An intestinal obstruction blocks the passage of food, liquids, and gas through the intestine. This can cause intense generalized cramping, abdominal swelling, bloating, vomiting, and the inability to ...

“Bloating is caused by a build-up of gas in the intestines which leads to a feeling of fullness and swelling in the abdomen,” ...

One of these, Dr Baumgardt notes, is an umbilical hernia, which occurs when part of the intestine bulges through the belly button. This causes swelling or a bulge coming out of the navel.