Introduction
A pulling in the region of the navel is a common symptom that many people have experienced at least once in their lives. There are all sorts of possible types and causes for a pulling in the navel. In many cases the pulling in the bellybutton occurs only once or in a short period of time, but it can also become a chronic condition.
Sometimes the pulling can also occur only during certain movements. In most cases, however, pulling in the navel is a harmless thing. In general, however, it is advisable to consult a general practitioner if you suffer from a pulling in the navel that lasts for a long period of time or is constantly recurring.
Causes
The causes for a pulling in the abdomen are manifold. They can be a symptom of an illness: on the other hand, they can also indicate an instability in the abdominal wall or an unhealthy lifestyle with too much stress, or they can be a symptom of an inflammation of the navel (e.g. by a piercing). In order to decide whether a visit to a doctor would be worthwhile for these complaints, you should pay special attention to the accompanying symptoms.
In case of complaints that last longer than 2 weeks and cannot be relieved by avoiding stress, caffeine and nicotine, it is in any case advisable to have a possible organic cause clarified. If symptoms such as rapid, unwanted weight loss, prolonged diarrhea, a constant feeling of fullness, nausea and vomiting as well as loss of appetite, which cannot be attributed to any other cause, are also present, a visit to your family doctor is also advisable. For many people affected, pulling in the brook navel can be the expression of an unhealthy lifestyle.
Constant stress, an insufficient amount of sleep, lots of coffee and other acidic foods, as well as nicotine and alcohol take their toll. In rare cases, a pulling or pain in the navel can be the expression of a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas can also be a possible cause of the symptoms.
In these cases, however, other symptoms can be observed in most cases. Very rarely, a pulling in the navel or painful tension in the abdominal wall can also be an indication of a heart attack. Especially in women, the symptoms of a heart attack are difficult to distinguish from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Therefore, if there is sudden pain in the abdomen, as well as nausea and vomiting, dizziness and radiating pain into the left arm or lower jaw, as well as great anxiety and cold sweat, a visit to a doctor is urgently recommended.
- The gastrointestinal system,
- The pancreas,
- The bladder and urinary tract
- Or in women, the uterus or ovaries.
Also pulling in the navel while stretching can have many possible causes. If the appearance of the navel has changed in any way, for example, if it bulges outwards or looks crooked, it may be a navel hernia.
This is a weak point in the abdominal wall through whose gap a piece of intestine can protrude, for example, which can then be visible from the outside as a small bump. This is particularly noticeable during exertion and pressure increase in the abdominal area. Many people do not have any complaints with an umbilical hernia.
However, if pain or even a bluish discoloration occurs, it is important to consult a doctor. In some cases a pulling in the navel while stretching can also be an indication of appendicitis. If nausea, vomiting, fever or loss of appetite, as well as defensive tension, i.e. the pain increases when the abdomen is touched, or if the pain moves to the area of the right lower abdomen, the possibility of appendicitis is given.
If there is a pulling or a pain in the navel when urinating, it may be an inflammation of the bladder. In men, in difficult cases, an inflammation of the prostate may also occur.If other symptoms, such as fever or fatigue, or an unpleasant odor of the urine or a red coloring of the urine are added, the suspicion of a bladder infection becomes stronger. In this case, you should definitely see a general practitioner, and it may also be advisable to see a urologist, especially for men.
In most cases they will examine the urine for blood and bacteria and, in the case of a bladder infection, prescribe an antibiotic. Drinking plenty of tea can also bring relief. If there is pain in the abdomen in addition to the pulling in the navel, a gynecological cause must always be considered.
Here the causes can range from a harmless side effect of menstruation or middle pain to more serious causes. If the pulling occurs at certain intervals before or after the period, in most cases it is due to cramps associated with menstruation. If the pulling occurs continuously for a longer period of time and independently of the menstrual period, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist, because behind these complaints can be another disease.
Around the time of ovulation abdominal pain often occurs. For example, in the form of a feeling of tension or cramping abdominal pain. The abdominal pain is often located in the lower abdomen, but can also radiate into the groin.
A pulling painful feeling in the abdomen is also not uncommon. Occasionally these complaints are accompanied by flatulence and diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting can also occur. Pulling pain in the region of the navel at the time of ovulation is therefore not unusual.
As a rule, the pain cannot be classified as dangerous. They usually stop after a few days. A doctor should be consulted if the pain persists for a long time or is unusually strong.
If a pulling in the navel occurs during an existing pregnancy, this may be caused by the growing of the baby. With the growing size of the baby it also needs more space. This space is created by pushing the organs in the abdomen towards the breast and the abdomen expands forward.
Since there is tension on the abdomen, even though it is not one of the most common pregnancy complaints, there may be some pulling around the navel. In most cases, this symptom can therefore be considered harmless. However, if the complaints persist for a longer period of time or if other symptoms are added, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor.
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