Symptoms of gallbladder pain are nonspecific so identifying its pain can often be mistaken for other health issues. The gallbladder is a small organ located under the liver, storing bile that the liver produces. This bile aids in digesting fats. Gallstones or other gallbladder diseases can cause pain and require medical attention.
“When there is severe discomfort, a surgeon removes the gallbladder and does additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. The operation is performed after this process. There aren't many reasons for having your bladder removed. It's largely about gallbladder stones,” said Dr K N Srivastava, Director and Head of Department, General And Minimal Access Surgery, BLK Hospital, Delhi. Here's how you can identify gallbladder pain and distinguish it from other types of abdominal discomfort.
Location of the Pain
Gallbladder pain typically concentrates on the right side of the upper abdomen. This pain can also radiate to the back or right shoulder blade. According to TheBMJ, gallstone disease affects between 5.3 and 25.0% of the global population. Many people do not have any symptoms when they have gallstones. Approximately 20% of persons who have gallstones endure pain and consequences. Other types of abdominal pain, gallbladder pain often intensifies quickly and can become quite severe.
Also read: Dr K N Srivastava Talks About The Causes And Risk Factors Of Gall Bladder Removal
Characteristics of Gallbladder Pain
Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen
- Pain that can extend to your back or right shoulder blade
- A tenderness in your abdomen when touched
- Timing
- Gallbladder pain often occurs after eating fatty meals, which trigger the gallbladder to release bile. The pain might also be more noticeable at night and can disturb sleep.
Associated Symptoms
In addition to pain, gallbladder issues might present other symptoms, including:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever or chills, indicating an infection
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), suggesting bile duct blockage
- Clay-coloured stools or dark urine
- Gallstones and Other Conditions
Gallstones are some solid particles that can cause pain. It is important to understand that not all gallstones cause symptoms, but when they block the flow of bile out of the gallbladder, they can lead to a gallbladder attack. The conditions related to gallbladder pain include:
- Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to blocked bile ducts by gallstones.
- Biliary colic: This is the pain from a gallbladder attack and is usually temporary.
- Cholangitis: Infection of the bile ducts.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It's important to seek immediate medical care if you experience:
- Severe pain that doesn't go away
- High fever with chills
- Jaundice
- Significant changes in urine or stool colour
Diagnosis and Treatment
To diagnose gallbladder issues, doctors may use tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, and blood tests to look for signs of stones, inflammation, and infections of the gallbladder. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition but may include:
- Pain management: Managing the pain through medications until the gallbladder empties.
- Surgery: Removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment for gallstones causing symptoms or cholecystitis.
- Diet changes: Reducing fat intake to decrease the workload on the gallbladder.
If you know how to identify gallbladder pain it can help you seek timely medical intervention. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people recover from gallbladder issues without long-term effects. Neglecting gallbladder pain can lead to complications, emphasising the importance of recognising these signs and consulting healthcare professionals for advice and treatment.