Question
A 10-year-old boy often feels mild pain around his navel upon waking up in the morning, and his bowel movements have been abnormal since childhood. This pain around the navel is a recent development.
Answer
Pain around the navel can be caused by a variety of factors, and it needs to be judged based on the nature of the pain and other accompanying symptoms. For example, appendicitis can lead to abdominal pain, especially when the pain shifts from around the navel to the lower right abdomen, which is a typical symptom of appendicitis. Additionally, intestinal spasm can also cause intermittent pain around the navel, which usually resolves on its own over time. Applying a hot towel to the painful area may help alleviate discomfort. In some severe cases, such as colorectal cancer, it may also cause persistent abdominal pain and may be accompanied by symptoms of intestinal obstruction. Therefore, it is recommended to seek professional medical diagnosis to determine the exact cause of the pain and receive appropriate treatment.