The gallbladder is a little organ in the lower liver part and you don't even realize it exists until it causes issues. A pain on the upper right hand side or nausea or bloating following a meal might encourage you to ask, What does gallbladder pain feel like?. Being aware of the signs and reasons is important to finding relief.

 

Gallbladder related issues can range from minor pain when eating foods high in fats to chronic gallbladder issues that impact daily life. Gallstones, infections and gallstones, as well as less-known problems such as the multiseptate gallbladder. The causes of pain could be different. The difference between not knowing when it is time to see an experienced general surgeon from Gurgaon or a medical professional could be a huge difference in avoiding any complications

 

What are Gallbladder Stones?

Gallstones or gallbladder stones are hardened stones that form in the gallbladder. It is a small and pear shaped organ located beneath the liver. It stores Bile. Stones vary in size, from tiny grains to larger pebble-sized collections. 

 

While some people suffering from gallstones have no symptoms but others experience painful nausea, pain or stomach problems. If not treated, gallstones can create infections and cause other problems.

Common Symptoms of Gallbladder Pain

The gallbladder gives warning signals if it is blocked or irritated. The most frequently reported signs of inflammation in the gallbladder are:

 

1. A severe pain that can develop in the upper right of your abdomen following a meal. foods that are high in fat.

2. Pain radiating towards the back or right shoulder

3. Nausea or vomiting

4. Bloating and ingestion

5. Chills and fever

6. The eyes or skin are yellowish in jaundice

7. A sudden loss of appetite or fatigue

 

Some people also experience dark colored urine or light colored stools which indicate problems with the flow of bile. If these signs are detected early then problems can be prevented.

What Does Gallbladder Pain Feel Like?

Many people have asked, what is gallbladder pain? It's a common deep, stabbing, or squeezed pain that is felt beneath the right ribs or the lower abdomen's upper region. The pain can occur and go without warning, especially following the consumption of oily or spicy food. It may be present for a minute to many hours.

 

Sometimes, the pain is minimal, an uncomfortable pain that appears and disappears. In other instances, it's extremely painful and feels like a heart attack. If you're suffering from this type of pain that is recurring it is recommended to see an ENT surgeon to look for gallstones and inflammation before it gets any worse.

 

When It Hits Hard: Understanding a Gallbladder Attack

Gallbladder problems occur because gallstones clog the bile ducts, preventing the flow of bile in the normal way. The blockage may cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and in a few instances, vomiting or sweating.

 

Attacks usually occur following the consumption of oily, fatty meals. These attacks can usually be severe for several hours. If the pain doesn't disappear or continues to recur, it is recommended to undergo gallbladder surgery. Untreated attacks that are repeated can cause infection or a ruptured gallbladder. Both are serious medical ailments.

What Else Can Feel Like Gallbladder Pain?

Gallbladder pain may be difficult to interpret at times because it may feel quite similar to other abdominal or digestive issues. Some conditions are capable of copying the pain that a gallbladder issue would have so it's not smart to try to diagnose yourself.

  • Pancreatitis

  • Kidney stones

  • Stomach ulcers

  • IBD or Inflammatory Bowel Disease

  • Gastroenteritis

That is why a proper medical evaluation usually through imaging tests, is essential before deciding on treatment.

Common Causes Behind Gallbladder Pain

The most common cause of gallbladder pain are gallstones, which are caused by bile compounds such as cholesterol that are able to solidify. Other causes include:

 

  • Gallbladder inflammation or cholecystitis

  • Stones in the bile duct or infection

  • Scarring or tightening of the bile or bile ducts

  • Gallbladder abscess or rupture

  • Gallbladder cancer (very unusual but extremely grave)

Rare but Important Gallbladder Conditions You Should Know

Gallbladder pain can be caused by gallstones. There are a few less well-known but serious conditions that may cause abdominal discomfort. Let's take a look:

 

1. Multiseptate Gallbladder

A multiseptate gallbladder is an uncommon genetic disease in which many tiny walls (septa) form inside the gallbladder, preventing the normal flow of bile. The result is chronic abdominal pain, mainly in children. It is usually diagnosed by an abdominal ultrasound.

