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Overview
Pain gets worse over hours.
Fever and nausea are common.
When to get medical care
Call 911Severe pain with a hard belly.
Get care todayPain moving to the lower right.
See a doctor soonGet seen today instead; don't wait for a regular appointment.
Causes
Caused by appendicitis.
OwieClear has pages on 2 conditions that can cause pain that started near the belly button and moved to the lower right. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- AppendicitisOften needs care today
Inflammation of the appendix, often starting near the belly button and moving to the lower right side.
Less likely causes
- Appendix cancerSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
A rare cancer of the appendix.
What you can do at home
- Don't eat until checked.
Medicines
Surgery or antibiotics.
At the doctor
Imaging confirms.
Questions you may be asked
- Pain pattern
The exam
A belly exam.
Tests
- Ultrasound or CT
Prevention
Not preventable.
- Get checked early
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.