Sudden, sharp pain in your upper right abdomen can leave you worried and wondering: “What does gallbladder pain feel like?” Gallbladder pain is often intense and hard to ignore. It usually signals an issue, like gallstones or inflammation. Knowing this pain’s traits and other symptoms can help. It can guide you in deciding if it’s time to see a specialist for relief.
Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ. It sits just beneath your liver, on the right side of your abdomen.
The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. The gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine, where it helps break down fats from food.
Though small, the gallbladder can cause severe pain when something goes wrong with it.
Gallbladder pain usually appears suddenly and can cause intense discomfort. The medical term for this is biliary colic. The pain typically starts in the upper right side of your abdomen, just below your ribs. It can also radiate and be felt in other areas, such as your back or right shoulder blade.
Some common characteristics of gallbladder pain include:
Gallbladder pain most often happens when the flow of bile is blocked, usually by gallstones. Gallstones are small, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder. They can get stuck in the bile ducts, stopping the flow of bile. This causes the organ to become irritated or inflamed, triggering discomfort.
Cholecystitis refers to redness, swelling, or inflammation of the gallbladder. It’s often caused by a blockage of the bile duct, typically from excess bile production or gallstones. It can develop as a chronic condition or an acute, sudden onset of symptoms. This inflammation can cause severe, lasting pain. It often needs quick medical treatment.
Gallbladder pain is just one part of what’s often called a gallbladder attack. Additional symptoms you might experience are:
If you have sudden, intense upper abdominal pain, seek medical help. This is especially important if you have nausea, vomiting, or a fever. Untreated gallbladder issues can lead to serious complications, such as infections or even a ruptured gallbladder.
Your doctor will run a series of tests to determine if your gallbladder is the source of your pain. These may include:
If you’ve been wondering what gallbladder pain feels like, there is a good chance that you have a medical issue that requires investigation. Whether the pain you feel is due to your gallbladder or another gastrointestinal problem, seeing an experienced gastroenterologist is the first step.
Don’t continue to live with abdominal pain – schedule an appointment today!
Related:
If you have not registered with the new gPortal yet please select the Register/Learn More button for instructions on registering.
Please note that your current /old patient portal credentials will become inactive after August 31, 2022, so update your account today to avoid any disruption in accessibility.
To pay your bill online, please choose the correct option below: select the “Clinic Locations” button if you’re paying your Physician or Clinic Statement, or select the “ASC Locations” button if you’re paying your Procedure Statement at one of our Ambulatory Surgical Centers.
