves completely after the underlying psychological reasons are treated.

Change of diet and taking certain medications with the doctor’s approval can help relieve pain above belly button.

• Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is located behind the stomach and 3 to 6 inches above the belly button. The pancreas works by releasing important hormones that help digest and absorb the food we eat. Pain in the pancreas can be caused by the presence of gallstones.

There are two types of pancreatitis; acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis is when the pain above belly button becomes more constant for several days and comes with vomiting, nausea, and fever. It is totally curable but may lead to shock, organ failure, dehydration, and even death if left untreated. Chronic pancreatitis is an inflammation that becomes permanent and will get worse through time. The number one cause of chronic pancreatitis is heavy alcohol drinking. Treatment requires long hospitalization until the person regains better health condition.

• Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease belongs to a group of inflammatory bowel diseases. It causes inflammation in the digestive system which leads to pain above belly button, diarrhea and malnutrition. This disease can be inherited, but oftentimes, some can have it even with no family history. When the inflammation spreads to the deep layers, it may lead to ulcerative colitis. The latter still causes severe abdominal pain and may lead to life threatening situations.

As of the moment, there is still no cure available, but therapy, treatment and medications are adviced to help reduce and manage the symptoms.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

GERD is a chronic disease where the stomach acid or bile reflux irritates the esophageal lining. The damage can cause inflammation which results to pain above belly button, nausea, heartburn, and vomiting.

Over time, when the inflammation is not properly treated, it can erode the esophagus causing more complications like bleeding and breathing problems.

There are available over the counter medications that can help reduce or neutralize the stomach acid.

• Diastasis recti

Diastasis rectus is most common among pregnant women especially those with multiple births and repeated pregnancies. Diastasis rectus is found in between the right and left rectus abdominis muscle which covers the frontal belly area. When a pregnant woman’s uterus expands it also causes the rectus abdominis to expand creating a tear along the abdomenal tissues. The visible separation of muscles become more noticeable as the tummy grows bigger.

Take note, diastasis rectus can also happen to men which could be caused by heavy exercising with incorrect body mechanics, heavy lifting, abdominal imbalance, and weight gain.

Pain above belly button can be felt with mild to severe intensity and some can even feel it towards the back part. No treatment is available especially for pregnant moms. For severe cases after birth and for men, correctional cosmetic surgery is available for those who don’t want to live with a bulging belly.

Treatment for pain above belly button may vary depending on its underlying cause. If you feel this type of pain, have it checked by your doctor right away.