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Last updated: June 16, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Sick Stomach around Belly Button

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Gastroenteritis: This is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often due to viral or bacterial infections. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, which can be localized around the belly button.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition that affects the large intestine, causing a variety of symptoms including abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Pain is often reported around the belly button.
    • Constipation: Hard stools or infrequent bowel movements can cause abdominal pain and discomfort, which may be felt around the navel.
    • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract, leading to abdominal pain, often around the belly button.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Appendicitis: Although the pain typically starts near the belly button and then moves to the lower right abdomen, it's crucial to consider appendicitis due to its potential for severe complications if not promptly treated.
    • Intestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the intestine can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. The pain can be diffuse or localized around the belly button.
    • Ovarian Torsion (in females): A condition where the ovary twists around its ligaments, cutting off blood supply. It causes severe, sudden abdominal pain that can be felt around the belly button.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Mesenteric Panniculitis: A rare condition involving inflammation of the fatty tissue surrounding the intestines, which can cause abdominal pain and tenderness.
    • Abdominal Wall Hernia: A protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weakened area in the abdominal wall, which can cause localized pain and discomfort around the belly button.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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