 

The procedure is generally the gallbladder procedure (cholecystectomy), which usually will result in complete relief.

 

2. Hypokinetic Gallbladder Disease

Sometimes referred to as biliary dyskinesia. It happens when the gallbladder fails to contract properly, which prevents the bile from escaping efficiently. It is more frequent in young and children who suffer from chronic abdominal pain after meals.

 

Special X-rays containing the injection of CCK are performed by medical professionals to determine if the gallbladder's lining is emptying. If the process is slow, surgery on the gallbladder will greatly improve the condition and digestive issues.

 

3. Gallbladder Volvulus

Gallbladder torsion, also known as a volvulus, is a condition wherein the gallbladder turns on itself, denying the blood vessel of its supply. Although the condition is rarely a true emergency. It is most often seen in women over 50 and could be a sign of a gallbladder problem or appendicitis.

 

It is imperative to perform surgery promptly to remove and untwist the gallbladder to prevent the possibility of infection or even death of tissue.

 

4. Cholelithiasis and Septate Gallbladder

When the septate gallbladder (internally divided gallbladder) develops gallstones, it obstructs the flow of bile, that causes pain and infection. Combining these two conditions can increase the likelihood of recurring gallbladder infections.

 

Diagnosis can be confirmed with an ultrasound. Elective gallbladder surgery is usually suggested to avoid future problems.

 

5. Parasitic Infections

Though they're not common parasites like Cystoisospora belli can cause gallbladder infection, causing inflammation that is not caused by stones, acalculous cholecystitis. The infections are most often in people who suffer from compromised immune systems; however, it could happen to everyone.

 

Treatment involves antibiotics as well as an evaluation of the patient's immune system and, if necessary, HIV testing, if needed.

How Doctors Diagnose Gallbladder Problems

To diagnose gallbladder problems, physicians begin by going over your gallbladder symptoms and doing a physical exam. Tests usually involve:

  • Ultrasound is the most precise test for detecting gallstones and unusual anomalies.

  • MRCP and ERCP scans: used to view the bile ducts and then take out stones in small pieces if needed.

  • Blood tests: to test for liver disease or infection.

  • CT or HIDA scans: To determine the gallbladder's function and the flow of bile.

It assists doctors in determining the gallbladder's condition and whether changes in lifestyle are the most appropriate method of treatment.

Treatment Options: From Lifestyle Changes to Gallbladder Surgery

The treatment is based on the cause of the pain. If you have slight symptoms related to gallbladder problems, there's the possibility of easing symptoms by eating fewer meals, staying clear of high-fat foods and consuming plenty of fluids. If you have a gallstone, your doctor will advise these three surgeries:

 

  1. Laparoscopic surgery: less painful, faster recovery and smaller marks.

  2. Open surgery: for complex or urgent cases.

  3. Robotic surgery: for precise and minimally invasive tissue injury.

 

Most patients return to their regular routines and diets within the initial few weeks following surgery.

Simple Ways to Prevent Gallbladder Problems

You can reduce your chances of having a gallbladder attack by maintaining a healthy digestive system. Try these tips:

 

  • Eat foods high in fiber such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

  • Beware of oily, deep-fried as well as processed items in your food.

  • Keep your weight in check.

  • Get regular exercise.

  • Consume plenty of water in a day.

 

The right habits can be beneficial to prevent gallbladder issues and to maintain the well being of your digestive system.

When to See a Doctor

If ever you've thought about what gallbladder pain feels like and know the symptoms, don't dismiss them. You must visit a general surgeon in Gurgaon or your general physician if you are having:

 

  • Intense and persistent pain for several hours

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Chills or fever

  • The eyes become yellow, or the skin

  • Urine with dark colored or light colored

 

Early diagnosis and treatment help avoid serious complications.

Before You Go…

Your gallbladder could be small however, the discomfort it creates can be a major disruption to your daily life. If you're suffering from gallbladder-related symptoms or recovering from a gallbladder injury or contemplating gallbladder removal, remember that taking the proper actions and care can provide relief from all the pain.

 

If you have doubts don't hesitate to visit Dr. Sandhya Gupta, the best general surgeon in gurgaon with 15 years of experience, and take the first step towards feeling like yourself again.